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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A graduate of UCOL, Geoffrey Young's ambition is to make a living designing and making fine custom made furniture. This piece, titled 'Converge bench' is inspired by a Polynesian kite. Its converging lines all help to form the entire structure of the bench, with the saying 'a sum of all parts' ringing true. The seat of the bench is compiled of various pieces of Austrian black wood that all piece together like a carefully constructed jigsaw puzzle. Because the pieces can be removed, it can be packed relatively flat for ease of transport. Its curved base lends a soft aesthetic to the overall silhouette.

To view more of Geoffrey's work go here.

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When you read about the history of a designer, previous work experience doesn't normally include working as a psychiatric nurse. However, Guy Bucchi, one of our entrants in the Design Folio Incubator Award's history proves otherwise. But perhaps, it may have been his skills as an ex boilermaker and sheet metal worker that lended a more practical experience to the variety of objects that he designs today.

His Wings chair shows the versatility of steel: strength, lightness and flexibility. The base of the chair, very geometric in form, provides a nice contrast with the 'wings' backrest, that aims to provide ergonomic comfort.

To view more of Guy's work go here.

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Dutch furniture brand Pastoe has long been a favourite of ours with their clean lines and simple furniture range. Recently, they premiered a new range designed by Sholten & Baijings at the 2012 IMM Cologne Fair, which embraces another one of our favourite directions - the use of the ombré effect. They explain that "by working with translucent sliding doors in different colours in combination with a colour gradient, an intriguing play of colours is created when the cabinet is opened and closed." The result pays homage to Pastoe ranges of the past with an advancement on colour.

Place an iPhone or Ipod Touch running a flip clock app onto this dock by Jonas Damon, and see an iconic and meaningful form return to your nightstand. The iPhone or iPod’s dock connector can also be pulled through the system, enabling it to recharge whilst serving as a dependable alarm.

Available locally from Simon James Design’s online store

The Tufty-Too sofa follows its successful predecessor, the Tufty-Time sofa. Designed by Patricia Urquiola for B&B Italia, this sofa is made for socialising with its corner and lounge appeal. Embracing comfort, softness and modernity, the sofa is distinguished by contrast stitching and is available in a variety of complementary colours.

Available locally from Matisse