Green Living Life Better

Home » Interviews

Showing posts with label Interviews. Show all posts

Interview | Jordana of Avalon Je T’adore

Just as the frenzied Christmas rush was setting in recently, I received an email from Jordana Macfarlaine, owner and creative director of Avalon Je T'adore, a new lifestyle brand inspired by the tropical lifestyle of Bali. Feeling a little strung out and in desperate need of a holiday (like most at this time of year) Jordana's story, products and dreamy imagery had me pining for an island escape.

Travelling between Indonesia and Sydney's northern beaches, Jordana develops a luscious range of products that are organic in nature, luxurious to use and enriching for the body. Currently stocked in Australia and Asia and with plans to expand further afield, the growing range also includes hand made ceramics, wine carafes and tumbler sets and leather pieces. Evoking a wonderful sense of summer and relaxation, I wanted to find out more....

Can you tell us a bit about your background and what led to the launch of Avalon Je T’adore?

From working in the fashion industry for 10 years I had a passion for design. I was fortunate enough to travel a lot as well. It was on a trip to Bali that I stumbled on the idea of launching Avalon Je T'adore. Being able to bring awareness to recycling was a great incentive to produce the products here.

What is special about the packaging?

The organic scrubs are bottled in recycled glass, hand blown bottles. So each one is individual. I recycled the glass from restaurants here in Bali, and we melt them down and create the Avalon Je T'adore bottle. It allows me to encourage recycling in Bali. My customers also get to keep them once they have finished with the beautiful scrubs, and re use as a vase or decorative item in their home.

What is your favourite Avalon Je T’adore beauty product and why?

My favourite Avalon Je T'adore product is the Sandalwood Scrub! I just love it. It is so soft and has my favourite scent. I use it all over my body and my face and I feel so fresh and revitalised. It's my morning ritual.

Are you planning on expanding the beauty range and if so, what can we expect?

I am planning on expanding the range. I am working on developing a natural range including facial cleanser, toner, moisturiser and some delicious body butters and more! I'm very excited and will be launching these products in early 2014!

How does your event service work?

In the past I have made bomboniere as wedding favours for the guests. These can be done using any of the Avalon Je T'adore products, and we work with the guests and a special price list. They can be made up in different boxes, with notes from the bride and groom. There are several options, as they can also be used for other events as part of gift bags, and we like to work with the clients for different projects.

You've recently expanded into lifestyle products. Tell us about the new range.

The brand was always born to be a lifestyle brand. All things for you and your home. So I have recently developed a range of ceramics and leather products. The ceramics are all hand made, and are individual pieces. The leather range consists of a clutch and wallet for every occasion. I plan to keep expanding the lifestyle range with more homewards and fashion pieces in the future.

You are currently stocked in Australia and Asia. Any plans to expand further afield?

Yes, I am working on expanding the range to Europe, specifically Sweden and Denmark. There are also plans for the range to go to the US and England in early 2014. So it's very exciting.

Beautiful! Thanks Jordana for answering these questions for us. To find out more, visit the Avalon Je T'adore website and follow on Facebook.

12 Days of Christmas | George & Willy Giveaway!

George & Willy are a New Zealand design company, formed by childhood friends George Wilkins and Will McCallum. Joining forces straight out of university last year, the talented Tauranga-based duo are already gaining recognition for their work, which follows the simple philosophy of producing honest, handmade goods that will last the distance. Not only have they taken the time to answer some questions for us, they've jumped on board the 12 Days of Christmas series with a very cool giveaway. Read on....

Can you tell us about your backgrounds and how you came to launch George & Willy?

We decided to launch George & Willy after finishing uni last year. We both grew up in Tauranga, but Will spent a few years in Argentina and we have both spent a lot of time at Mt Ruapehu - that's where we met when we were about 13. We've both always enjoyed making things.

You're never too old for a swing! Find a good swinging spot, hang it up and enjoy! The Everyday Swing will take you back to your childhood

What have you learnt along the way?

We have learnt so much this year. After studying three years of business, marketing and design it's been good to put it all into practice. The main thing we have learnt is that if you do it, it just sort of works out. People aren't going to be buying anything from you if it isn't for sale.

What have been some highlights - what are you most proud of?

