As the head and founder of RS Collection, Roberta Schilling spends much of her time scouring her native Brazil for superior examples of décor and crafts to expose Miami consumers to the sophistication, craftsmanship, and ingenuity of Brazilian design. And after three decades of doing it, she certainly knows her role.
When you think back on 30 years in the design business, what comes to mind?
The word that pops into my head is gratitude. I think about the clients who have trusted me from the very beginning, the artisans whose talent continues to inspire me, and the journey of bringing Brazilian design to the forefront of luxury interiors in the U.S.
What would you say is the secret to your longevity?
We’ve built our name through consistency, storytelling, and relationships.
What was the perception of Brazilian design in the U.S. when you opened your company?
People knew very little. Brazil was all about Carnaval and caipirinhas. Brazilian design wasn’t known or appreciated. There was no understanding of its elegance, sophistication, and diversity. I made it my mission to change that limited narrative.
What is your company mantra at RS Collection?
Design with bossa nova. If it doesn’t move us, then it’s not for us.
On that point, what moves you enough to work with a particular designer and carry his or her collections?
It starts with a connection, both to the work and the person behind it. I’m drawn to designers who have a point of view, who honor their roots but are not afraid to experiment. I look for originality, timelessness, and a deep respect for materials.
Regarding the artisans and artists you represent, how do you find them?
Many come to me through referrals or word of mouth. Others I’ve discovered during my travels through Brazil. I love exploring regions known for woodworking, ceramics, and other crafts. These artisans are often preserving generations of tradition, and I see it as a privilege to help bring their work to a global audience.
We can’t talk about design these days without mentioning sustainability and environmentally friendly work practices. What’s RS Collection’s stand on that?
Sustainability has always been at the heart of what we do, even before it was a trend. We work with artisans who use responsibly sourced woods, natural fibers, and recycled materials. Many of our pieces are made in small batches or by hand, which reduces waste. Our focus is on quality and longevity.
Thematically speaking, nature also plays a big role in the collections you carry, doesn’t it?
Absolutely. Nature is our greatest muse. You see it in the organic silhouettes of our pieces, the earthy color palette, and the materials we use, which include raw wood, stone, and natural textiles.
You were born into a family of creatives. Would you say design is in your DNA?
Absolutely. My mother ran a floral and home décor boutique. My father was involved in architecture. Together, they instilled in me an appreciation for structure and texture. Even as a child, I was always rearranging rooms or sketching ideas. I see the world through the eyes of design.
What’s next for RS Collection?
We’re developing a capsule collection with a younger generation of Brazilian designers that blends their modern perspectives with traditional techniques. We’re also planning more intimate client experiences, new ways to bring people even closer to the stories behind our pieces.
What do you think you’d be doing if you weren’t a design professional?
Something creative for sure. Perhaps styling or art curating … hard to tell, but it would certainly involve storytelling.
Story Credits:
Text by Florian Jouin
Photos courtesy of RS Collection
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