FORM November by The Adelaide Review

THE ADELAIDE R EVIEW NOVEMBER 2013

FORM D E S I G N • P L A N N I N G • I N N OVAT I O N

DESIGN AWARDS 2013

The Adelaide Review is proud to launch the 2013 Design Institute of Australia (SA Branch) awards season.

Spirostool Byrachel Pargeter (Unisa).

AUSTRALIAN DESIGN STORY

BE FRIENDLY

GREEN EDGE

Aptos Cruz Galleries will host three of Australia’s finest designers for an intimate event

Matt Stuckey’s newly formed design studio Be Friendly is making all the right moves, including the ambitious Minima project

Green Edge Commercial Interiors recently launched a new showroom, strengthening its reputation as an industry leader

64 The Adelaide Review November 2013

FORM Ross Didier Elenberg Fraser’s Vue De Monde fit out was one of the most widely awarded new hospitality interiors of 2012. It is an exceptional project, but what makes it extraordinary is the restaurant’s bespoke VDM chairs. Designed by Ross Didier they are ‘head-turners’ that always get people talking. The well-respected Melbourne-based designer used kangaroo leather and pelts that would otherwise have been wasted to upholster the bucket-shaped dining chairs. Unsurprisingly they have become iconic in expressing a specific Australian design identity; not that Didier deliberately set about doing so. “I just try to par back the design as best as possible while retaining a unique character; that’s what I enjoy doing and it’s what I ultimately aim for,” he says. Didier is currently reconfiguring his Felix chair for the Royal Adelaide Hospital development. Adapting an existing design to suit the very specific functions needed for a hospital environment will involve reimagining a range of comprehensively different seating for patients and visitors. It’s a challenge, but one Didier enthusiastically welcomes. Having recently returned from London where he was an exhibitor in 100% Design the fine art-trained Didier is still marvelling at Australia’s presence at the event. “It gave me a real sense of pride,” he says. “To think that the epicentre of the

Susanna Bilardo As the co-director of Enoki design studio Susanna Bilardo is responsible for some of Adelaide’s most stunning residential interiors. Her relaxed, contemporary aesthetic lends itself to the home environment and is what makes her a popular choice amongst clients. It’s also what makes her furniture designs so instantly appealing. “I like to design fun, unpredictable pieces that don’t take themselves too seriously, but are still very functional,” says Bilardo. Her recent Bean stool is based on the concept of origami and features a single sheet of metal folded and then powder-coated in a choice of bright colours. The ‘folding’ process itself is simple and involves no fixings or welds resulting in a durable product that is clean and compact. Bean stool is the perfect accompaniment to Bilardo’s Ben + Flo table, which also utilises an origami-inspired form. The same colour palette is used to great effect in the graphic designs of her Broth cushions, and the designer often incorporates these furniture pieces and soft furnishings into her interiors. Unley-based Bilardo is proud that all her work is designed and manufactured in South Australia. “I try to work with manufacturers that are based as close to Unley as possible so that we reduce the carbon footprint,” she says. “Most of our products are flat packed as well, which is a lot more cost effective and environmentally friendly.” No doubt Bilardo’s fresh design approach and commitment to sustainability will see her client base continue to expand.

enoki.com.au

Australian Design Stories In celebration of contemporary Australian design we take a closer look at the work of Kate Stokes, Susanna Bilardo and Ross Didier. by Leanne Amodeo

design identity; thanks in no small part to the designers whose contribution is essential in the establishment of a distinct character. In the meantime their personal stories and successes are well worth celebrating.

Local entrepreneurship and innovation is nothing new, but with the international spotlight shining brightly on Australia any developments are highlighted. Not only are new products attracting attention but kudos is being given to the inventive approach taken by Australian designers to manufacturing, production and marketing.

As champions of Australian design, Aptos Cruz Galleries co-directors Steve and Pat Ronayne realise the importance of supporting our home-grown talent. Their Stirling showroom not only features the best international design brands, such as Magis and Fritz Hansen, it also showcases work by some of Australia’s finest contemporary designers. Kate Stokes, Susanna Bilardo and Ross Didier are just some of the names synonymous with inspired Australian design.

We are quite possibly as close as we’ve ever been to articulating an ‘authentic’ Australian

aptoscruz.com

any contemporary Australian designers are becoming recognised at an international level with an increasingly strong presence at both the Milan Furniture Fair and London Design Festival. It’s cause to celebrate and time to appreciate what this country’s thriving design industry has to offer.

