RHODE TRIPS
The pair moved their Boston-based business into the Rumford complex after a friend — Lindy McDonough , co-founder of Lindquist Object — told them about the space available right next door to her leather goods studio .
They had spent eight months looking for space in the Boston area after outgrowing their 1,100-square-foot studio in Somerville . The space was so cramped that they couldn ’ t bring in additional equipment and put a piece of wood over the kiln at times to make extra table space .
In November 2023 , they walked through the Phillipsdale Landing location with McDonough and fell in love . In February 2024 , they made the move .
“ It was the first spot we looked at in Rhode Island and it was perfect ,” Abby says . “ It ticked every single box .”
“ They were designed seamlessly to mix and match , and everyone mixes and matches . It ’ s very rare that we have someone that picks a single color .” — Abby Smallwood
At 6,500 square feet , it had the extra space they needed , as well as countless power outlets , access to propane and a doorway large enough for a forklift to enter . It was a little dark , and “ very grunge ,” Abby jokes , but after much mopping and twenty-plus gallons of bright white paint , the space transformed into an airy , sunny expanse .
Nestled on the shore of the Seekonk River , Phillipsdale Landing started life in 1893 as American Electrical Works , becoming , at one time , the city of East Providence ’ s biggest employer . The many mill buildings are now home to countless organizations , makers and small businesses .
The pair has deep ties to the Ocean State ; they were married in Jamestown eleven years ago and have many close friends in the area . They just traded in their Boston condo for new digs in Providence ’ s Mount Hope neighborhood , only a block away from Frank & Laurie ’ s , one of their favorite new eateries .
( In typical Rhode Island fashion , Abby and Eric held a pop-up shopping event with
Lindquist Object and other local vendors , with Frank & Laurie ’ s providing refreshments and chef Eric Brown buying some Myrth dinnerware for the restaurant .)
The pair met at Syracuse University , where they were both students in the industrial design program . They moved to Eric ’ s hometown of Boston for the design opportunities ; Abby spent fifteen years in product design and sports apparel , including a stint as a sneaker designer , with Eric working as a consultant in the industrial design and innovation spaces . Their interest in
48 RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY I FEBRUARY 2025