Selling stuff through the website. Seeing someone on a Air NZ flight with one of our Duffel Bags was cool. We have a workshop with five of us, (us and three mates) all working, making our stuff, which we have found a market for. We've created this fun place for us to work and hang out.

George & Willy

Any favourite products so far?

It's good because we actually use our products to make the products. We have about six Project Desks which we make all our stuff on.

I love a good trestle table. Strong, solid and reliable, The Project Desk is a winner in any office

I've never seen a Wall Mounted Paper Roller like yours before. Tell us about this product - how did it come about?

Will was trying to find a paper roller but the only one he could find was designed for the floor and wasn't that suitable. We decided that there must be other people out there looking for a similar product, so designed one to suit. We use one in the workshop and it's pretty handy - we use it for our shopping list.

My favourite George & Willy product right now, the Wall Mounted Paper Roller is genius!

What are you currently working on? Any exciting products or projects in the pipeline?

Currently we are just busy getting everything ready for Christmas. We have just improved our Project Desk. It's now simpler, stronger and made from thicker plywood. Otherwise we are just trying to nail down the products we have at the moment, while doing a few custom jobs for people on the side.

Cool with an industrial edge, the Rutherford Clothing Rack is simple, strong and designed to last a lifetime

What inspires you - international design, the web etc?

We are just constantly looking and keeping our eyes and ears open for new ideas, and we throw a lot of ideas around between us. There are about 100 things we would like to make, it is just finding the time to make them.

We want George & Willy things to be the kind of stuff you find in your Grandparents’ shed; timeless stuff that you’re not gonna be chucking out in five years. So it’s made well. It’s not trendy, it’s just simple. It’s not overdone or quirky or anything. Just straight up.

The Wood Box is guaranteed to become a faithful friend. I could certainly do with a few of these around home!

What advice would you give to young designers wanting to start their own business?

Pretty much they just have to get out there and do it. Just start and it'll be all good.

Honest and straight up, much like their design ethos - thanks George & Willy for sharing your story. Check out the entire collection here, and follow them on Facebook, Tumblir and Instagram. Now for the fun part...

We have one George & Willy Wall Mounted Paper Roller valued at $220 to give away! Made from matte black steel, and designed to dispense and display recycled kraft paper, this easy to install product is super cool and practical. Put it in your office for to-do lists or the kitchen for shopping lists, recipes or menus. Great for gift wrapping, or kids arts and crafts... the possibilities are endless!

To enter, simply email me at steve3star@gmail.com with GEORGE & WILLY in the subject line. Please also let me know your full name. Entries close on Tuesday, 17th of December and the winner will be selected via random.org, and contacted via email, to arrange shipping. All winners will be announced on the blog at the end of the series.

Please note that this competition is open to New Zealand residents only.

Update: This competition has now closed, and the winner has been notified. Thanks to all who entered - we had a fantastic response once again! And huge thanks to George & Willy.

Interview | Techne Architects

I've been admiring the architectural and interior design work of Melbourne based practice Techne for some time, having featured one of their residential projects on the blog earlier this year. I'm sure like me, the stunning home restoration in South Yarra left you wanting to see more, so I'm happy to report that they have since launched a new website, showcasing an impressive portfolio across commercial, hospitality, and residential. Two of their projects, Fonda Mexican and Tonka were recently recognised in the 2013 Eat-Drink-Design Awards, and many of the bars and restaurants they have worked on are fast becoming Melbourne institutions.

Today I'm excited to share more of their work, alongside an interview with the firm's directors, Nicholas Travers and Justin Northrop, who lead a team of 16 people, including architects, drafts people and interior designers.

Regent St Warehouse

Can you tell us a bit about your backgrounds and the path that led you to architecture and setting up your own firm in 2002?

Nick: My pathway to architecture started from a fairly young age at school where I always had a strong interest in drawing, art and graphics and the decision to consider a career in the field of design was a natural one. Initially, I was more drawn to industrial design, but upon completing year 12 I was accepted into Architecture at Adelaide University in 1992. My focus on the field of Architecture was established in that first year at university and my dedication to the profession has continued to this day.

