CONTRIBUTODAVID or Goliath? RS

That is the question. Or at least, it’s the question we’re posing with this issue’s cover story. When designer Dominic Hofstede asked at Semi-Permanent 2013, ‘What does a designer do?’ and answered it with ‘Everyf***ingthing’, we knew there was a debate there to be had. Rachael McKinnon delves into the world of specialisation versus generalisation in the feature on page 58. It all ties in with our designcentric cover for the design issue, masterminded by art director Aimee Carruthers and with ad support from the most excellent AUT and AJ Park. Also this issue, US-based writer James Robinson goes back to school – finishing school for startups, that is. James investigated the world of San Fran startups and asks, what works, what doesn’t, and which Kiwi cultural assumptions might lead you down the garden path. It’s a must-read for anyone looking at going offshore with their ideas. Check it out on page 52.

Wellington-based journalist Pattrick Smellie sat down for a chinwag with Mary Quin, CEO of Callaghan Innovation and a serious player in the innovation space. Quin’s a big proponent of getting innovation cranking at the Gracefield campus and has brought a fresh take to the organisation. See page 46 for more, including the usual stark and brilliant photography from Mike Heydon.

For our ever-popular ‘Workspace’ feature, we popped into the new HQ of ad agency Y&R to see its new premises in Auckland’s city works depot. Artist Jason Dempsey gave the joint the bash and the results of the recycled space are a testament to making something out of nothing. (See page 28 for more.)

In design news this issue, we’ve featured the journey of a label for Quick Brown Fox’s new liqueur, Lazy Dog; a company producing postcards with a difference and a secret sauce; and a sneaky peek inside Te Puke’s Q Print, with its delicious collection of letterpress candy.

Sadly, we farewell Sim Ahmed, aka Sim Dotcom, our tech editor who’s off to Vend (damn you, Vaughan Rowsell!), but welcome in his place Amanda Sachtleben, whom we’ve kidnapped from Fairfax and don’t intend to give back, no matter how threatening the ransom note.

Enjoy the issue and hit us up with feedback at the links below or email us on editor@idealog.co.nz.

BOUTIQUES OR BEHEMOTHS?