The Adelaide Review November 2013 65

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Kate Stokes When Kate Stokes’ Coco pendant was released in 2010 it caused quite the frenzy; it also signalled the arrival of an exceptional new talent. The light pendant characterises the Melbourne-based designer’s elegant, refined aesthetic and meticulously thoughtful design approach. Foregoing prodigious output works in her favour because each of the three products she has released since then are simply right in every way. Her recent Bucket coffee table possesses the same refined aesthetic as well as being an exceptional exploration of materiality. “I was really interested in exploring the contrast between brass and concrete and so this product is much more material driven,” says Stokes. The resulting form is an arresting design expression that references Australian Modernist architecture from the 1950s. Stokes released Puku ottoman at the same world has moved from Europe to south east Asia; I think it’s going to be a pretty exciting time within Australia in the next ten years.” Didier’s elegantly sculptural designs will undoubtedly continue to play a role in this country’s burgeoning design industry.

rossdidier.com.au

time as Bucket coffee table and the response to this incredibly appealing product has been just as favourable. Puku – Maori for ‘chubby belly’ – is her first foray into working with upholstery and its form is strongly influenced by the designer’s love of Japan. “It’s safe to say Puku came out of my travels through that country,” she says. “It’s a big thing in Japan to incorporate real personality into an object.” Stokes regularly draws inspiration from overseas travel and her recent trip to Iceland promises to give rise to a new body of work. “I’d love to do a range inspired by Iceland, although I’m not sure what form it will take yet,” she says. “The country is absolutely incredible and like nothing I’ve ever seen before; the colours and landscape are phenomenal.” It may take a while for these new products to come to fruition but rest assured they will be well worth the wait.

Australian Design Story cocoflip.com.au Wednesday, November, 20, 6:30pm Aptos Cruz Galleries: 147 Mt Barker Road, Stirling Aptos Cruz Galleries and The Adelaide Review are pleased to present Australian Design Story. An intimate evening with Ross Didier, Kate Stokes and Susanna Bilardo who share with us their design journey in establishing successful design practices. Numbers are limited. Please RSVP to airlie@aptoscruz.com or 08 8370 9011 by Monday, November 18.

66 The Adelaide Review November 2013

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Design Awards 2013 The Adelaide Review is proud to launch the 2013 Design Institute of Australia (SA Branch) awards season.

he Laminex Group Design Awards 2013 attracts an outstanding collection of the fruits of South Australia’s energetic design community each year. The DIA brings together designers from multiple disciplines and encourages a healthy cross fertilisation of ideas and interdisciplinary collaboration. The awards aim to evaluate, recognise and celebrate outstanding projects designed by South Australian designers. Its purpose is to illustrate and define today’s design standards and promote the work of members of the Design Institute of Australia and affiliated

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organisations to the public. And that’s where you come in. Every year The Adelaide Review assigns the Adelaide public the role of juror. If you were a judge and had to choose the best overall design in any of the three categories (Communication, Object and Built Environment) what would it be? You get to vote for your favourite design with The People’s Choice Award.

Built Environment Boris TheCuttery / Mash by Dom Roberts

We offer a taste of this year’s entries on these pages, with all entries available for viewing and voting at sa-dia-awards.com. We encourage you to vote and make your voice heard, as the winner of the People’s Choice Award will be featured in the January edition of The Adelaide Review. All winners and the winning designer will be presented with an award at the official awards night on Saturday, November 30.

»»Entries open on Monday, November 4 (midday) and close Monday, November 25 at 5pm. sa-dia-awards.com

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Communication Warradale Graphics by Enoki

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All 2013 People’s Choice Award entries will be in the running to win an original EAMES chair valued at $800 thanks to Innerspace SA. To vote go to sa-dia-awards.com

THE ADELAIDE REVIEW NOVEMBER 2013 67

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Designer Saturday 2013 The latest furniture, accessories, fixtures, finishes, art and talented creators will be on show at Designers Saturday 2013 (DS13).

BY BRENDON HARSLETT

eld on Saturday, November 23, the event lets the Adelaide design community and exhibitors come together and share new innovations and ideas in a way that is different from other events. DS13 works by letting you into showrooms across the CBD and see new products, build their business connections, and discover emerging talent. Building on the success of DS11, you will be able to check in at the Queen’s Theatre, collecting a daypack with your itinerary, and follow the map to each exhibitor. Each showroom offers something a little different; some have new product launches,

OBJECT Uraba Lamp by George Criollo

others reconfigure and reinterpret their space into something new, and you might even win a giveaway or a door prize. Some exhibitors collaborate to give you a total look; for example, bespoke accessory makers might team up with a furniture and ﬂooring supplier. The results are stunning and may make you see a combination of elements in a new light. Building on the success of DS11, the Queen’s Theatre will double as a vibrant exhibition space with a concentration of furniture, accessories and more, all under one roof. I am proud to launch Local by Design, an exhibition of the best works from local design students and recent graduates in disciplines including interior, industrial and graphics. The show promises to inspire you with what our brightest emerging minds are able to create. The DIA is proud to again be hosting this event, unique in its approach to be an informative and accessible day for both participants and exhibitors. Be part of the ongoing exhibition that is Adelaide design. To ﬁnd out more and register for the event, visit designersaturday.com.au.

