Roland Smith
Watermoon Design | Email
Where and what did you study and what year did you graduate?
Diploma of Arts (Furniture Design), 2007, RMIT.
Bachelor of Visual Arts, 1998, Sydney College of the Arts, University of Sydney.
Diploma in Foundation Studies (Fine Art), 1995, Camberwell College of Arts, The London Institute.
Where did you head after graduating?
In 2008 I started Watermoon Design and have been focusing on bringing my Gumnut Spinning Chairs to market.
What motivated you to start your own business?
I was motivated by a desire to create beautiful objects and spaces. I wanted to install and build products that celebrated the planet without leaving a damaging environmental footprint. I was also inspired by the opportunity to be the author of my own life and influence design and designers in Australia, making sure we grab the opportunity we have be world leaders in sustainable design.
How would you describe your business to someone who didn’t know you?
Watermoon Design is a furniture, object, interior and exterior space design and custom furniture making business with a commitment to having a creative and visual impact with minimal environmental footprint.
How would you describe the products you design to someone who hadn’t seen them?
Stylish elegant and comfortable furniture and spaces inspired and informed by biological forms, materials and the object’s purpose. We focus on sustainable, recyclable and recycled materials.
What are the most challenging parts of being a designer running a small business?
I think the most challenging part is balancing time and business priorities with creative research and inspiration.
What inspires your design projects?
Our planet and its geological forms and the millions of flora and fauna species we share it with, especially those in Australia. Also a commitment to minimising product’s environmental impacts.
What are the next steps for you?
I want to design and make a number of products for manufacture, work with clients to create objects that they love and inspire them while helping them minimise their impact on the earth.
Comments Off on Roland Smith