Dean Toepfer's "Vase Versa" in red and taupe. Photography courtesy Dean Toepfer.
|
11 Apr 2022

The Australian Designers to Watch Right Now

Adam Cornish spills his little black book of fellow Australian designers to keep an eye on.
Share article

Melbourne-based industrial designer Adam Cornish has an impressive portfolio – including a line for iconic Italian brand Alessi, and pieces exhibited at Salone del Mobile in Milan, ICFF in New York, and NeoCon in Chicago. His studio is at the forefront of the Australian industry, collaborating with names like Tait and NAU; so when it comes to scoping out emerging and enduring talent, Cornish is a reliable source.

The South Drawn Hat Mono pendant range in wattle. Photography courtesy South Drawn.
The South Drawn Hat Mono pendant range in wattle. Photography courtesy South Drawn.
The South Drawn Hat Mono pendant range in wattle. Photography courtesy South Drawn.
The South Drawn Hat Mono pendant range in wattle. Photography courtesy South Drawn.

Luke Mills

New Zealand-born industrial designer Luke Mills worked for two years in museum and exhibition design in Hong Kong before settling in Melbourne to pursue the realms of lighting and furniture. His brand South Drawn (formerly Lumil) is characterised by natural materials and simple functionality, with pieces rigorously worked through from paper sketching to prototyping to the finished product.

Darren Fry's "Sinclair Pendant Light", made with European marble, white gold and blown glass. Photography courtesy Darren Fry.
Darren Fry's "Sinclair Pendant Light", made with European maple, white gold and blown glass. Photography courtesy Darren Fry.
Darren Fry's "Southern Light", made with European maple, white gold and blown glass. Photography courtesy Darren Fry.
Darren Fry's "Southern Light", made with European maple, white gold and blown glass. Photography courtesy Darren Fry.

Darren Fry

South Australian designer Darren Fry has a career spanning twenty years, with a focus on furniture, lighting and objects made from the highest quality materials from Australia and around the world. Fry’s elegant yet organic pieces – such as his award-winning spherical cordless lamp, The Southern Light – slot seamlessly into contemporary Australian living.

Dean Toepfer's "Vase Versa" in melon and pink. Photography courtesy Dean Toepfer.
Dean Toepfer's "Vase Versa" in melon and pink. Photography courtesy Dean Toepfer.

Dean Toepfer

The works of Adelaide-based designer Dean Toepfer, who recently interned in Amsterdam under The New York Times-featured Lex Pott, are explorations in material, shape and form. While best known for his formal practice in furniture and lighting, Toepfer’s forays into smaller objects – like his series of split-body, two-tone resin vases called “Vase Versa” – are just as worthy of attention.

The latest articles
16 May 2025
|
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH MASERATI: The Trident’s tech-laden contender in the luxury SUV segment has a few tricks up its well-coifed sleeve – many tailor-made for the stylish set.
16 May 2025
|
For her debut solo show “Double Bounce”, Cat Yenn explores the thrill of suspension. Here, she reflects on the messy joy of making.
16 May 2025
|
For Australian Fashion Week, T Australia sat down with some of the country’s most compelling designers to answer our AFW25 Designer Questionnaire. Next up: Alix Higgins.