» Brendon Harslett is the Co-President of The Design Institute of Australia (SA Branch) designersaturday.com.au

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68 The Adelaide Review November 2013

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Multi Talented

Be Friendly design studio is a name to watch as its founder Matt Stuckey becomes increasingly involved with the design of new local interiors. His Minima Art Rooms in North Adelaide is the studio’s most ambitious project to date. by Leanne Amodeo

uring a backpacking holiday eight years ago Matt Stuckey was giving out bumper stickers to everyone he met. They read ‘Be friendly’ and it was only a matter of time before it became his nickname. Fast forward a few years and the happy slogan was Stuckey’s obvious choice when deciding on a name for his business. The newly formed Be Friendly design studio is the Adelaide-based illustrator’s multi-disciplinary practice, recognised for its creative flair and prodigious output. Stuckey’s portfolio is broad and varied and

encompasses everything from art direction and custom typography to illustration and public art. He has also designed small-scale interventions for retail interiors and identifies this area of his practice as one he would like to expand. Interestingly it was through his organisation of the hugely successful Oi You! Urban Art Festival that led to his most ambitious interior project to date – the Minima Art Rooms in North Adelaide. “I had a meeting with Arts SA’s manager of public art and design regarding Oi You! and she also let me know about the Minima Hotel’s new

marketing strategy to align their brand with local creatives,” says Stuckey. “And I thought excellent, because I’ve wanted to paint an entire hotel for a few years now.” A meeting was organised with the hotel’s marketing manager Finn Miller and Stuckey’s dream was soon a reality. The project’s initial stages involved some guerrilla tactics on the part of both Miller and Stuckey. Painting the first two rooms in secret was intended as proof of concept and luckily

it worked because once the owner saw them he green-lit the project. The hotel’s ensuring makeover involved all 46 rooms receiving a different painted – and sometimes sculpted – wall mural. In his role as curator Stuckey invited 43 South Australian artists, designers and illustrators to participate in the year-long project. With an outcome that is as visually dynamic as it is stylistically eclectic the makeover newly positions the family-owned Minima Hotel with

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FORM NAG + AILA QUIZ NIGHT NAG + AILA teamed up to once again host one of the largest quiz nights in South Australia targeting young architects, interior designers, landscape architects and allied professions. More than 180 people turned up to the event on October 11 at the Schiavello showroom.

PHOTOS JONATHAN VAN DER KNAAP

a strong point of difference; just as Miller hoped. But the project’s greatest success is the impressive snapshot it provides of the State’s diverse creative talent. “Some artists came on board for the thrill of it, but a lot wanted to be involved because they saw the potential in the project,” says Stuckey. Grafﬁti artist Vans the Omega is represented as is illustrator Kate Gagliard. Although the launch of the Minima Art Rooms only took place in August of this year

Stuckey already has plans to paint over each room. The intention is to keep the hotel fresh, seeing as it has so many return guests. Stuckey will be kept busy, but this won’t be his only ongoing project. He is constantly seeking out new design opportunities and is masterful at managing more than one project at once. Be Friendly continues to be a name to watch.

befriendly.net

SATURDAY November 23 2013

DESIGN AWARDS 2013

GET AMONGST THE ACTION! If you love a good SA design hunt then look no further! SA’s biannual event will see Australia’s premier furniture, ﬁnishes and ﬁxtures showrooms open their doors to design lovers for one special day in Adelaide.

30. 11. 2013 www.sa-dia-awards.com.au

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70 THE ADELAIDE REVIEW NOVEMBER 2013

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Office Creatives With the recent launch of their new showroom Green Edge Commercial Interiors enters an exciting phase in their stellar history. BY LEANNE AMODEO

he move to a lighter, brighter showroom has strengthened Green Edge Commercial Interiors’ reputation as an industry leader. Supplying both national and international ofﬁce furniture brands to the South Australian market has been their business for over 20 years; and they’re good at it. But this recent relocation has reinvigorated the small family-owned business and given them increased visibility in an increasingly competitive marketplace. “Our new Pulteney Street showroom has more foot trafﬁc and a better street prospect,” says design consultant Betty Milner. “We’re not shielded by trees and tinted windows like we were in our Carrington Street location; people can see the products.” It’s a point that should not be underestimated. Part of the value in buying high-end designer furniture is the showroom experience and the products must be displayed in a way that does them justice.

The Green Edge range is extensive and includes everything from workstations to statement chairs and lounges to soft

furnishings. Their mix of international and national brands is broad and a recent partnership with Melbourne-based supplier Interstudio has meant access to even more products. Where possible Green Edge supports local designers and so a large proportion of its workstations are designed in South Australia. This serves the Adelaide market well because people want to buy local. As Milner explains: “Adelaide is a very loyal market that likes to support its designers; it has a strong artistic culture that appreciates beautiful design too.” The bright, airy showroom has been designed to suit an Adelaide sensibility. Pressed metal ceilings, polished floors and a skylight that runs the full length of the space provides an elegantly relaxed environment in which to shop. So what new products will Green Edge be introducing to its already comprehensive selection? The current trend for office furniture sees a break away from the

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traditional separate workstations featuring partition screening. There’s a greater emphasis on collaboration and comfort in the workplace with an aim towards increased productivity. New products are beginning to reflect this and Green Edge will stock more timber furniture, lounges with in-built laptop chargers and tables large enough for group sharing.

The ofﬁce of the future may very well come to resemble our own home. In the meantime Green Edge’s new showroom hints at what the perfect ofﬁce environment could look like. It makes the thought of going to work seem that little less daunting.

greenedge.net.au

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