For designers Sarah Gibson and Nick Karlovasitis, co-founders of Sydney-based furniture and product design studio DesignByThem, design is not simply an activity or a profession, it’s a way of life and a calling. Founded in 2007, DesignByThem has established itself as the go-to destination for exceptionally curated Australian-designed furniture, accessories and lighting. It’s their ceaseless pursuit of excellence and creative innovation, expressed through their past education positions and continued engagement in the A&D community that set Gibson and Karlovasitis apart, leading to DesignByThem pieces finding homes in some of the world’s leading hotels, offices and retail boutiques.

It’s not surprising that the pieces Gibson and Karlovasitis have each chosen for Australian Design Review’s (ADR’s) Designer Selects series are some of the most iconic examples of furniture design. From Clement Meadmore, Dieter Rams and Charlotte Perriand to the work of contemporary Australian designers such as Elliat Rich, each selection sets a standard for all designers to aspire to. 

SARAH’S SELECTIONS

Corded Chair by Clement Meadmore

I love that Clement was a sculptor and furniture designer during his lifetime. The Corded Chair suits a statement in a bedroom or an outdoor setting (if refurbished correctly).

‘Les Arcs’ wall light by Charlotte Perriand

Perriand was a female designer from the 1970s, alongside Le Corbusier. While this light is no longer in production, many of her lights still are. The Les Arcs wall light can be used in a lounge room for ambient statement side lighting.

Featherston Scape dining chair by Grazia&Co

I love the character of this chair – it’s very elegant. Of course, Grant Featherston was an Australian pioneer in the furniture industry. Clare Cousins Architects has used this in a few jobs now and they always look great.

Established & Sons ‘Stack’ by Shay Alkalay, Raw Edges

I am looking to get this for a home office instead of a cabinet.

NICHOLAS SELECTIONS

Brionvega Totem & Radiofonografo

Here are two very different approaches and aesthetics, but both achieve an almost instantaneous response of desirability from anybody who lays eyes on them. Very few objects elicit such instant feelings and capture people as these two. They are sophisticated and timeless designs that do not rely on bleeding-edge technologies to remain valued and loved.

Shogun table lamp by Mario Botta

A unique and iconic piece, designed by Mario Botta in the 1980s. It has a bold, sophisticated, and graphic presence. The adjustable metal diffuser is functional yet simple in its execution. I love that the lamp does not rely on exotic materials or finishes to have presence or value.

Wassily armchair / Model B3 chair by Marcel Breuer

A classic Bauhaus icon. Slung leather and chrome tubing reduce a club seat to the bare essentials. Elegant and light, it was a revolutionary approach to furniture design and manufacturing. It set the benchmark for all other slung leather seats.

Vitsoe 606 Universal Shelving System by Dieter Rams

The 606 Universal Shelving System, designed by Dieter Rams in the 1960s, is still considered by many as the quintessential shelving system to own. It was created to be timeless, modular, adaptable and expandable – a masterclass of simplicity.

Sydney Opera House Foyer designed by Luchetti Krelle, featuring the Ribs Bench by Stefan Lie for DesignByThem

In a beautiful example of Australian designers coming together to elevate Australian design and take it to the world, DesignByThem approached Stefan Lie, the designer of the Ribs Bench for the licence to produce the piece in 2011. Originally designed by Lie in 1999 – the original is a part of the permanent collection at the Powerhouse Museum (object no. 99/45/1) — Ribs is representative of Australian design and material innovation at its finest.

As a result of this partnership, this stunning piece of design has found its way into world-renowned spaces, to be enjoyed and experienced by thousands of people every year. Notably, it features in the foyers of the Sydney Opera House, thanks to interior design studio Luchetti Krelle, which recognised the simpatico relationship between the form of Ribs, the structure of the Opera House and the functional needs of the foyer.

Weaver cabinet by Elliat Rich for DesignByThem

Meet Weaver by Elliat Rich, a credenza that is slightly more creature than object. Intertwining utility with narrative, Weaver showcases the different perspectives of Australian design, celebrating the unique art form and imagination of the designer.

Through these cabinets, Rich continues her exploration of the mythological entity, Weaver. “Weaver incorporates tactility, colour and unconventional combinations of materials as a way of perforating through the confines and expectations of the everyday. Weaver exists at multiple scales and times, continuously weaving together all the patterns that make up our planet,”  Rich says.

The Weaver credenza makes for a sculptural, striking and animated addition to any entryway or living space. Available in copper and ultra blue, the design features crafted timber joinery veiled by hand-dyed woven locks that bring a sense of discovery.

Like Ribs, Weaver came to life when Gibson and Karlovasitis met the designer. “We met Elliat at a Powerhouse Museum one year and instantly adored her,” Gibson says. “Her whimsical approach really appealed to us and we saw the potential for a playful piece for the DesignByThem collection that could entrance and delight people. It’s an absolute pleasure working with Elliat and [I am] honoured to have this item in the hallway of my new home.”

Discover more inspiring Australian and international design pieces in our Designer Selects series, including selections from Kate McCluskey Kyle, Sally Knibbs, Neale Whitaker, Golden, Megan Brown, COLLA FEHÉR and many more.