Erawan Arts is based in a traditionally renovated historic house that dates back over 100 years. It is an equal partnership between Alexander Robb-Millar from the United Kingdom, and the Sippouthavong family from Luang Prabang. Alexander had been visiting Laos for several years looking for ways he could create a business allowing him to stay while being able help the community at the same time.

Upon coming to Luang Prabang, Alexander wanted Erawan Arts to be as ethical as possible, and this philosophy was practiced even during the construction process that used the original materials where possible, with the rest coming from sustainable sources.

Being completely self funded, Alexander also designed the building, using the basic shape of the original house and conforming to the guidelines of the World Heritage Office, it kept true to the old colonial style while incorporating a modern edge to it. The 'new mixed with old' concept interestingly extends inside to the products themselves, complementing each other perfectly.

We carried out a few major changes such as raising the roof slightly, widening the balcony, opening up the interior, and enlarging the door spaces. Not forgetting our little water feature on the corner! The design process also took into consideration natural air currents and heat buffer zones to avoid the use of air conditioning in the showroom.

Another important aspect of Erawan Arts is that the Sippouthavong family still reside in the property, this helps avoid some of the social issues created when families move out of town after a foreign business moves in. An example of which, is where the Monks today are receiving less food due to the decreasing number of local people present to donate Alms in the morning.