MEET THE MAKER

In 2013, industrial designer Joshua Abel (above) joined forces with architect Salvador Farrojota to create The Artificial, a multidisciplinary design studio in Brisbane. Four years on, the studio is going great guns and Joshua is launching his first independent furniture collection, under the label jr.abel.

“I’ve tried to create a broad range of products that pushed me creatively and demonstrate what I’m capable of,” says Joshua. “My range features objects for both indoors and outdoors, kitchen and commercial applications.”

While the end results have a playful vibe, Joshua’s designs are carefully considered. “I often start with the process or detail that I’d like to use and work backwards,” he says. “This makes me think unconventionally.”

Manufacturing exclusively in Queensland, Joshua sources the majority of his materials locally. “The local supply chain makes ensuring ethical and sustainable production a much easier task,” he says. “I want the feel of my objects to delight, and this is much more likely when natural materials are used.” jr.abel Splay table (above), $574, and Splay stools (below), $426 each, available exclusively from Catapult Design; catapultdesign.net.au.