Robin and Lucienne set up their first home together at a flat in Markham Square, Chelsea. Always resourceful, Robin made their furniture from scrap timber, metal and glass.

Having been ruled out for active service during the war because of asthma, Robin taught at Beckenham School of Art, where he devised an innovative course in three-dimensional design. In 1946 Robin began teaching at Regent Street Polytechnic (now University of Westminster). Here he met architect Peter Moro, with whom he formed a partnership to design exhibitions, mainly for the Central Office of Information. A talented all-rounder, Robin soon attracted other clients such as the RAF, who commissioned a series of recruitment posters. He also created striking exhibition stands for companies such as Ekco and ICI.

In 1948 Robin teamed up with Clive Latimer (a colleague from Beckenham) to enter the International Low-Cost Furniture Competition organised by the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Their ground-breaking multifunctional storage system won first prize, effectively launching his furniture design career.