Welcome to EDC
European Design Centre stands for excellent design, and unique quality at the highest level. Founded in 1997, EDC is now one of the most innovative and fastest-growing companies, having developed from its position as a design destination to become an international lifestyle brand in the luxury segment. For more than 25 years, we have been we have been fascinated by the idea of perfect design, and we love enabling others to experience this fascination – it’s our DNA.
From evolution to revolution
John and Anke Summerhill started importing Dutch furniture in the mid 80’s to the UK originally supplying home and interior shops. As they grew so did the brands they offered until they were from all across Europe.
The history of EDC
The first show
In 1986 at Earls Court Furniture fair Anke was 6-months pregnant on a ladder fixing a light above their stand while John moved the furniture. This was the first furniture show their unborn son Digby attended. While some new born’s have a rattle, some had a ring of polypropylene seat colour samples to play with.
EDC starts
In the mid 90’s a family run Italian brand called Minotti caught the attention of the Summerhill family. EDC became the UK agent and partner for Minotti. A brand partnership that has since blossomed.
Monobrand
After a successful partnership John decided to focus his full attention on one brand. By opening the first Minotti monobrand showroom in the world. Where other partnerships displayed Minotti among other brands. John believed that the exclusive brand deserved a dedicated space to live and breath its Italian heritage story.
Transition generation
While Anke was still the creative director, she introduced her son Digby as head of finance and operations since 2017, when John was forced to retire due to age related illness. Digby credits working with his parents, the Minotti family, as the best foudation he could receive in the design industry.
A meeting with BROKIS
Digby learned a great deal from working with the Minotti family, and how their dedication, high work ethic, attention to detail and key values made the brand go from success to success. When he first met Jan and Andre Rabell he recognized some of the same values and work ethic but was unsure how to focus on a lighting brand when his speciality is furniture. But he was certain BROKIS was the right company to work with.
A new lighting division
James Apichart Jarvis had worked at Minotti London with Anke and Digby before working in the lighting industry for several years. Digby and James had remained close friends, and over lunch they discussed the poor service and unsustainable practices in much of the lighting industry. Digby instinctively knew James Apichart Jarvis had to become BROKIS’s partner in the UK, and introduced him to Jan and Andre Rabell.
EDC3
After partnering with Digby Summerhill, and introducing BROKIS to key residential designers, James Apichart Jarvis felt the time was right to go independent but wanted to honour the European Design Centre with his own EDC3 Ltd. A company that is dedicated purely on the sustainable glass lighting of BROKIS.
James Apichart Jarvis - passion for creativity
In a supplier world that considers safe, consistent approaches to be necessary, James Apichart Jarvis wondered in the early 2020s in his work as a sales consultant about creative approaches to market designer products to private and hospitality settings. Today, James Apichart Jarvis belongs to the most successful lighting sales consultants in London. Having worked with some of the most influential designers on prestige projects around the world.
"I believe every sale means you have entered my world. So its my responsibility to make sure you are looked after in that world."
The preservation of light
Light is an elementary part of our lives. With light we define spaces, create mood, and shape atmosphere. Preserving the craft traditions that produce exceptional sustainable lighting and honoring the artisans who maintain them – preservation of light – is our purpose. A partnership built on values. Through BROKIS, EDC safeguards centuries of glassblowing mastery, ensuring that handcrafted, sustainable illumination continues to enrich lives and spaces around the world.
