Design for longevity is not just a value, it’s a way of life. And it all begins with the designer and manufacturer. Meet four of Australia’s most sustainably led design brands as they discuss their distinct approach to design for longevity and unique vision for modern living.
From their innovation hubs to your home, each brand delivers future proofed designs with extraordinary results. Here’s how you can, too.
Justin’s furniture career has helped define some of our most loved landmarks and has been recognised both internationally and locally in exhibitions such as Melbourne Now, presented at the National Gallery of Victoria. His experience spans almost two decades from production hand, in house designer, lecturer and business founder into a highly experienced Design Director who with the support of his team looks to execute on every detail.
In 2017 the studio released its inaugural collection namely Johanna and Otway. The Collections have since gained considerable interest for their marriage of crafted excellence and refined design. Johanna and Otway will form part of the new Australian Embassy Atrium in Washington DC, USA.
The Frame Living System is the result of in depth research into innovative connection systems providing an exact and robust method of installation for many interior walls; from masonry through to plasterboard. Justin was determined to find a solution that was free of formaldehyde, phenols, solvents, PVC or melamine to provide a wide range of functions and finishes to complement each room. Frame has been recently shortlisted for one of Australia’s premier interior design Awards.
Each design is the result of many small innovations to produce an uncompromising level of honesty with a refine precision and accuracy. Always endeavoring to translating materials and form into a strikingly, considered and timeless design.
Travis is the founding Director of Cantilever Interiors, a design led, product based Kitchen manufacturer in Brunswick East. Taking a path less followed, prioritizing the design, quality and delivery of an astute product group; Cantilever supplies unique joinery solutions for residential and commercial projects.
Interested in the relationship between the natural environment, design and architecture, Travis works to continually improve Cantilever’s performance as a company that values design for longevity, sustainability, and local manufacture.
Vanessa Katsanevakis is the Creative Director of Sussex Taps, an Australian tap manufacturer that produces high-end, sustainable-made tapware. Sussex was founded in Melbourne in 1995 by Vanessa’s father Nicolaas Johannes van Putten—a watchmaker and jeweller who diversified into tap manufacturing after moving to Australia from the Netherlands. Vanessa took over the business in 2011, steering the business through the aftermath of the Global Financial Crisis and leading a rebrand that showcased Sussex’s high-end and bespoke tapware and fixtures for a new generation of conscious consumers.
In 2018, Vanessa Katsanevakis was named Young Manufacturer of the Year by the Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame, and nominated by CEO Magazine’s Executive of the Year awards for manufacturing. She has spoken at the Victorian Manufacturing Showcase, National Manufacturing Week, Denfair and Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival.
Transforming a tapware business she took over from her ailing father into one of Australia’s best local manufacturing success stories, today, Sussex is favoured by Australia’s leading architects and interior designers.
As the Managing Director for V-ZUG in Australia, Nic oversees business and brand direction in close collaboration with the headquarters in Zug, Switzerland. Supported by a highly talented team, and aligned partnerships in Australia, the company is at a stage of rapid acceleration, with an exciting pipeline of projects and new products underway. With a diverse experience spanning sportswear, marketing research, consumer durables and automotive safety for children, always design lead, premium brands and own European manufacturing there are many relevant parallels brought to V-ZUG and the future for the brand in Australia. Nic was also amongst the early awardees to be certified by Satmetrix as a Net Promoter associate, personally guided by Frederick F. Reichheld of Bain & Co in areas of customer economics and brand loyalty. With regular alumni exchanges, these learnings remain guiding principles in how V-ZUG care for its team, partners, and customers. Born and raised in Sweden, a few years in London, and since 2002 settled with the family in bayside Melbourne.