The Gabriel Scott founder shares how his jewelry background informs a new era of statement lighting and customizable collaborations.
Born in Montreal, Scott Richler has always moved between disciplines. Trained in architecture and experienced in fashion and jewelry design, he founded Gabriel Scott in 2012 as a way to merge these worlds. His jewelry background, with its meticulous attention to proportion and craftsmanship, continues to define the brand’s aesthetic.
“I spent several years designing statement jewelry under the Jennifer Scott brand, working with semi-precious stones and collaborating with master artisans in Italy,” he recalls. “This experience taught me the value of proportion. When I transitioned to lighting, it felt natural to see it as large-scale jewelry for the home–it’s the equivalent of a statement necklace that completes an outfit.”
That very philosophy underpins every Gabriel Scott collection: refined forms with a sense of glamour, rooted in the precision of jewelry design. In this exclusive interview with ArchiExpo e-Magazine, Richler shares how jewelry and lighting design intersect, revealing how principles of detail and materiality translate seamlessly to large-scale interior pieces. He also talks about his strategic shift towards bespoke creations.
Lighting: The Fashion Accessory for the Home
In 2025, lighting has transcended its purely functional role to become a statement-making centerpiece.
“A striking light fixture is now seen as the pièce de résistance that defines a space. Clients increasingly want that wow-factor light that greets guests with impact and brings drama, elegance, and flair,” Richler shares.
Their Harlow Series is the perfect example of this. Inspired by a discontinued Cartier ring, they merged their jewelry-minded approach with architectural precision to create a beautiful cluster of exploding spheres, causing an effect that reflects and refracts.
Another example is the Luna Pendant, one of their best-selling lighting fixtures, which features glass beads in colors like California pink, smoked amethyst, blue glass, yellow glass, and smoked gray.
“An artistic light installation can completely transform a room and serve as a powerful design anchor,” he adds.
This unique point of view positions lighting not just as functional, but as a collectible object. Whether a sculptural chandelier or a gem-like pendant, Gabriel Scott’s work shows how illumination can embody both artistry and engineering.
Customization and bespoke designs as the standard
One of the defining aspects of Gabriel Scott is its bespoke approach. Every fixture is handcrafted in Montreal, and every little detail can be tailored.
“Customization is now at the heart of many design projects,” Richler notes. “We’re able to adapt everything–from scale and finish to glass treatments and configurations–to match a specific vision. This level of craftsmanship and flexibility means we’re no longer confined to off-the-shelf solutions, that we can co-create something truly original.”
This shift toward customization is both aesthetic and strategic; the model has made the brand a go-to for international architects and interior designers seeking originality. Bespoke fixtures allow them to align lighting seamlessly with a project’s narrative and meet demanding site-specific constraints. The result? Lighting that feels integrated rather than added on, and designs that are timeless, lasting for generations.
“Now more than ever, interior designers are partnering with lighting studios to create bespoke, one-of-a-kind pieces that are tailored to the architecture, mood, and personality of each space,” he adds.
Recent launches from Gabriel Scott
Gabriel Scott’s recent launches showcase their evolving artistry and material palette, showing how experimentation can open new pathways for custom lighting. Richler talks about how this year, they’ve placed a stronger emphasis on textured glass, introducing new finishes for several collections. They offer their iconic Briolette Pendant in three new textures–named Lines, Bubbles, and Crackled–which can be paired with brass, copper, bronze, nickel, or black steel prong.
“These textured glass options add depth, making the pieces tactile like jewelry. They cast soft shadows and reflect light in unexpected ways. It’s a subtle evolution rooted in our jewelry-meets-light philosophy, pushing material exploration without sacrificing timeless craftsmanship,” he adds.
In addition to this, they recently unveiled the Briolette Pendant in Onyx. Originally a private commission, this new version replaces glass with natural onyx. It is a sculptural centerpiece that showcases Gabriel Scott’s creativity.
“It’s fully bespoke, customizable in size, finish, and materials, reflecting our passion for turning lighting into collectible design,” Richler shares.
With his cross-disciplinary background and commitment to craftsmanship, Scott Richler continues to redefine how we perceive lighting. By treating lighting fixtures as “large-scale jewelry,” he elevates them into sculptural, collectible objects. While Gabriel Scott has a growing global reputation, its ethos remains rooted in Richler’s founding vision: timeless design, artisanal detail, and innovation through collaboration.
