Rough & Tumble

Located in Portland’s historic Old Port, the Rough & Tumble flagship store presented a series of architectural and logistical challenges common to older urban buildings - ranging from aging infrastructure to preservation constraints. The lighting design was crafted to respond both to the practical limitations of the space and the brand’s elevated, artisanal aesthetic.

The primary lighting system is a sleek, magnetic track with minimalist heads that provides both ambient (linear forms) and accent (track head) illumination. This system was chosen for its low-glare, clean appearance, and flexibility: fixtures can be effortlessly repositioned without tools or an electrician, allowing the store to quickly adapt to seasonal merchandising, events, or new product highlights. This adaptability reflects the brand’s evolving and customizable approach to fashion.

Key architectural moments are supported with integrated, low-glare lighting, such as the recessed linear detail in the ceiling above two merchandise niches. At the heart of the space, a graphic mural wall draws you towards the design center, where customers can create bespoke handbags, anchored with dedicated wall wash lighting that highlights the creativity of the process. The result is a retail environment that feels warm, curated, and engaging - inviting customers to linger while subtly enhancing the tactile beauty of Rough & Tumble’s handcrafted goods.