Temple & Webster industry design partnership with UNSW Sydney

Our design capability at Temple & Webster is one of the ways that we bring to life our commitment to design processes and creating products that, quite literally, improve lives. Investing in research and development has been key for our Design & Product Development team as has the desire to support emerging local talent so we were thrilled to recently partner with the UNSW School of Built Environment for an exciting project working with their fourth year Industrial Design honours students. 



   

Temple & Webster Design & Product Development team Matt Lobb, Chiara Lodovici and Roger Wei

For this three-week project, seven students were challenged to develop design concepts that reimagined bedroom furniture to elevate sleep quality, nurture wellbeing, and adapt to the evolving needs of Australians. 
 

“We really wanted to see how the students used creativity, divergent thinking and research to craft a captivating concept that prioritised wellness and revolutionised the way Australians sleep.”

Roger Wei, Head of Design & Product Development

   

From left: Matt, Roger, Temple & Webster buyer Sarah Nicholas and Convenor of the UNSW Advanced Studio Ed Ko

Students were encouraged to apply commercial design objectives and considerations, and to leverage research for a user-centred design approach. As part of the project, Temple & Webster designers Roger Wei, Matt Lobb and Chiara Lodovici, and Buyer Sarah Nicholas joined the UNSW faculty for critique sessions helping students further develop their ideas for production and marketing viability. 

   

Roger, Chiara and Matt with Dr Christian Tietz, Ed Ko and Dr Mariano Ramirez

This industry partnership is the first of many for our Design & Product Development team, who is already looking forward to a second iteration with UNSW slated for 2025 when Temple & Webster will do a bigger full semester program with the UNSW School of Built Environment again working with Discipline Director Dr Mariano Ramirez, Convenor of the UNSW Advanced Studio Ed Ko, and Senior Lecturers Dr Christian Tietz and Dr Demet Dincer.
 

“Our process to selecting industry partners is guided by alignment to our education goals of innovation, sustainability and real-world impact. We seek partners who share our commitment to these values and who can offer tangible learning experiences that complement our academic rigour. The partnership with Temple & Webster was particularly compelling due to their leadership in the online furniture and homegoods market and their commitment to design excellence.”

Dr Mariano Ramirez, Discipline Director, Industrial Design, UNSW School of Built Environment

   

Student Hongjun Qian who will join Temple & Webster as an intern

At the end of the program, the final design concepts that were presented by students was an impressive and diverse mix of multi-purpose bedroom furniture and lighting including a customisable bedhead with storage, a bedside table charging station, a smart wall light and a mood lamp-cum-alarm clock. At the final presentation, Chief Merchandise Officer Kate Perkins also joined the session to discuss design extensions and material considerations. 
 

“This is real-world experience but done in a safe way where we get to try things that the students have never necessarily done or experienced before.” 

Ed Ko, Convenor of Advanced Studio, UNSW School of Built Environment

   

Student Matthew Rajchert who will join Temple & Webster as an intern

Two UNSW students Matthew Rajchert and Hongjun Qian are currently interning with our Design and Product Development team and, as part of their internship, are continuing to develop some of the product designs with the intention of forming a cohesive collection within the Temple & Webster bedroom range.   

UNSW interns will also have the opportunity to work across other furniture and homeware categories, plus meet buyers, category managers and suppliers to fully experience the cross-functional process of product design. 
 

“Our students not only refine their technical skills and creative capacities but also gain invaluable insights into consumer dynamics and market trends.”

Dr Mariano Ramirez, Discipline Director, Industrial Design, UNSW School of Built Environment

   

The UNSW faculty and students with the Temple & Webster team

Stay tuned for the launch of Temple & Webster and UNSW’s Bedroom Range designed to improve sleep quality and wellbeing!