Justin: Growing up I developed an interest in architecture and construction from growing up amidst home renovations and following my father, a structural engineer, around building sites. It is possible that after telling enough people that I wanted to be an architect when I grew up that I started to believe it. In any case my interest did not wane and I was fortunate to be accepted into Architecture at The University of Melbourne and go on exchange to UC Berkeley before starting my career in Melbourne.

Essentially we met while working together at Peddle Thorp Architects in the design department as new graduates in the late 90’s-early 2000’s. This evolved into a partnership working together on some small hospitality projects on the weekend. Eventually we had the opportunity to design and operate our own bar and restaurant in the CBD called The Deanery. This project was the catalyst for starting Techne Architects. In the early days of the business we occupied office space with Six Degrees Architects in West Melbourne, before creating our own studio in Hardware Lane. We have been here since 2004.

Nick Travers and Justin Northrop

Fonda Windsor

You've recently launched a new website that showcases an impressive portfolio of work. What have been some standout projects for you, and why?

The standout projects have been key hospitality projects like the pubs we have produced for Sand Hill Road (The Bridge Hotel, The Prahran Hotel and The Richmond Club Hotel). These have been design driven projects with engaging design outcomes. There have also been some nice single residence projects like the Fitzroy House where the collaboration with the client and project team enabled a fully integrated design encompassing the interiors, the building envelope and the landscaped spaces. Projects in the automotive sector have also been rewarding in creating specialist retail and servicing environments in the form of large dealerships for prestigious brands like Porsche.

How would you describe the Techne design aesthetic? Would you say it's a mix of your own personal styles, as reflected in your own homes?

Techne highly values the power of collaboration and by working with different craftspeople and artists on projects we achieve surprising and varied results. Beyond this, our work has a modernist basis with an inherent warmth and tactility through the use of natural and recycled materials (we appreciate the patina, agedness and sense of history that these materials give to a project). We like using steel and clearly expressing the construction of a building (tectonics). Grounded-ness of the design (physically and philosophically) is a sensibility of our design but we also like to bring a playful approach which isn't too serious. We are always happy to make use of bold colour and use relevant decorations and furnishings to bring personality to a design/space.

Ultimately the design must be relevant to the place, culture, craft, climate and use.

Tonka

You work across many areas, both residential and commercial. Do you each specialise in a particular one? Which are you most passionate about and why?

We enjoy working collaboratively on all the projects in the office, with a fairly equal level of experience and expertise across the various project types. We do however have particular fields of interests, and in general terms Justin has a special affinity for our hospitality based work while I have a focus on our automotive and other commercial based projects. Beyond this, we are inherently passionate about working on projects where the client is invested in the idea of producing something special, whether it be a house, an apartment building, a shop or a café. There is delight to be had in all project types and scales.

Fonda Windsor

Where do you draw inspiration from... other designers, international magazines and websites, travel etc?

Inspiration comes from a broad base of interest, but the greatest and most vivid inspiration comes directly from our clients themselves, the project briefs that they provide and the sites/spaces that the specific project is occupying. These project specific influences always set us on a certain pathway and a field of research and discovery well beyond the work of other architects/designers and their published works. The great work of other architects is less about inspiring our projects specifically and more about driving ourselves to achieve equally noteworthy architecture and design. Young and passionate designers are also a great source of inspiration and a collaborative approach within our team allows for stronger design responses.

Can you explain the importance of sustainability for your firm, and how it plays a part in each of your projects?

Sustainability is embedded within our practice. We have an integrated design approach which layers traditional passive design techniques with environmental, social and economic aspects to create beautiful, healthy and low energy spaces. This results in designs that work, without relying on the addition of expensive building technologies.

Tonka

What are you working on right now?

We are working on numerous projects with a couple of notable ones being The Terminus Hotel in Abbottsford (nearing completion of documentation) and we have recently been commissioned to design a series of exciting new residences at the Amcor Papermill site in Alphington.

Regent Street Warehouse

Wow, that was hugely inspiring! Thanks so much to Nick and Justin for taking time out of their busy schedules to answer these questions. To find out more about the amazing projects above, and to see other examples of their work, take a look here. For further inspiration and a look behind the scenes, follow Techne on Facebook and Instagram.

