Refractory
Revere the meaning of things.

Refractory is a Chicago-based studio specialising in furniture, lighting, and object design. Founded by Angie West from Texas and Alberto Vélez from Bogotá, the studio has a distinctly contemporary American sensibility, shaped in part by the rugged landscapes of West Texas.

The Refractory wordmark features an inverted “R,” which works as both a brand monogram and maker’s mark. The name Refractory suggests something stubborn or unyielding, a quality reflected in the flipped R.

In metallurgy and glassmaking, refractories are heat-resistant materials used in furnaces and kilns. The brand’s signature yellow takes inspiration from sulfur crystals and powder, an important material in foundry processes.

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