RBW

What RBW does

RBW (Rich Brilliant Willing) is a US-based designer and manufacturer of architectural LED luminaires founded in 2009 and headquartered in Kingston, New York, with a showroom at 85 Franklin Street in Tribeca, NYC. The company produces modular pendants, sconces, chandeliers, and ceiling flush mounts across 16+ named collections — including Akoya, Ample, Dimple, Pastille, Pomme, Dram, Mori, Gala, Ripple, Triple Glazed, and Hoist — alongside an exclusive US distribution partnership for Spain-based Arkoslight. Core technology combines in-house LED design (50,000-hour lifespan, 90+ CRI) with hand-blown glass, modular configurations, native Power over Ethernet compatibility, and smart-building sensor integration (e.g., Enlighted). All manufacturing, including powder coating, takes place in a 100,000 sq ft Industry 4.0 facility as part of RIT's Goisano Institute i4.0 pilot program.

The company serves three primary verticals — hospitality, healthcare, and workplace/commercial — with secondary exposure to luxury residential, primarily through architects, interior designers, and lighting specifiers. Revenue is generated via one-time hardware sales of luminaires priced from roughly $400 for sconces to over $12,000 for chandeliers, plus bespoke customization services and multi-year National Accounts contracts for enterprise clients with multi-location rollouts (e.g., Lifestance Health's 450+ clinics). Distribution is multi-channel: a dedicated National Accounts enterprise sales team, a network of 12+ independent US territory sales representative firms, direct e-commerce via rbw.com, and the Tribeca showroom. The company is a Certified B Corporation (since 2019) with Declare/Living Building Challenge Red List approvals on key sconces, positioning it for sustainability-mandated projects. RBW is privately held with no disclosed institutional investors or funding rounds.

Name

RBW

Legal name

RBW

Website

https://rbw.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2009

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

RBW is a US designer and manufacturer of architectural LED lighting fixtures, serving hospitality, healthcare, and workplace clients through direct enterprise sales, regional reps, e-commerce, and exclusive US distribution of Arkoslight.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Architectural LED Lighting

NAICS

Commercial, Industrial, and Institutional Electric Lighting Fixture Manufacturing (335132), Residential Electric Lighting Fixture Manufacturing (335131)

SIC

Electric Lighting & Wiring Equipment (3640)

akta.pro primary industry

Industrial & Commercial Luminaires (High-bay, Low-bay, Troffers, Downlights) (IMAGAIAA)

Keywords

• Architectural LED lighting
• Designer pendant luminaires
• Commercial lighting fixtures
• Modular lighting systems
• Custom lighting manufacturing

Headquarters

HQ city

Nyack

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Luminaire Sales: RBW generates revenue through direct sales of LED lighting fixtures including pendants, sconces, chandeliers, and ceiling flush mounts. Products are sold through direct sales, national accounts program, territory representatives, and e-commerce. Pricing is primarily quote-based for custom configurations with some standard products having list pricing available.
2. National Accounts Program: Enterprise clients with multi-location projects receive dedicated service, custom modifications, and design integrity support at scale through RBW's National Accounts program, providing recurring project-based revenue from major commercial accounts.
3. Arkoslight Distribution: As exclusive US supplier of Arkoslight architectural lighting, RBW distributes complementary product lines, extending market reach and revenue through the partnership without manufacturing overlap.
4. Customization Services: RBW offers custom modifications including powder coating in custom colors, fixture adaptations, and specialized configurations for project-specific requirements, generating additional revenue through bespoke manufacturing.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

RBW designs, manufactures, and sells premium designer LED architectural luminaires—pendants, sconces, chandeliers, and ceiling flush mounts—for commercial and high-end residential projects. Products are made in-house at a 100,000 sq ft Industry 4.0 facility in Kingston, NY, with customization services including in-house powder coating and bespoke modifications. The company also serves as the exclusive US distributor of Arkoslight architectural lighting.

