As a kid I got into fights, got into trouble with my teachers and spent too many afterschools in detention. I didn't do well at school. WATCH VIDEO

And that didn't sit well when I come from an immigrant family with really high expectations.

In Year 9 I panicked. I flushed my report card down the toilet. Literally.
My grades were that bad and my teachers didn't have good things to say about me.

My mum eventually found out. She was furious. But what stuck wasn’t the yelling. Out of love and concern she said to me:

"Rui you are going to be so dumb that you will spend the rest of your life picking up rubbish."

Looks like my mum called it. Because that’s exactly what I do today 🤣

Yep, I pick up rubbish—and turn it into a material that helps great designers build spaces that last.

That kid?

Now co-founder of a company transforming milk bottles, fishing nets and soft plastics into Cleanstone. With my parents support I might add! 🤣

100% recycled.
100% recyclable.
Low carbon.
Made to be used again and again.

Because most fit outs and renovations ends up in landfill. Most interiors still use short-life materials like MDF and laminate. But great designers choose better.

And I'm proud to say that Cleanstone now lives in retail stores, public buildings, and commercial spaces across Aotearoa and Australia.

Made from rubbish. Designed for legacy.

I guess that’s why I do what I do.

Full Podcast episode with the talented Evie Kempdrops Friday. Her story is incredible.

And if you're wondering, Misunderstood is a podcast for designers who see the world differently. It's for those at some point in their lives were told they will amount to nothing.

Follow me here or @critical.things to catch it first.