A fascination with objects and how they work led Lucas Wotawa to study industrial design at Massey in Wellington. Upon completion of his studies, he undertook an internship with one of New Zealand's most established designers Jaime McLellan. He currently works in the props department for The Hobbit movie for Peter Jackson.

Focusing on understanding the life-cycle of a product and how some furniture pieces can date quickly, Wotawa created the 'Self Taut' collection of stools. The upholstery can be changed quickly and easily through the use of an embroidery hoop and clamping fixture. This allows an unlimited opportunity for the owner to personalise the stools with their favourite t-shirt or fabric and the stools can constantly adapt with the domestic space which they're in.

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We first came across Emma Fox Derwin and Nigel Groom of Wellington based design studio Well-Groomed-Fox a couple of years ago. Since then, they've exhibited in Milan at the Salone del Mobile, at the Interieur Biennale in Belgium and at the D3 Design Talents Competition at the Cologne Fair in Germany. Having formed their studio in 2008, the multidisciplinary designers have worked with clients that include international fashion brand Fred Perry.

The XY+Z suit rack started out as an investigation into the habitual act of dressing, and the storage of clothing. They considered how to move away from a traditional flowing wardrobe, and asked themselves, 'can we introduce formality to the everyday act of dressing?'.

Inspired by the traditional men's valet clothing the stand, the suit rack can accommodate an entire ensemble: jacket, shirt, tie, belt, pants, hat and shoes. Conceived to be both functional yet visually appealing, the product is easy to assemble and disassemble and can be flat-packed for transport.

To view more of Well Groomed Fox's work go here.

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Chris Johnson's interest in design can be credited to his family heritage: both of his grandfathers were carpenters. An industrial designer, his experience has led him to work on a variety of projects, including a greenhouse for Stephen and Lucy Marr, fashioned from old villa windows, which was subsequently featured on The Selby.

The 'Afternoon desk' was inspired by old leather top writing desks. He wanted to create a modern version, that offered a lighter appeal, far removed from the bulky aesthetic of the desks he was inspired by. Creating products that are lightweight 'that can be flat packed for ease of transport are important considerations for today's market' he explains, and formed the base of his brief, 'how to make a desk that fits the young professional's needs while continuing to deliver that feel[ing] of power and beauty'.

Leather stretches between the steel framing of the desk, and also forms a sophisticated cord tray, where messy cords can be concealed in style.

To view more of Chris' work go here.

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Leading a team of architectural graduates at Warren and Mahoney, architect Barrington Gohns seeks to explore the use of technology and art within architectural design. Having worked across numerous projects including fashion shows for fashion brand Stolen Girlfriends Club, along with various other creative and visual based installations, he is currently establishing a workshop and studio on the cusp of Grey Lynn and Ponsonby.

His 'Cantilever chair' made from sand cast aluminium, stainless steel, leather and black zinc plated mild steel, enables the user to hover about the floor plane in a free-floating seat. One of the main considerations he took on board with this design was creating a piece of furniture that could withstand the test of time both aesthetically and materially. The cast aluminium core of the seat is non-corrosive and designed to withstand the elements.

The user is able to adjust the angle of the seat by slotting the stainless steel bars which the leather seat hangs off, in and out of cavities, which changes the slack of the chair and the angle the user sits on.

To counter balance the weight of the user, Gohns uses several 18 kilogram weights that can be slotted into the back of the chair, which gives the user the ability to move the chair around without the weights, and then finish the installing process by putting the weights in place (which can then be removed whenever desired).

To contact Barrington you can email him.

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After completing a Bachelor of Design (3D and Object) at Unitec in 2009, Tim Webber went on to pursue several internships, including one with industry heavyweight David Trubridge. His personal studio, Tim Webber Design was established not long after finishing university and since its inception 20 products have been developed and brought to market. Currently, Webber has 5 stockists throughout New Zealand and has big ambitions to pursue the Australian market. Citing influences such as Tom Dixon and Benjamin Hubert, he is looking forward to pushing NZ design out to the global market.

The slender and sleek Ample pendant is made from hand turned Pacific Rimu with a spun aluminium light shade which is then powder-coated in a satin black or white. The cable is nestled inside a woven flex sleeve, providing options for contrasting colours for the purchaser. The light is part of Webber's WM series which delves into the juxtaposition of wood and metal. Suitable for a variety of spaces - a neat line above a bar, or in a cluster in larger commercial spaces - the light is extremely versatile.

