Kohler and Dr. Samuel Ross Tease a Multi-Year Partnership with SR_A

Kohler, Wisconsin, USA – March 07, 2023 – Kohler Co., a global leader in kitchen and bath design, announces a partnership with the award-winning British artist and designer Dr. Samuel Ross through his industrial design studio, SR_A, that will span multiple years. Both Kohler and SR_A are known for pushing the boundaries of design and innovation, and this new endeavor will be grounded through principles of optimism, disruption, exploration and scale. This announcement comes as Kohler celebrates its 150^th anniversary year, embracing yet again bold design and creativity.

Kohler’s partnership with SR_A is informed by Ross’s deeply academic, interdisciplinary practice and, in this instance, will explore one of the most essential elements of the natural world - water. Breaking free of convention, Kohler and SR_A will ideate together, in which the boundaries of material, form, and color are pushed into new territory. Looking beyond function, theirs is a shared vision that radically redefines the way in which we experience water and calls for bolder self-expression. 

“Everyday objects can be works of art and provide delightful interactions. This concept has always been essential in the way we innovate and design products and experiences, and it will be further elevated in our creative partnership with SR_A. We will embrace the hallmarks of Samuel Ross’ artistic approach, often avant-garde and thought-provoking. At the same time, our collaboration celebrates Kohler’s 150-year legacy of bold moments, expert craftsmanship and pioneering innovation. What lies ahead is an elevated form of self-expression for the home,” said David Kohler, Chair and CEO of Kohler Co.

“Developing a new language for water solutions is the centre point of our concept and joint design studio with Kohler, its rooted in a love of craft, material exploration and design thinking building upon the 150 years Kohler has continued to introduce innovation within the engineering sector.

We believe expression, and optimism can be communicated through radical engineering, and rechallenging expectations society may have towards familiarised objects.

Our intention is to democratise access to design in its purest format, using water as a vessel to transport this idea, whilst openly exploring and questioning, in a search for what’s next.

Engineering, Motion & optimism.”

Dr. Samuel Ross.

Kohler and SR_A will reveal more of their multi-year partnership throughout 2023 and 2024, igniting inspiration through physical unveilings and brand experiences.

For more information or media inquiries, please email [email protected].

About SR_A

Established in 2019 by Dr Samuel Ross, SR_A SR_A is a vehicle for progressive study of design and practical experience.

The industrial design studio has produced collaborative, commercial projects with the LVMH Group, Apple Group and Nike Group, alongside independent technology and design driven companies.

The British Maison is an architect of objects within the field of industrial design, spatial design and visual communication.

SR_A Philanthropic arm, the Black British Artist Grants, established in May 2020, provides academic funding and artist grants to underrepresented practitioners of British Caribbean and British African descent.

Over 40 individuals have been awarded to date.

The programme's advisory board is composed of the following: Royal College of Art, The Design Museum, V&A East, British Fashion Council and University of Westminster.

SR_A SR_A is a way to impact change.

For more information, please visit sr-a.com.

About Kohler Co.
Founded in 1873 and headquartered in Kohler, Wisconsin, Kohler Co. is one of America’s oldest and largest privately held companies comprised of more than 40,000 associates. With more than 50 manufacturing locations worldwide, Kohler is a global leader in the design, innovation and manufacture of kitchen and bath products; luxury cabinetry, tile and lighting; engines, generators, and clean energy solutions; and owner/operator of two, five-star hospitality and golf resort destinations in Kohler, Wisconsin, and St. Andrews, Scotland. Kohler’s Whistling Straits golf course hosted the 43rd Ryder Cup in 2021. The company also develops solutions to address pressing issues, such as clean water and sanitation, for underserved communities around then world to enhance the quality of life for current and future generations.

For more details, please visit kohlercompany.com.