Born in Tarragona, Spain, in 1960, Antoni Arola studied design at EINA in Barcelona, graduating in 1984. He honed his skills at esteemed studios like Lievore & Pensi and Associate Designers before founding his own lighting studio, Estudi Arola, in 1994. That same year, he launched his first collection of lamps, and three years later, he designed the acclaimed Nimba Lamp for Santa & Cole. The Nimba, notable for its luminous halo, garnered him international recognition and his first Delta Award from Spain’s FAD Association of Industrial Design, marking a pivotal moment in his career and leading to numerous interior design commissions.

Arola is also known for his ephemeral installations, which reflect his expertise in lighting design. In spring 2007, he celebrated the tenth anniversary of his studio with an audiovisual installation at the Sala Vinçon in Barcelona. To accompany this exhibition, he published "Ten Light Years," a book by Santa & Cole detailing each of his creations. His innovative approach extends to elements often imperceptible to the naked eye, such as temperature and tone, showcasing his mastery in creating extraordinary lighting experiences.

ABOUT SANTA & COLE

Santa & Cole was established in 1985 as a small, independent firm dedicated to editing and publishing design objects for use in both private and public spaces. Located in Barcelona, Spain, they produce designs in collaboration with their extensive network of local suppliers and global partners, including those in Japan, where the washi paper for the Tekiò lighting collection is produced.

Following a decade of upheaval caused by a dictatorship, founders Nina Masó, Javier Nieto Santa, and Gabriel Ordeig began creating exceptional lighting for some of Barcelona's most famous bars. They advocated for the use of natural materials such as wood, stitched cardboard, and ribbons. The classic Básica lamp was developed during this time, shifting the aesthetic from the technical and cold materials of the era to a warmer, more human aesthetic.

Today, Santa & Cole continues its quest to enhance and enrich people's lives through designs that have become iconic while remaining accessible to all. Committed to this mission, the company looks to history to inform its future, approaching its design practice with a modern sensibility and a desire for human connection.