His handy work is popping-up in commercial spaces around Perth – you might even be sitting on one of his stools right now. From custom creations to interior work, Perth designer Guy Eddington talks about his recent online shop, designs, as well as his new side-project, Edgar By Design.
How would you describe your design aesthetic?
I think it’s always evolving, but one constant is that Scandinavian, mid-century influence, I guess. I reference those kinds of forms, but I try to achieve it with more of an industrial approach.
Tell us about your online shop and the Donny Stool?
I launched the Donny Stool late last year and launched my online shop at the same time. I’d developed a few products throughout the two or three years prior, but I decided to start with the Donny because it was more producible. It’s quite minimal and relatively simple in its construction, with four identical, laser-cut sheet steel components that are riveted together and then powder coated, with a simple timber seat screwed into the top.
The plan is to start adding to the online range. I’m working on a couple of concepts at the moment; a chair, a table and I’m in the process of designing a few simple kitchen products as well.
I’m definitely about utilising local industry and materials, where possible, which is why I chose to use Australian timber for my stools.
What are you working on now?
I’m working full-time as a technician at the UWA School of Design student workshop, and as of mid-way through last year I started co-teaching the furniture and product design unit for masters students as well.
I’ve also recently taken on a private commission to design a dining table and set of shelves for a house in Subiaco, and I’m always trying to find the time to develop new work where I can.
How did you get to this point in your career?
I started studying Design for Industry (Industrial Design) at Central TAFE in 2007 and completed my advanced diploma in 2009. At my graduate exhibition, I met a few guys from a group called Midland Atelier (a collective run by non-profit organisation, FORM), and soon after I was invited to join. It was there that I met and worked with accomplished designers like Jon Goulder, Nick Statham and Adam Cruickshank.
I was out in Midland for about three and a half years, during which time I worked on numerous collaborative commissions, including one we did for Wesfamers, where we fitted out the whole top floor of the building with workstations and reception desks etc. I was working alongside those guys as an apprentice of sorts and, as such, I learnt a huge amount. Jon became a wonderful mentor and great friend, and I owe a lot to his influence.
I also had the opportunity there to focus on my own designs and during that time I developed a small body of work, some of which I exhibited at FORM Gallery in 2012, as part of a collective called The Pattern Shop. The Donny Stool is a derivative of that original collection.
How did Edgar by Design come about?
A good friend of mine, Tim, approached me a couple of years ago about making him an outdoor, tiled top dining table. I’d never a done anything like that before but I’d learnt a bit of welding since starting at UWA so went about putting a base together. My boss here (UWA), who’s experienced in so many different areas, used to work for a tiler, as it turns out, so was able to give me a bit of advice as to what to buy and how to go about the process, and Tim and I did the rest. We probably over-engineered it to an extent because it’s ridiculously heavy.
Over the following year or so he had so much good feedback from friends, that he was convinced that there was a market for them and that it made sense to explore the idea commercially. So, he asked to catch up for a beer and discuss it, and that was it! I went back and redesigned the base out of separate aluminium components so not only was it much lighter, but we could have them transported more easily. We send the aluminium off to be powder coated, bolt it all together and then it’s ready for tiling. Carly, our table top designer, has connections with different suppliers so we’re able to get tiles in from almost anywhere. She can meet with customers too if they’re interested in a custom design. The options are endless, really.
What’s the dream?
Ultimately, I’d love to have my own studio and workshop; to have a collection of work and a range of different products available, but also have the means to sell and showcase the work of other local designers as well. I want to create a brand that’s like a design house. That’s the ultimate.
Guy Eddington Design
http://www.guyeddington.com.au
Edgar by design