Adam Goodrum is a name synonymous with innovative design. In a collaboration with Axolotl, Goodrum has designed and crafted the striking 2024 IDEA trophy that celebrates excellence in Australian design. His journey from a beachside suburb in Perth to becoming a notable figure in the design world is a compelling narrative of creativity, collaboration and the quest for artistic expression.

After thirteen years of celebrating Australian design excellence through the IDEA Awards, Axolotl is thrilled to embark on a new era of trophy design. Beginning in 2024, Axolotl will partner annually with each Gold Winner to push the boundaries of innovation, exploring new materials and fabrication techniques to craft an award that embodies the winner’s unique design aesthetic. 

“We’re honoured to work alongside the best of the best, starting with none other than Adam Goodrum – a perfect choice to launch this creative journey,” Axolotl CEO Kris Torma says.

Raised in the 1980s, Goodrum was immersed in a culture rife with craftsmanship. With a penchant for building cubby houses, billy carts and surfboard trolleys as a youth, his hands-on upbringing instilled a deep appreciation for ‘making’, passed down through generations from his parents and grandparents. “When I was growing up, there was a strong backyard-making culture,” Goodrum recalls. “Everyone had a backyard shed. My childhood was filled with building.” 

Goodrum’s artistic inclinations matured in high school where he thrived under the guidance of a passionate art teacher. Initially considering a career as an artist, he stumbled upon industrial design, which, at that time, was a relatively obscure discipline. “It felt like the perfect blend of my love for art, maths and making,” he explains. With this adjusted focus, he pursued a Bachelor of Industrial Design at the University of Technology Sydney, which would pave the way for his future career.

A recurring theme in Goodrum’s work is the interaction between art and design. “Geometry creates form, and art creates expression,” he tells inside. This philosophy has guided his approach to the design of the 2024 IDEA trophy, where he sought to infuse artistic sensibility into a functional piece. “Nowadays, the lines between art and design are increasingly blurred,” he says, highlighting how his role encompasses both conceptual creativity and practical execution.

Goodrum’s collaborations with various artists and companies have further shaped his approach. One standout experience was his partnership with French marquetry artisan Arthur Seigneur. Together, they founded the studio Adam and Arthur, where they create bespoke objects that celebrate the unique properties of straw. “This collaboration has allowed us to reinvent tradition,” he shares, reflecting on the innovative outcomes of blending different skill sets.

Crafting the IDEA trophy and looking to the future

The 2024 IDEA trophy represents a significant milestone in Goodrum’s career, marked by a desire to convey celebration through design. “Typically, trophies are quite sober, which I find odd,” he says. “They should reflect joy and accomplishment.” For his current iteration, Goodrum opted for a vibrant palette, constructing the trophy from coloured mirrored glass.  Quoting Wassily Kandinsky, Goodrum states, “Colour has the power to provoke psychic vibrations,” emphasising the emotional connection he aims to evoke through his work.

Beyond aesthetics, Goodrum designed the trophy to serve a functional purpose. “It’s not just an ornament; it’s a vessel that embodies celebration,” he explains. This highlights his commitment to creating pieces that are both beautiful and meaningful.

As Goodrum reflects on the IDEA trophy, he looks forward to the next chapter in his creative journey. “As cliché as it sounds, my dream project is always my next project,” he states. “I’m currently developing new collections for Cult and Tait, alongside international collaborations.” His studio is also exploring exciting avenues in luxury design, working on watches, eyewear and jewellery.

In every endeavour, Goodrum’s philosophy remains consistent: to merge artistry with function and create pieces that tell a story. Guided by a childhood passion for making, a collaborative spirit and an unwavering commitment to innovation, Goodrum’s journey continues to inspire and shape the future of design. The IDEA trophy is not just a symbol of achievement; it embodies the essence of Goodrum’s quest – a celebration of creativity and craftsmanship.

Images provided.

This article originally appeared in issue 120 of inside magazine. Grab your copy here.