Interview | Rickie Dee of Superette

A while ago I was asked to write a guest post for Superette. Jumping at the chance to contribute to what is one of Australasia's leading online style destinations, I also took the opportunity to set up an interview with them. Founded by James Rigden and Rickie Dee, two friends who bravely threw in their 'nine-to-fives' to set up Superette, the business has now been going strong for over a decade. Their first store, operating out of an industrial warehouse in Auckland's Freeman's Bay, was built upon the philosophy of creating an inspired retail space of sought-after and unique products that go beyond clothes hanging on rack. Now with three retail stores and a rapidly growing online store, they still handpick each season's selections based on fashion and objects that they desire for themselves.

Staying true to that philosophy has paid off, earning them a huge cult following and most recently, the launch of Superette Space at the Ponsonby flagship store in April this year. The carefully curated selection of new lifestyle products, includes homewares and furniture, as well as a capsule collection of Superette's own designs including art, studded taxidermy skulls, pillows, and hand painted deer antlers.

There is just so much home goodness on offer that when I was asked to pick some of my current must-haves for the guest post, it was really hard to choose! It also brings me to some exciting news. Superette have just announced that they will be introducing the Superette Space concept to their Nuffield Street boutique in Newmarket. Hooray! Closing today, the boutique will be taking over the space next door and undergoing a serious transformation. Reopening on Saturday 16th of November, you'll find all of the lifestyle range including boutique bedding, throws, cushions, prints, limited edition coffee table books and much more. Also look out for some new and exciting international brands, two of which are Scandi favourites of mine. I'll hand you over to Rickie, and let her tell you more about it....

You've come a long way since opening the doors to your first retail store in 2001. What have been some of the biggest highlights to date?

There have been many highlights over the past 13 years. Each and every time we open a store has to be a major one though. We love the process of creating a new and exciting space for our customers. I Love working in a creative and busy environment each and every day so I guess you could say that is a highlight and the fact we are still doing what we love after 13 years. The website side of our business is the newest addition and is at a pretty exciting stage as it's growing so fast each and every day.

Have there been any major hurdles or challenges along the way, and if so, how did you overcome them?

We started the business when we were very young so have learnt a lot along the way. I think sometimes learning from mistakes is where we have gained the most knowledge from. Starting so young meant we had no real concerns if the concept wasn’t to work but at the same time we had to learn as we went along and at times it meant we didn’t get taken seriously.

In addition to your three NZ retail stores, you have an E-boutique and huge online presence. How has social media helped grow your brand?

Social media is a big part of our business and we focus on it daily. It has helped to build a strong Superette culture and lifestyle. We can also interact with our customers more frequently and in real time.

How would you describe your personal styles and how is this reflected in your overall aesthetic for the store and your product range?

Everything we buy in store we have to love and our buying has always stayed true to this.

Who are your favourite designers, both locally and abroad?

I am a big fan of Bassike. They offer a great range of everyday essentials that work in so well into my busy family lifestyle. We have just worked on a Co Lab collection with them as we all love it so much here at Superette. I love a good leather jacket and West 14 gets it right every season with great cuts and detailing. I find each season I justify to myself why I need another one! Then Ksubi is great for their tees and denim.

From Superette Space I am a huge fan of Kip and Co bed linen and the new Bloomingville homeware. Then we have just received the cutest range of Varpunen Saks (from Finland) in cute geo shapes. Perfect for on decks with towels in or for hiding away kids toys.

You recently launched Superette Space, a range of homewares and furniture. What have been the most popular products so far?

Our Superette range has been a hit, with the prints and pillowcases being a complete sellout! This is something we will continue to build on each and every season due to its success. Kip and Co, Pony Rider and the recent arrival of Bloomingville has also been very popular. This section of our Ponsonby store has in fact been such a huge success so we are about to expand our Newmarket store (open 16th November) to house the same concept. Perfect in time for Christmas.

With the expansion of Superette, how have your roles changed? Are you still in charge of the buying etc? How many staff do you now employ?

We now have around 30 staff at Superette. My main focus from the start of Superette has been the buying and stock and it still is today. I have learnt to multi-task very well with work – and still love working on the shop floor too, so you’ll usually find me here once or twice a month. I am a pretty busy person but love it this way.

