Commune & Remains Lighting: Craft, Collaboration, and the Philosophy of Design | 615 | A Double Episode for Twice the Inspiration on Convo By Design

This special two-part episode features Roman Alonso of Commune and David Calligeros of Remains Lighting in two distinct conversations exploring origins, philosophy, and the meaning of design partnerships.

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From salvaging antiques to designing timeless interiors, David and Roman share stories of growth, collaboration, and craft. What began as a single interview turned into a richer double feature—a master class in design values, sustainability, and the essential philosophies behind two influential studios.

Part One: David Calligeros, Remains Lighting

• Origins and Influences: From antiques and architectural salvage to a design career shaped by an arts-influenced mother and an engineer father.
• The Birth of Remains: Starting in Manhattan in 1995, evolving from antiques into lighting design.
• Engineering Meets Art: Marrying technical precision with artistic intuition.
• Custom Work & Collaborations: Partnering with Commune, Robert A.M. Stern, Matthew Fisher, and others.
• IP, Dupes & Authenticity: Protecting design through integrity, storytelling, and craftsmanship.
• Sustainability & Craft: LEED Gold Brooklyn factory, solar array, stormwater recycling, and green production practices.
• Business & Market Challenges: Navigating the 2008 crash, tariffs, and the value of US-based manufacturing.
• Philosophy: Design as a question-driven, ethical practice rooted in long-term value and collaboration.

Link: Remains Lighting

Part Two: Roman Alonso, Commune

• Origins and Career Path: From Caracas to Miami, Boston, New York, and LA; a career spanning publishing, fashion, and interiors.
• Formation of Commune Studio (2003): Built around collaboration, essentialism, and quality.
• Studio Philosophy: Purposeful, small by design, focused on meaningful work and enduring value.
• Influences: Latin American upbringing, Isaac Mizrahi, Lisa Eisner, and lessons from fashion and editorial worlds.
• Product Development: Solving real design problems, prototyping in-house before release.
• Collaboration: Strategic partnerships (including Remains Lighting) to ensure usability and quality.
• Personal Philosophy: Stoicism, fairness, ethical production, and acknowledging imposter syndrome.
• Evolution of the Firm: Scaling deliberately—growing reach through products and partnerships while keeping the studio intimate.
• Quotes:
  • “Good design shouldn’t be a privilege—it’s a right.”
  • “Design is about editing, listening, and creating solutions that people might not even know they need.”

This episode illustrates how partnerships in design aren’t just about collaboration—they’re about shared values, craft, and philosophy. By hearing these conversations separately, you’ll gain insights into two distinct but complementary approaches to design, sustainability, and creativity.

So much to take in. This was a master class on how to structure, nurture and grow design partnerships. Make sure you check the show notes for links and notes about all of the topics covered. Thank you, David and Roman for doing this and being so willing to share your thoughts, ideas and practice. Thank you for listening. If you liked this episode, share it with a friend or colleague who loves design and architecture like you do, subscribe to Convo By Design wherever you get your podcasts. And continue the conversation on Instagram @convo x design with an “x”. Keep those emails coming with guest suggestions, show ideas and locations where you’d like to see the show. Convo by design at outlook.com.

Thank you to my partner sponsors, TimberTech, The AZEK Company, Pacific Sales, Best Buy, LOME-AI and Design Hardware for supporting the publication of over 650 episodes and over 3,000,000 streams, downloads and making Convo By Design the longest running podcast of its kind.  These companies support the shelter industry so give them an opportunity on your next project. Thanks again for listening. Until next time, be well, stay focused and rise about the chaos. -CXD