Utilising the top manufacturers in New Zealand, the Y Stool by Tim Webber is constructed from quality and lasting materials. Mixing mig and tig welded steel leg sections and footrests and American Ash turned legs, further demonstrates Webber's exploration into the relationship between wood and metal - the two most common materials used in furniture design. The powdercoat finish is available in six different colours allowing for a fun injection of colour in any environment.

View more of Tim's work here.

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Post graduating a Bachelor of Product Design in 2006, Christopher Metcalfe established his own design studio in order to produce products conceptualised during his studies. Currently he works for Essenze in Auckland as their design manager, where he is responsible for product development, branding, web design, brand development and external communications.

Metcalfe's entry; The Crane Light - an interactive desk lamp, is inspired by every young boy's fascination with cranes. To turn it on and off, the user is required to pull the cord at the end of the lamp. The counterweight will then bring the lamp back to its rest state. The transformer is hidden inside the weight, making clever use of its space.

 To view more of Christopher's work, go here.

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Benjamin Charles is no stranger to the design industry, having worked in the furniture manufacturing business for the last five years as a cabinet maker. He has had firsthand experience making some of the country's finest design pieces for local designers such as Simon James, David Trubridge and David Moreland, so it comes as little surprise that he's picked up a keen design sensibility along the way. From his own studio based in Tauranga he works on collaborative projects, bespoke commissions and now his own line of furniture under the name Benjamin Charles Design.

Benjamin's first entry, the low table with cast bronze legs, is a beautifully finished piece which has a deep long lasting quality to it. The single slab of NZ native Matai, has been burnished by hand to create a glassy finish and the dove tail joints hark back to old age forms of craftsmanship. The table requires no fixings so can easily be flat packed to ship.

Constructed from black Tawa, the lamp titled Puzzled, has been adapted from an old wooden puzzle and all the pieces can be dismantled. Benjamin's version houses a lightbulb as opposed to the original wooden ball, and three legs have been extended to create a stable base. It is a great conversational piece, with viewers often not able to put it down until they have solved the puzzle.

View more of Ben's work here.

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Self-employed and running his own studio Sam James Designed, Sam James is influenced by cabinet makers and designers of the past 100 years, whose hand crafted and traditional techniques have transcended both time and fashion. Citing James Krenov, George Nakashima and Sam Maloof, while locally, John Shaw and David Haig; his work displays qualities associated with keen craftsmanship.

Made from solid timber including American ash and Zebra wood, his hall table 'Untitled' has a light quality to it, that we often associate with some of the finest Japanese design. The central drawer appears to float mid air, whilst the silhouette is kept delicate and fine.

To view more of Sam's work go here.

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Currently a designer and production manager for Simon James Design, David Moreland is a familiar face in the design scene in New Zealand. He began his career by studying 3-dimensional design at university, then going on to work with stalwart David Trubridge before settling here in Auckland. As well as producing limited edition pieces and one-off commissions, his furniture has also wound up in commercial projects nationwide like Air New Zealand, BNZ and Government House.

Moreland's entry, can be either a shelf or a sideboard by changing the set of perspex shelves used. Due to the material being a light gauge timber, a nice open space has been achieved within the piece and it can still be moved easily. The half lap joints create an attractive detailing effect as well as giving strength. The components are painted prior to assembly, allowing for unlimited colourway options. There is also the option of choosing a different coloured perspex, meaning that the pieces can be re invented for specific locations or clients needs. A smaller side table version constructed from 25mm x 25mm machined oak is also available. 

 You can see more of David's work here.

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Currently a student at Victoria University in Wellington, studying design innovation, Lee Woodman's design ideology is heavily weighted toward a sustainable new way of living that does not need to imply restriction or compromise. He began his career in the construction industry at age 17, and since then he has completed both carpentry and joinery apprenticeships.

His Crane lamp embraces materiality and tactility, luring the user to touch, adjust and experience the light. The lamp can be extended for use about a chair or retracted for a more ambient light. As transport for products is an increasing concern, Woodman has designed a case specifically catered to the Crane lamp, allowing it to be transported safely. The Crane lamp is not intended for mass production, but rather, is intended to be celebrated as a fine piece of furniture, a limited edition object to be cherished for generations to come.

To view more Lee's work go here.

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