What's inspiring you right now... travel, designers, websites, magazines etc?

Blogs, magazines and travel are always my places for inspiration.

What's next for Superette? Any exciting projects or collaborations in the works?

We are focusing on the expansion of our Newmarket store currently have exciting Co Labs being released with designers every month. Pretty exciting!! We do also have a few other things in the pipe of which will come to life in 2014.

Rickie Dee and James Rigden in the Ponsonby Superette. Image courtesy of Superette, taken for Urbis Magazine.

Huge thanks to Rickie for this fantastic interview. I'm sure if you're in Auckland you'll join me in visiting the Newmarket Boutique when it re-opens! For all store locations take a look here, or shop online here.

Before I go, I'm thrilled to announce the winner of the Cultiver Giveaway. Congratulations to Jaydn Claire Hammond!! Thanks to everyone who entered, it was an amazing response, and big thanks to Cultiver for their generosity.

Pop Factory Shop

When it comes to shopping for the kids, I'm a fan of cool, comfy threads, fun bedroom decor and good quality toys that encourage imaginary play. Pop Factory Shop, founded by brother and sister duo Christopher Hope and Bridget Lee ticks all the boxes. Using their design backgrounds and the littlies in the family to test their products on, the clever pair have created a range of goods that appeal to adults and children alike. I particularly love that their products are unisex (so practical) and their "dark but playful aesthetic".

Based in Tauranga and just two months old, Pop Factory Shop already have a varied collection, with lots more in the pipeline. I couldn't resist buying a couple of things for the boys and I also have my eye on the Superhero Sidekick Capes... if your kids are into dress-ups as much as mine, you'll want to check them out!

I had a couple of questions for Bridget, which she very kindly took the time to answer...

You're a family business, and a creative one! Can you tell us about how you ended up joining forces with your brother (and how your Dad fits in), your design backgrounds and the launch Pop Factory Shop?

The 'Hopes' were growing and with so many young ones new to our wider family we thought it'd be nice to make some things for the littlies that we liked, but as we tinkered we figured some of our friends might like what we were doing too.

We both did a bachelor of arts majoring in graphic design and our dad comes from a canvas manufacturing background. He'd made us school backpacks growing up that at the time we thought were daggy, but now we reckon they're pretty cool.

Where do you get inspiration from for your designs - travel, the web, magazines, your own kids etc?

Mostly from nostalgia. Remembering being young and what us 90's kids thought was rad. The boys inspire us all the time. After all this stuff is primarily for Harper, Henry and Marlo! Our blog Pop Factory has inspiration and work of our own that triggers thoughts, but from the start we knew we wanted it all to be unisex and that helped us find our dark but playful aesthetic.

Your newest product, the capes, are super-cool! Tell us about those.

Thanks a lot! They were right in time for Halloween. We made them reversible like our masks so the little ones can always feel like superhero sidekicks. We encourage imagination. Running round pretending is more fun than not. Harper loves it!

What are you working on right now?

We're working on Christmas. We have pillow cases, onesies and more Little Goldie wall decals on the way, as well as some more patches for our backpacks.

You're still very new, but what are your plans for Pop Factory Shop?

We hope to make a lot more things. We'd like Pop Factory to organically grow into a one stop shop for young families - children and parents. Homewares, artworks, stationery and bedding. A factory shop of popular culture inspired goods. Our next range will be for winter and we're hoping to do twice as much stuff.

Thanks Bridget! Shop the entire range here and be sure to check out their blog and like their Facebook page to stay in the loop.

Interview | Claudia Kozub

A couple of months ago I had the pleasure of meeting Claudia Kozub, a talented Auckland-based interior and lifestyle stylist. With over 15 years experience, Claudia has her own company Style etc and is a regular contributor to NZ House & Garden, Life & Leisure and several other publications. She also styles weddings and events, and is now about to embark on a new and exciting venture, with the opening of Indie Home Collective, a furniture and homewares store in Nuffield St, Newmarket.

During that first meeting with Claudia, I was very lucky to have been given a sneak peek of the store, which at that point was in the early stages of renovating. Blown away by the sheer size of the space, I cannot wait to see the transformation, which will no doubt reflect Claudia's incredible style and love of white Scandinavian interiors, organic loveliness and boho cool.

