Rowan Turnham and Matthew Harding studied Industrial Design together, and subsequently collaborated on the Exo light series, featuring crisp lines and a skeletal structure. They are nominated for our Emerging Designer Award for 2015 and their Exo light is available in our special sale event. Here Rowan talks about design and inspiration.

How would you describe your design philosophy and aesthetic?

Rowan: Creating products that are true to their purpose is something I always push. By looking at what already exists I try to find ways to improve what’s already out there by reassessing how does it work and how do people interact with it, as well as celebrating the materials for what they are and not concealing them. I consider the impact of manufacture and the end of life cycle, because the design of a product extends far beyond just the final product. The majority of the designs that I have created are made by myself in my workshop, this allows me to have full control over the sourcing, use and application of materials.

Matthew: I like to be mindful of the environment when working on a design project, and I strive to generate new ideas through my designs.

What is your biggest motivator or muse when you are designing?

Rowan: I would have to say my biggest motivator when designing is contributing to the field of design. I have an inspiration wall in my room covered in products that I love. Just looking at that every day pushes me to design. I know that I’m only one person, but I feel I have a lot to give.

Matthew: My biggest motivator when designing is to have a three dimensional outcome I can touch/hold. This inspires me while working on a design project.

Rowan and Matthew's Exo light series

What has been the most pivotal point or event in your design life so far?

Rowan: I don’t think I could go past the Melbourne Movement at Salone Satellite 2015 Exhibit that I was a part of. I had exhibited a fair amount here locally in Melbourne and Sydney. But going overseas to Milan, Italy blew my mind into pieces. I knew the design scene was big over there, but wow - what an experience. Meeting fellow designers and makers from countries like Serbia, Kazakhstan, Germany, France, Norway and many more just was priceless.

Matthew: My most pivotal point in my design career so far was exhibiting at Salone del Mobile this year. It was such an eye opening experience to be able to see what other emerging and established designers from around the world have to offer.

What (or who) inspired your most recent design?

Rowan: The Exo series was inspired by engineered structures. But the design of the fins that circulate around an axis is heavily driven by its manufacturing process.

Matthew: My latest design (the Frank Pendant) was inspired by the wood turning manufacturing process and the theory of Organic Architecture (humans and nature existing together in harmony).

Detail of the Exo light series

Do you have a favourite design in your portfolio, and why?

Rowan: That’s a big call. I would have to say my Threaded out Table. It looks quite simple but once you pull it apart... The amount of testing that went into turning threads into timber, what timbers suited threads, waterjet cutting aluminium and considering tolerances along with TIG welding and finishing by hand - I just love the whole of process of materiality and making.

Matthew: My favorite design is Exo Series. It was awesome to work with my colleague Rowan Turnham to take the project from initial sketches through to production.

What materials, processes or new categories do you hope to explore in future?

Rowan: At the moment I’m finishing up my Industrial Design Degree at Monash University. This is the final (Honours) year and that means a year-long project. I’m exploring environmental solutions for Melbourne. I’m in the process of creating a litter capture device for the lower Yarra River; it’s not quite in the same category as furniture, homewares and lighting. But I can say that with the litter (thermoplastics) I do capture I’m planning to reuse it to create some unique products like seating, planters and storage items. So plastics commonly used for bottles and containers such as PET and HDPE I would be breaking down and melting into new forms. Very process driven.

Do you have one piece of styling/ design advice for home decorators?

Rowan: I’m really into mixing and matching. It doesn’t have to be all of the same style. Consider the space and how you use it to before decorating it. Keep it authentic and original.

Quickfire questions:

My favourite iconic design is: Rowan: Armchair Model No.37 - Alvar Aalto. Matthew: The new London Routemaster.
My dream project would be: Rowan: Zero waste & emissions. Matthew: Designing and making a mountain bike.
My guilty design secret is: Rowan: Magnation and reading as many mags as I can!
My favourite era for design is: Rowan: 1950s Matthew: I am really enjoying this current design era, as people are developing awesome new technologies and pushing the boundaries of what is possible to do with products.
I am creatively fuelled by: Rowan: Travelling, it exposes me to experiences I would not normally have

Follow Rowan on Instagram @rowanturnham_amassdesign or via his website www.amassdesign.com. Follow Matthew on Instagram @matthewjharding 

Voting in our Emerging Designer Award 2015 has now closed.