The Beauty of Backing Australian Design
- Andrew Mitchell
- Apr 15, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 31
An article by Andrew Mitchell
As a large portion of the design community pack their bags, ready to travel to Salone Del Mobile in Milan next month, I'm feeling pretty chuffed to be an Australian designer right now.
Attending the recent Grazia and Co launch of their reimagined Meadmore collection was more than just another industry event in my calendar. Standing with an impressive contingent of the Australian design community in the beautiful Alto Pavilion in the Royal Botanical Gardens, surrounded by these iconic Australian designs, I was reminded of the immense talent and craftsmanship that exists right here on our doorstep in Melbourne.
This important launch event also marked an important milestone for the team at Grazia and Co, as they celebrate 10 years of business. As a long-time supporter of this amazing Melbourne-based business, it was incredibly special to be present to cheer them on at this festive gathering.
It encouraged me to reflect on the strength and vitality of our local design and manufacturing industry, and the profound benefits that come from supporting Australian makers. Beyond the beautiful objects they create, it's the relationships that are formed, and the stories shared that add immeasurable value to the design process, both for designers and our clients.
Embracing a Distinct Australian Design Aesthetic
There's something uniquely captivating about what I like to call "Modern Australian Luxury". Unlike the often austere or overly ornate approaches of some international design houses, our Australian aesthetic has an inherent approachability while remaining deeply rooted in quality and craftsmanship.
This authenticity relates directly to the way Australians live – our love of indoor-outdoor living, our need for durability in our harsh climate, and our celebrated entertaining culture. Rather than constantly chasing international trends and fads, there's tremendous value in leaning into the incredible design knowledge we have right here.
Our local designers understand the nuances of Australian living in ways that international brands simply can't. They create pieces that not only look beautiful but function seamlessly within our unique environmental and cultural context.
Supporting a Vital Manufacturing Ecosystem
The design economy doesn't exist in isolation. Behind every beautiful chair or lighting fixture stands a network of skilled craftspeople, many carrying forward traditions and businesses that have been refined over generations.
Grazia and Co's reinvention of the Meadmore range exemplifies this perfectly – breathing new life into significant Australian designs while engaging local manufacturers who preserve traditional techniques alongside contemporary innovations.
The DIA (Design Institute of Australia) recorded that the broader design sector contributes over $67 billion to the Australian economy annually, with around 85% of Australian furniture manufacturers being small to medium enterprises. That makes for a lot of sound financial reasons to support Australian design, and specifically to get behind some of the smaller, boutique manufacturing businesses we have in our own country.
The Practical Advantages of Local Production
Beyond the warm feeling of supporting local businesses, there are tangible benefits to specifying Australian-made pieces. The level of customisation available when working directly with local manufacturers is unparalleled – from modifying dimensions to creating bespoke finishes.
There's something magical about being able to visit the workshop where your client's furniture is being made, speaking directly with the artisans crafting each piece. These personal connections create opportunities for true collaboration, where designers, makers and clients can work together to create something uniquely tailored to specific needs and spaces.
And let's not forget the practical advantages of shorter lead times and exceptional aftersales service. When issues arise (as they inevitably do), having a direct relationship with the maker means solutions are just a phone call away, not via an international shipping container.
Ethical and Environmental Considerations
The environmental benefits of choosing local cannot be overstated. Many Australian manufacturers prioritize locally sourced materials that have context to our environment – native timbers that connect to the landscape, materials selected for their durability in our climate.
The carbon footprint of a locally made sofa is dramatically lower than its international equivalent, which might travel thousands of kilometres before reaching its final destination. The average imported sofa travels approximately 14,000km before reaching an Australian home*.
Cheaper "fast fashion" furniture might fulfill a short-term need, but the poor quality of such pieces means more often than not, they end up in landfill within a couple of years. According to the CSIRO, Australians dispose of approximately 800,000 tonnes of furniture and furnishings each year. Alternatively, well-crafted local furniture has an average lifespan of 15-30 years, compared to a maximum of 7-10 years for many mass-produced imported items. Quality local production means pieces are built to last generations rather than ending up in the rubbish after a few years. In our minds this is the ultimate form of sustainability.
Probably the most important ethically-minded approach we can take as consumers is to support the manufacturers and retailers of original design (not the replicas), especially local Australian design. Not only does this feed the infrastructure of our important design industry, it goes a long way to reduce the impact of the illegal copying and inferior replication of important pieces of our design history.
Surprising Economic Advantages
Despite common assumptions, locally sourced quality furniture and lighting pieces often present excellent value compared to their international counterparts from the US and Europe. When you factor in shipping costs, import duties, and the premium pricing strategies of many international brands, Australian-made often emerges as surprisingly cost-effective.
The direct connection with manufacturers also creates opportunities for more transparent pricing and potential savings on projects when multiple pieces are specified from the same supplier.
A Balanced Approach to Design Excellence
At MR. MITCHELL, our commitment to supporting local design exists alongside our appreciation for exceptional international craftsmanship. I've never advocated for an "Australian Only" approach – such limitations would unnecessarily constrain our creative possibilities and our clients' options.
The reality is that certain manufacturing capabilities, particularly in textiles and natural stone sourcing, remain more developed in other parts of the world. Each project deserves access to the full spectrum of global design excellence.
What I do encourage, however, is considering local designs as the first port of call – exploring the rich talent in our backyard before automatically defaulting to international options. This considered approach often reveals unexpected treasures and creates meaningful connections within our design community.
The most compelling interiors often tell a story of place through thoughtfully selected local elements, while being enriched by carefully chosen international pieces that bring their own history and craftsmanship traditions.
I look forward to continuing to create spaces that honour both our local design heritage and the global design conversation, finding the perfect harmony between proximity and possibility.
Stay well.
Andrew
(* Source: The Australian Furniture Association https://australianfurniture.org.au/)
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