What’s next for Aotearoa interiors and design? After a thought-provoking conversation with Alexander Wastney from Designwell, here are 5 key insights that will shape the future:
1️⃣ Our Unique Aesthetic is Emerging: Aotearoa design is finding its own voice, rooted in our history, whenua, and people. It’s more than just a style—it’s a narrative that reflects who we are.
2️⃣ Honouring Our Cultural Backbone: Collaborating with Māori brings Aotearoa’s identity to life, offering unparalleled opportunities for beautiful and meaningful work. This isn't just design—it’s a celebration of te ao Māori and our shared future.
3️⃣ International Recognition is Rising: The world is starting to notice. Our unique approach is capturing attention far beyond Aotearoa's shores, establishing a distinct place for Kiwi design on the global stage.
4️⃣ Reimagining Inspiration: We’ve moved from looking outward for ideas to embracing our own context. The focus now is on creating designs that feel authentic and resonate with our local communities.
5️⃣ Fit-Outs as a Reflection of Brand Identity: More than ever, fit-outs are becoming brand-centric, bringing the essence of a business into the physical space. The result? Design that’s bold, varied, and full of character.
🏆 Big congrats to Alexander Wastney and the team at Designwell for winning the Gold Pin at the Best Design Awards. Your mahi is leading the way and setting new benchmarks for our industry.
Curious how this design philosophy can elevate your next retail, commercial, or hospitality fit-out? Connect with Designwell to bring your space to life: designwell.co.nz
💬 What’s the most distinctive Aotearoa design trend you’ve noticed recently? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
And if you want to see how Critical. Cleanstone has been used in Designwell’s projects, send me a DM or visit criticaldesign.nz.
#AotearoaDesign #MāoriDesign #CreativeCollaboration #GoldPin #BestDesignAwards #CulturalStorytelling #SustainableMaterials #InteriorFitOuts #DesignForTheFuture #CriticalCleanstone