Designing Durability: The Art and Science Behind Architectural Products With ABI Interiors’ Head of R&D, Rhys Beal

Designing architectural products that balance longevity with refined aesthetics is central to the philosophy of Australian architectural fixtures company ABI Interiors. Each product is developed through rigorous research, careful material selection, and extensive testing to perform across high-use residential and hospitality environments.

ABI Interiors is a global destination for premium, Australian-designed fixtures that elevate the everyday. Their comprehensive collection spans bathroom, kitchen, utility room, and outdoor solutions, crafted for both commercial and residential spaces. 

As Head of Research and Development, Rhys Beal guides concepts from idea to market-ready solutions, working closely with ABI’s in-house designers to ensure each fixture meets aesthetic and operational demands. Product development often starts by identifying real-world problems, whether for end users, installers, or specifiers, and solving them through intuitive design and engineering.

Rhys says :

“Most commonly, this involves solving a specific problem for our customers, rethinking how an existing product can be used, filling a gap in the market, or responding to emerging styles and trends. We work closely with innovative cartridge and component suppliers to explore new technologies, allowing us to design products and functionalities that were previously not possible.”

In-house manufacturing has deepened ABI’s product understanding, enabling them to implement innovative methods and rethink processes for more efficient design.

Rhys continues: 

“It’s not just about how a product looks; we focus on how it functions, how long it lasts, and how efficiently it can be produced, delivering value while preserving design and performance.” 

This approach also addresses inefficiency in installation:

“If something takes too long to install, you’re not just paying for the product; you’re paying for labour. Making products easier to install maintains quality and design integrity while lowering total cost.”

Once a product opportunity is identified, ABI’s R&D team guides it through research, material selection, and prototyping.

“If internal components become more compact or efficient, it opens new design possibilities,” says Rhys.

In-house PVD processing has strengthened ABI’s capabilities, giving greater insight into production and tighter quality management.

“We invested heavily in our own manufacturing so we could control every outcome. By bringing it in-house, we can control factors such as dust, humidity, and machinery and conduct detailed research into the process. This has allowed us to develop innovative finishes that weren’t possible before.”

That same commitment to control and performance becomes especially important in commercial and hospitality settings, where fixtures are used frequently. ABI maintains high-quality standards across all applications, but design intent shifts.

“In hospitality, you’re designing for first-time users in high-traffic environments,” continues Rhys. “Products are used differently in public spaces, so durability, intuitiveness, and compliance become central.”

Ranges such as ABI’s premium 316 stainless steel outdoor Sola Collection exemplify this approach, prioritising usability and performance while maintaining a refined aesthetic. Durable design relies on careful material selection. Stainless steel and advanced PVD finishes form the cornerstone of ABI’s commercial products.

“Stainless steel provides a much harder, more durable base,” says Rhys. “Applying a PVD finish increases surface hardness and resistance to scratching, wear, and corrosion, which significantly extends lifespan.”

Quality assurance is embedded at every stage. In ABI’s testing lab, robotic arms simulate tens of thousands of usage cycles, while abrasive testing assesses finish durability to ensure products perform reliably over their warranty period.

“We work backwards from how often a product will be used over its warranty period, then design it to last longer than that,” says Rhys.

User testing ensures intuitive operation. “If someone can’t use a product instinctively, they may operate it incorrectly, which can cause damage,” he explains. Feedback from architects, specifiers, and trades informs product refinement. “Critical feedback is incredibly valuable,” adds Rhys. “It often sparks new ideas or entirely new product evolutions.”

Sustainability remains central to ABI’s vision. While packaging and manufacturing efficiencies continue to evolve, the most sustainable product, Rhys notes, is one that doesn’t need to be replaced. This philosophy underpins ABI’s commitment to thoughtfully designed products, where material efficiency and structural integrity are considered from the outset.

“Good design shouldn’t be expensive. If you invest the time early by removing unnecessary materials, refining structure, and validating performance through testing, you can create products that use fewer resources while remaining accessible.”

Beyond aesthetics, ABI’s R&D considers environmental impact across material selection and production methods. Bringing manufacturing processes in-house has enabled more responsible decisions, including PVD finishing, which Rhys notes is more environmentally friendly than traditional electroplating, producing minimal waste while enhancing long-term performance.

Looking ahead, the team continues to monitor evolving trends in hospitality and residential design to ensure new products remain intuitive, timeless, and relevant. As architecture increasingly prioritises durability, tactility, and enduring performance, ABI Interiors remains at the forefront of commercial fixture innovation, where refined aesthetics and long-term function are inseparable.

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