She's living the dream, and she knows it. Taranaki-based object designer Rebecca Asquith is her own boss, goes surfing when it's good, sleeps in when she feels like it and with boyfriend Tim Wigmore runs sustainable design outlet Unless. Together they've made it their mission to create and promote high quality, environmentally responsible design works - both here in NZ and offshore. "Every action has a consequence," says Rebecca. "Small things matter."She's living the dream, and she knows it. Taranaki-based object designer Rebecca Asquith is her own boss, goes surfing when it's good, sleeps in when she feels like it and with boyfriend Tim Wigmore runs sustainable design outlet Unless. Together they've made it their mission to create and promote high quality, environmentally responsible design works - both here in NZ and offshore. "Every action has a consequence," says Rebecca. "Small things matter."During what hours of the day do you feel most inspired?
Late at night, around 10-11pm when it's quiet. Also when I finally go to bed, and the lights are off, my mind goes crazy with design ideas - I guess it's all the events and experiences of the day generating new thoughts and ideas. It drives my boyfriend crazy because I'll jump up and turn the light on to get my sketch book and draw an idea down before I fall asleep and lose it forever.

How would a good friend describe your aesthetic or style?
I think my friends would describe it as a kind of a new organic style. The forms are inspired by nature, but they also have this kind of simple geometry and mathematical precision. It's a style heavily influenced by process and materials - one of learning and exploration.

What aspect of your creative practice gives you the biggest thrill?
Finishing a piece and seeing it in the flesh, and it being better than I imagined.

How do you think your environment affects your work?
I'm like a sponge. Often without consciously being affected, my surroundings - people, nature, the weather and the feel of a day - will have a direct bearing on me. I've made my current environment pretty conducive to working and creativity - lots of creative stimulation but also areas for quiet time and deeper thinking.

Do you like to look at the big picture or focus on the details?
Overall I think of the big picture but I do enjoy perfecting the details.

Describe the concept behind your design store, Unless.
It's an outlet for designers to showcase work that focuses on high quality, environmentally responsible, contemporary New Zealand design. Chiefly it's an outlet for customers to make informed decisions about purchasing greener design.

At what point in the design process do environmentally sound practices need to be employed for a piece of furniture to be considered 'sustainable'?
From the very inception of a piece to the end of its life cycle.

How do you think people's attitudes towards sustainable design have changed over the past few years?
I think that in recent years more people have become aware of the massive impact mankind is having on the planet, and therefore are making decisions taking sustainability into consideration.

What's the biggest challenge you've faced selling the concept of sustainable design, both to customers and other designers?
Convincing people that there is a necessity to work towards sustainability right now. We make decisions every day that impact on our surroundings and every action has a consequence - small things matter.

What's your number one tip for people wanting to incorporate sustainable practices into their own creative practice?
Become aware of the issues and find out what you can do in your practice to become greener.

Which of your projects to date has given you the most satisfaction?
My recent hanging lamp shade called 'Nautilus', made from bent plywood. Seeing it as a finished piece, it's even better than I imagined.

Who or what has inspired you recently?
A recent trip to Japan was a real eye opener and very inspiring.

If you could go back and choose a completely different career path to the one you've chosen, what would it be?
Right now I'm living in a caravan with my partner Tim Wigmore on surf highway 45. I'm my own boss, I can go surfing when it's good, I can sleep in if I feel like it, and I absolutely love being a designer making furniture and lighting objects in our studio. There is nothing I would rather do - it's my dream job!

What place is always with you, wherever you go?
Samoa.

What's the best way to listen to music, and why?
In a hot bubble bath, with candles lighting the room, my headphones plugged into my iPod listening to my favourite music on repeat - I find it extremely relaxing.

You are given a piece of string, a stick and some fabric. What do you make?
A radio controlled helicopter - I've always wanted one. Or, if I'm feeling less creative, a hammock.

What's the best stress relief advice you've ever been given?
"Live the life you love" - I saw this painted on the roof of a house once.

What's great about today?
Being alive.

Interview by Cass Hesom-Williams

2/10/07

Unless Exhibition
An exhibition of Rebecca Asquith and Tim Wigmore's designs is on at deNada in Wellington until 3 November 2007.