We recently developed with Race the bespoke bench and tip-up seating for Bury St Edmunds’ new Apex Auditorium. The comfort, form and construction of the furniture had to complement the crafted Auditorium interior, These elements all of equal importance were developed over a number of productive sessions.
With Race we were able to test and optimise comfort with the direct input of our client at dedicated Council meetings, and together we found a real synergy in developing the details of how the oak, steel and leather elements of these seats should be put together. The process was hugely rewarding and the quality of the seating contributes invaluably to the overall look and feel of the Auditorium.

Tony White Associate Partner
Hopkins Architects

2010 has been a memorable year for collaboration between Luke Hughes and Company, and Race Ltd – both working together with world-class architects, fitting out out world-class buildings. Three projects that have been especially notable include: the TS Eliot Theatre at Merton College Oxford (with Ridge), the Cattle Market Theatre in Bury St Edmunds (with Hopkins Architects) and the Sainsbury Botanic Institute in Cambridge (with Stanton Williams). There has been an array of design details, site logistics and the coordination of materials and finishes that have required sensitivity and commitment. It has been a pleasure to work alongside a kindred specialist company with such similar values

Luke Hughes,
Founder and Managing Director
Luke Hughes & Company

The project is reported to be the fastest fit out undertaken in Europe.The only way to ensure the job was delivered on time and to the right standard was to employ the right trade contractors. Como contracted Race Furniture to carry out the installation of their luxurious 220 seat auditorium. This challenging commission, required an unprecedented quality of finish and all of our expertise in using the finest quality ‘spinnibeck’ leather.

It was completed to the bank’s approval and has contributed to the building being considered to be
one of the key landmark buildings in the City.