Exterior of the Tower Theatre in Los Angeles, with marquee signage, colorful artwork, and a clock tower.

r+d studios produces large-scale, site-specific art for hospitality environments, commercial developments, and cultural spaces.

We bridge art, design, and the built environment, supporting projects at every stage, from early concept through final installation — part art advisory, part production partner.

What We Do

We help bring ambitious ideas to life through art acquisitions, commissioned works, and large-scale production and installation.

We collaborate closely with designers and creative teams on projects ranging from integrated art programs to custom fabrication and on-site execution.

When a project calls for it, we partner with artists, image-makers, and creative collaborators whose work brings a distinct point of view — from emerging and established artists to voices shaped through design, fashion, music, sports, entertainment, and contemporary visual culture.

Our work is shaped by years of collaboration with artists, designers, brands, hospitality groups, and private clients, supported by a long-standing network of trusted vendors and specialty production partners.

Case Study

Laura Plageman at The LINE
→ View Project

Our Approach

We believe the spaces people remember most are the ones that feel human — layered with perspective, material presence, and a real sense of authorship.

Our approach goes beyond sourcing and producing artwork. It’s about creating visual moments that feel intentional and connected to the people behind them, adding meaning and lasting resonance over time.

Built from the long-running independent practices of Tait Roelofs and Shelley De Soto, r+d studios brings together curatorial guidance, artist collaboration, and large-scale production under one roof.

We have deep experience with murals, photography, and print-based works, returning often to these mediums for their visual impact, adaptability, and ability to punch far above their weight.

Services

  • Curatorial Guidance

  • Artist Collaborations + Licensing

  • Large-Scale Murals + Site-Specific Works

  • Print Production + Presentation

  • Art Fabrication + Reproductions

  • Finishing, Delivery + Installation

Our Process

  • We start by understanding the project from both the creative and practical sides — the space, audience, timeline, budget, and the people behind the work. We take time to learn how each team operates so we can plug into existing workflows and collaborate in a way that feels seamless.

  • We help shape the right approach for the project based on the team, scope, and goals. This can include curatorial guidance, artwork sourcing, artist collaborations, licensing, production planning, and identifying materials and fabrication methods. We collaborate closely with designers and outside artists to help carry creative concepts from idea through execution, adapting to the workflow already in place whether we’re stepping in early or supporting an existing vision.

  • We coordinate the moving parts needed to bring the work to life — from artist management and acquisition logistics to production coordination, on-site execution, fabrication, finishing, delivery, and installation. We stay closely involved throughout the process and are often on site ourselves, working alongside artists, crews, and production partners to keep projects moving smoothly from start to finish.

  • We aim to be a reliable extension of the team — responsive, collaborative, and easy to work with from start to finish, helping projects land smoothly every step of the way. Our goal is not just to deliver successful projects, but to build long-term creative relationships that teams want to come back to.

Project Stories

About Us

r+d studios is led by LA-based husband and wife team, Tait Roelofs and Shelley De Soto, the “r” and “d” behind the name.

Tait is the founder of APEX Murals with 30 years of industry experience, creating large-scale, hand-painted murals for commercial projects. He is also an artist with a long-standing studio practice.

Shelley is an art advisor and former director of De Soto Gallery with decades of experience working on both the artist and client sides of projects for private collectors, institutions, hospitality groups, and corporate teams.

Contact

We’re always happy to talk through projects, ideas, and questions.

Tait Roelofs and Shelley De Soto seated on a bench by artist Alfonso Gonzalez Jr. at LACMA after the NEWH Oscar Brunch, holding an orchid centerpiece.

Clients include: