Furniture

In our current June/July issue of the magazine we spoke to talented furniture designer Nathan Goldsworthy about what New Zealand made and sustainable design means to him. We continue the interview here. 

Does the theme of sustainability translate into your process?

First I need to define sustainability in this context, these are some of the factors…

- the projected useful lifetime of the product 

- the material source, and efficiency of its use

- the processes used to manufacture the finished product

- the desirability of a product 

These factors are a major part of my design process and always have been; at least to the extent that they have been understood.

Nathan's most recent design is the Adjutant Desk which is held together by large wooden screws.

What does NZ made mean to you?

I think there is a lot of value in keeping the manufacture of product within New Zealand, but not at the expense of the quality or integrity of the product. This is where my products are currently manufactured, but I am interested in foreign suppliers as there are some things that simply cant be done here, or aren't available. I'm currently looking to Germany for a few components as the standard of quality is very high and they are very costly to source locally. 

What makes your designs stand out against other NZ furniture?

I honestly can't say. For me, I'm so intimately involved in the pieces I design that by the time they are finished products it is very hard to view them objectively. Plus, I'd prefer to leave that kind of critique to others!

What's next for you?

I have just relocated the business to Auckland, so am busy getting established and working more closely with Corporate Culture who represent my product in Auckland. I also have a few products that I need to get finished in the next few months and then I'd like to get back into client work. And the ultimate goal is to spend more time out of the office!

The large steel table is available in a range of colours and is a practical and stylish addition to any home. 

Check out Nathan's website for his latest designs and to discover more! 

This DIY project was sent into us by Justine Gradon, who with a little bit of time and a couple of new accesories has transformed a set of tired old drawers into a feature piece for her spare bedroom.

This upcycled project stays true to the name as Justine saved the very shaky rimu drawers from a trip to the dump. "I rescued them for the benefit of the guests who come to stay in my guest room." After sanding and oiling the body of the cabinet, Justine applied fabric from an old duvet cover using Mod Podge - an all in one sealer, glue and finish.

Finished with six lovely antique glass drawer handles from the Vintage Knob collection from Cadlow Trading the job was complete.

We think the results are outstanding, well done.

 Antique glass handles from Cadlow Trading.

Sue Haldane and Paula Coulthard are the designers behind the Union furniture range and having spoken to them for a profile in our Oct/ Nov issue it became immediately apparent that they are very talented ladies. Combing their talents from other ventures the two women came together to craft statement furniture pieces designed to evoke a notion of nostalgia and New Zealand history. Whether they are updating an item which has been in the family for generations, custom designing piece for a particular space or working on a new range, they are constantly gathering inspiration and mulling over ideas. "We have had some great road trips around the country searching for ideas which we then develop into ideas for coverings", shares Paula. Their latest range conjuring memories of camping, a late Kiwi summer outdoors, and stud farms.
 
Working together on both the Union ranges and bespoke pieces, this driven and uniquely Kiwi duo also operates and runs their own brand. "We create individually as well," says Sue, "although it’s more of a parallel to Union as while I am working on my own brand, The Boiler Room, and Paula with Coulthard, we are still talking and discussing daily ideas and materials for Union."
 
With Sue's talent and background in industrial furniture and custom made pieces, and Paula's delicate talent of embroidery, creative clothing and homeware design this Union is a match made in heaven.

Shots from the Union studio

Photography Thomas Law