So inspired by Claudia's passion and free-spirited approach to life and work, I was eager to ask her some questions, especially in the exciting lead up to the launch of Indie Home Collective. Not only has she answered them for us, she enlisted the help of her sister, photographer Eva Kozub to take beautiful photos of her work and home.

Have you always lived in Auckland? What do you love about living here?

I was born in Poland and have lived in Auckland since I was six years old. I love the fact that I can be having brunch in anyone of the great cafes that have opened up in the city and 20 minutes later (in either direction) I could be on a beautiful beach taking my dogs for a walk. We’re so lucky to have such amazing contrast.

Can you tell us about your background and how you ended up becoming a stylist?

I studied costume design but my first job was merchandising in a furniture store which I absolutely loved so have carried on down the interiors/lifestyle path ever since.

What has been your favourite styling project so far, and why?

That’s so hard to answer, I feel like I’m constantly working on fantastic styling projects. Having said that I really enjoy the fast paced nature of commercial work and pushing the boundaries in terms of what I’ve done before. And with weddings I love the fact that I get to work with brides to create something personal and intimate, and the locations can be pretty amazing too! Oh and I get to work with lots of pretty flowers!

You're passionate about flowers - tell us a bit more about that area of your work...

Working with flowers is amazing, I use them in a lot of my editorial shoots and also my event/wedding side of my company. I love the textural element that flowers can add to a shoot and in weddings I love how the scent of flowers adds a sensory element to the event. Nothings adds to the memory of an event like walking into a beautiful receptions that’s filled with flowers.

Your new furniture and homeware store, Indie Home Collective is due to open this week. What can we expect to see?

We’re creating a visually beautiful space that is filled with furniture (both new and vintage), homewares, jewellery, candles, lighting, fresh market flowers plus more.

It’s a place where you can come and set your whole living space, pop in to buy a gift or pick up your weekly bunch of flowers. Or just come in and enjoy looking at all the beautiful things. It will constantly evolve.

How would you describe your personal style and how is this reflected in your own home?

I would say my general style is eclectic with an organic twist. At home it’s clean, modern, industrial with an organic eclectic twist. I love to collect lots of interesting bits and style them against quite a clean palette. At the moment our house is very white. We love it, it’s amazing how bright it feels on a very dark winters day. I love how white can give such a feeling of space and light.

I work with a lot of colour which I love but it’s refreshing to come home to a clean white palette. I find it relaxing. I get the best of both worlds, I get to play with colour at work, and get to relax in my white sanctuary. I try and bring in as much nature into a space in a subtle way. I let it just melt into the interior so it looks like it’s just part of a setting.

What do like to do for fun, outside of work?

Gardening (I can spend hours at a garden centre, I love being around nature), hanging out at the beach - sometimes it’s for walks with our dogs other days it’s leaning how to surf (well more like knee surf at this stage). I meditate and do yoga every day which keeps me grounded, and I read most days. Even if it’s only a couple of pages, I like to learn new things.

I cook a lot. I’m always creating new recipes and we’re just about to set up our organic vegetable garden which I’m pretty excited about. I can’t wait to cook with my own veggies and herbs etc.

What inspires you... travel, other creatives, magazines, the web etc?

Yes definitely, travel is a big inspiration. Although sometimes I don’t think you have to go far at all. I think the biggest inspiration can be when you sit still and just take in what’s around you. There are so many amazing blogs I follow out there that I love (The Design Chaser being one of them). Also Pinterest. I avoided it for a long time and now I’m hooked. And of course interiors magazines.

What advice would you give to those who want to pursue a creative, freelance career?

Just do it! Follow your heart and believe you can do anything. I don’t believe in limits. I believe we are constantly evolving and that we create our own futures, so let yourself be a free spirit and try anything your heart desires. It’s really amazing how things will fall into place.

Sincere thanks to Claudia for participating in this interview, especially while juggling work and the mammoth task of setting up shop! If you're in Auckland, join me in visiting the store when it opens this weekend, at 51 Nuffield St, Newmarket, and make sure you 'like' the Indie Home Collective Facebook page. You can also follow Claudia at Style etc and on Pinterest.

Photo credit: Eva Kozub