Product overview

RBW is a luxury LED lighting manufacturer specializing in architectural luminaires for commercial and residential use. The product portfolio includes pendants, sconces, chandeliers, and ceiling flush mounts organized into distinct collections such as Akoya, Ample, Centro, Crisp, Dimple (including Dimple Dash), Dram, Gala, Mori, Pastille (including Pastille 2), Pomme, Ripple, and Triple Glazed. The company also offers the Hoist family of shaded pendants and the Palindrome and Queue linear systems. Through an exclusive US distribution partnership with Arkoslight, RBW extends its offerings to include architectural lighting from Spain-based manufacturer. Products are designed and manufactured in-house at RBW's 100,000 sq ft Industry 4.0 facility in Kingston, NY, with an NYC showroom at 85 Franklin in Tribeca.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Akoya Pendant luminaire with hand-blown opal glass bulb and perforated spun-aluminum shade; for commercial and residential projects seeking artistic statement pieces. Patent pending.
• Ample High-output pendant with visible heat sink using layered silicone and glass; modular configurations cast soft, diffused light. For projects requiring strong lumen output with aesthetic thermal management.
• Arkoslight (Exclusive US Distribution) Award-winning architectural lighting collection from Valencia, Spain-based family company founded in 1984, distributed exclusively in the US by RBW. Includes recessed, suspended, and track lighting for residential, commercial, and hospitality.
• Centro Sleek circular fixture usable as flushmount or pendant with slim profile and light-diffusing perforated edge; for versatile commercial and residential applications.
• Crisp Simple, iconic solid glass sconce suitable for wall and ceiling installation, indoors and outdoors (IP65). Distinguished by scored surface texture. Declare listed and LBC Red List Approved.
• Dimple Compact flush-mounted sconce with domed circular diffuser embedded in front face; renders LED into soft glow with orb-like optical pattern. Declare listed and LBC Red List Approved.
• Dimple Dash Elongated form extension of the Dimple sconce with glowing glass domes; expands the collection's legacy for accent and corridor applications.
• Dram Pendant with clear silhouette, bold sense of scale in three sizes, and dual finishes highlighting meeting of color. Builds on the legacy of the Hoist collection. Patent pending.
• Gala Minimal, near-weightless chandelier with power cords hidden inside suspension cables; hand-blown ivory-frosted glass globes. Includes Gala 42, Gala 72, Gala 114, and Gala Cross variants.
• Hoist Simple shaded pendant collection with iconic design, available in pendant, flush mount, and sconce variants; for versatile architectural applications.
• Mori Organic glowing pendant with pared-down silhouette; wire frame cocooned in woven threads sprayed with matte lacquer finish, emitting lantern-like ambient light.
• Palindrome LED pendant with modular design for flexible installation arrangements; suited for hospitality and large-format commercial installations.
• Pastille Collection Art Deco-inspired glass sconce collection with bold geometric patterns and mix-and-match options (droplet, faceted, or ribbed glass globes, various finishes). Includes Pastille 1 Disc, Pastille 1 Collar, Pastille 1 Wayfind, Pastille 2, and other formations. Design-registered in the US, Canada, EU, and UK.
• Pomme Softened geometry pendant with rounded, settled form; opal glass casts soft, even glow. Available in 12-inch and 18-inch sizes. Patent pending (US and Australia).
• Queue Linear pendant fixture available in various sizes and lengths; can integrate with Enlighted sensors for energy, occupancy, and daylighting monitoring in smart buildings.
• Ripple Solid glass sconce with textured surface casting atmospheric light. Declare listed and LBC Red List Approved for use in Living Building Challenge projects.
• Triple Glazed Compact, expressive pendant study in glass, scale, and presence. Layered form creates depth and atmosphere with a playful edge to clean design.
• National Accounts Program Dedicated enterprise service for multi-location projects in hospitality, healthcare, and workplace sectors; provides a single point of contact from specification to order, design integrity support, custom modifications at scale, and transparent factory pricing.
• Custom Modification Services Bespoke manufacturing including custom powder coating colors, fixture adaptations, and specialized configurations for project-specific requirements; generates additional revenue through custom work.

Quantifiable outcome

• 99% on-time fulfillment rate
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and flagship.

• ArkoslightcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRBW became exclusive US supplier of Arkoslight architectural lighting, bringing its award-winning collection to broader US audience. Arkoslight is a family-owned company based in Valencia, Spain, founded in 1984. Both brands operate separately while distributed by RBW in the US. Partnership expands possibilities for designers with complementary decorative and architectural lighting offerings.
• Arkoslight US Territory RepresentativesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNetwork of regional sales representative firms supporting Arkoslight distribution across US territories: ALR (California), The Agency (Illinois), Bell & McCoy (Southern states), Chesapeake (Mid-Atlantic), FRM Lighting (Carolinas), Infinity Architectural (Florida), Illuminate NE (New England), JTH (Midwest), Light Build Design (California LA), Penn Lighting (Eastern PA/NJ), Premier Lighting (Kansas/Missouri), SDA (NY/NJ), Stoller (Pacific Northwest)
• Dutch East DesignflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partnership with Dutch East Design for Hotel Marcel project - the country's first Net Zero hotel. RBW provided fixtures natively compatible with 100% Power over Ethernet system, enabling design flexibility for sustainable lighting integrated into custom millwork. Project showcased RBW's capability for pioneering sustainable design at scale.
• SERA Architects / Absolute Resource / ELCOR ElectricflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on California tech campus project integrating Enlighted sensors into RBW Queue pendant with custom sensor technology for energy monitoring, occupancy detection, and daylighting. Partnership demonstrates RBW's ability to customize fixtures with proprietary technology for smart building applications.
• LyriccoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with hospitality startup Lyric for NYC property at 70 Pine, featuring 132 suites in historic Art Deco building. RBW provided custom Pastille sconces (corded plug-in versions) and Palindrome fixtures with custom Breccia finish for lobby. Showcased RBW's willingness to customize for design constraints.
• Lifestance HealthcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with one of nation's largest outpatient mental healthcare providers for consistent design across 450+ clinics in 35 states. RBW fixtures support welcoming, non-clinical spatial experience across Lifestance's national portfolio.
• Irene Yu / Lyric Interior DesignminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSenior manager of interior design at Lyric collaborated with RBW on 70 Pine project, highlighting RBW's range of color/finish options and quality of lighting. Partnership referenced as example of RBW's personal relationship approach and design collaboration.
• MetropolisminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDesign media partnership for panel event at 85F showroom discussing color in design. RBW hosted panel in partnership with Metropolis and creative leaders Wid Chapman and Kelly Harris Smith at NYC showroom.
• Kingston Land TrustminorOthersRBW partnered with Kingston Land Trust as part of commitment to local community and aligning with purpose to positively transform environments, communities, and lives.
• RIT Goisano Institute for SustainabilityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRBW participates in RIT's Goisano Institute for Sustainability and Research i4.0 pilot program for New York manufacturers, expanding capabilities through digital shop floor automation, workforce development, and enterprise intelligence.
• Neil Logan (Architect)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with architect Neil Logan on 85 Franklin NYC showroom design. Logan re-envisioned Kingston facility building dating from 1980s IBM campus.
• Dutton ArchitectureminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKingston-based architecture firm collaborated on transforming RBW's 100,000 sq ft facility from former IBM campus into modern Industry 4.0 headquarters.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Apparatus: New York-based designer lighting studio producing architecturally driven, made-in-USA LED fixtures with high price points and a similar hospitality/residential specifier focus. Closest analog in aesthetic, scale, and go-to-market.
• Roll & Hill: Brooklyn-based designer lighting manufacturer offering hand-finished, high-end decorative and architectural fixtures with overlapping designer-spec customer base and showroom-led distribution in New York.
• Lambert & Fils: Montreal-based contemporary lighting maker known for designer-driven LED fixtures and North American distribution. Comparable in aesthetic, premium pricing, and architectural-spec channel strategy.

Broad incumbents

• Artemide: Major Italian architectural lighting manufacturer with broad commercial/institutional footprint and global distribution. Competes for the same specification projects as RBW's architectural and Arkoslight lines, but with a much larger catalog and entrenched rep network.
• Visual Comfort & Co. Large US designer lighting portfolio brand covering decorative and architectural segments across multiple sub-brands. Overlaps with RBW in designer aesthetic and showroom-led distribution at a much larger scale.
• Flos: Italian designer lighting company with iconic decorative and architectural collections competing in the same hospitality and high-end commercial spec market, including the US via a strong rep network.
• Vibia: Spanish architectural lighting brand targeting hospitality, residential, and commercial specification projects. Direct competitor to RBW's Arkoslight-distributed architectural lines on US spec sheets.

Emerging players

• Schoolhouse: US-based modern lighting and home brand with designer-led aesthetic and direct-to-consumer storefront. Comparable style positioning but less architectural/commercial focus and a smaller enterprise footprint.

Others

• Foscarini: Italian decorative designer lighting brand with strong design publications presence. Overlaps with RBW on decorative aesthetic and designer-spec channel but is more decorative than architectural.
• Tom Dixon: British designer brand producing decorative and architectural lighting with international showroom presence. Comparable on premium designer-led positioning, complementary aesthetic to RBW.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about RBW