Collaboration is the name of the game these days. Joint projects between talented local makers are on the rise, and this afternoon we highlight a project that is collaborative in more ways than one.
Preston based furniture brand Beeline Design recently joined forces with local education provider Design School, to mark the release of their versatile new Flow Table.
Student stylists from Design School (left to right) Holly Miskimmin, Susan Ruzeu, Danielle Mozjerin, Rebecca Leijer and Sidonia Thomas around the Beeline Design ‘Flow Table’ Photo – Haley Kigbo.
Beeline Design‘s Cuban Collection bed was also styled by the students for a photo series. Photo – Haley Kigbo.
The Flow Table’s legs are an evolution of the forms in the frame of the Cuba Bed. The table is pictured here in ‘Seafoam’, alongside Beeline’s Brass Calypso Stool and an artwork by Tracey Mock. Photo – Haley Kigbo.
‘We know our limitations and we’re lucky to have a number of different trades in our co-operative to call upon.’ – Lucy Grant.
With each new furniture range, Beeline Design makes a point of spotlighting a different material. The Melbourne-based brand is known for its mid-century inspired solid timber pieces, though their newest creation offers a more contemporary look, combining powder-coated steel and Tasmanian Oak.
Available in a range of colours, the Flow Table is the latest embodiment of Beeline’s focus on versatility and functionality. To unveil the design, they’ve enlisted some new recruits. Teaming up with students stylists from Design School, Beeline captured a series to showcase Flow Table’s ‘many personalities’, through a diverse array of looks, from modern minimalistic to decadent.
‘I loved the work I was seeing come out of Design School, and had wanted to work with them for a while; so when I was thinking about how to communicate our vision, they were my first choice,’ tells designer Lucy Grant. ‘When I approached them with my concept they were just as enthusiastic. I was impressed by the planning and research that the students put into the shoot, and was blown away by the creativity and diversity of the results.’
Beeline Design was launched in 2012 by Lucy and her partner, cabinetmaker Adam Brislin. After years of producing custom cabinetry as a side project, Adam decided to transition from bespoke cabinet making, to produce a furniture range with Lucy. ‘We decided we needed to back ourselves when I was about to give birth to our first child, and Adam had been made redundant from a furniture company that downsized,’ Lucy recalls. ‘We wanted to take control of our futures, and this strengthened our resolve to make our business a success!’
Over the next three years they put in huge days, with Adam juggling his work for an architectural joinery company and building up Beeline Design (hence the worker bee-inspired brand name!) until they could both commit to it full-time two years ago.
Today, all Beeline Design furniture is produced in a Preston workshop, within the Worco co-operative, which also hosts 18 other diverse creatives. ‘Adam utilises mostly traditional joinery techniques, and we like to push ourselves to expand our skill set and do as much as we can… but we know our limitations, and we’re lucky to have a number of different trades in our co-operative to call upon,’ acknowledges Lucy. ‘Whether it be fellow woodworker Geoff who turns all of our bed posts and table legs, or the blacksmith Henry who helps out with the metalwork, we have a vast wealth of knowledge and friends who are always there to help us problem solve!’ Top marks and respect to Beeline Design, a thoughtful brand built on true collaboration!
Following their successful Makers Collective pop-up shop in Richmond earlier this year with Felix Furniture, Beeline Design are now looking to expand their Flow range, with new designs slated for release early next year.
