Expect the Unexpected – Material Creative

Beginning with little more than a passion for good design, Material Creative has grown to become an award-winning interior design studio renowned for creating sleek, considered and well executed interiors, with projects ranging from cafes and bars to high-end homes and hotel fit-outs.

The idea for Material Creative was hatched on the slopes of the French Alps by friends and Co-Founders Toni Brandso and Liv Patience. Returning home to Auckland, the pair decided to follow their dream of starting a business together but, unfortunately, chose one of the most inopportune times in recent history to do so: the beginning of the GFC. Despite this, the studio managed to find its feet, beginning with the understated, rustic leanings of the iconic Piha Cafe. From there, they built a reputation as boutique designers who could put an unexpected spin on interiors, with projects completed throughout New Zealand.

The idea for Material Creative was hatched on the slopes of the French Alps by friends and Co-Founders Toni Brandso and Liv Patience.

“Our early projects were very hands-on, exploratory and art-based, and we sourced and restored a lot of the furniture and materials ourselves,” says Liv. “We became experts in the art of the commercial kitchen, utilising small spaces and pushing boundaries to produce beautiful designs. This then opened the door into bars and restaurants, continuing on into hotels and high-end residential projects.”

Known for their ability to create bespoke interiors that surprise and delight, the studio has gone on to win copious interior design awards, including 19 Best Award accolades, several Interior Awards and Red Awards, two projects being recognised by the Eat Drink Design Awards and a shortlist for Naumi Hotel at the coveted Inside World Festival of Interiors in Amsterdam.

Known for their ability to create bespoke interiors that surprise and delight, the studio has gone on to win copious interior design awards, including 19 Best Award accolades, several Interior Awards and Red Awards, two projects being recognised by the Eat Drink Design Awards and a shortlist for Naumi Hotel at the coveted Inside World Festival of Interiors in Amsterdam.

Liv says the studio’s aim is to always be authentic to the client. “We take briefs very seriously and do a lot of research before beginning, as we don’t design to trends but to the client and location,” she says. “We like to be thoughtful in our approach and are a very material-based studio, always seeking out beautiful textures and materials – from fabrics to stone. We remain curious in our approach and constantly ask ourselves ‘how does this feel?’ rather than ‘how does this look?’.”

The studio takes a collaborative approach to all projects, beginning with the creation of a concept before moving on to develop detailed design plans. “We like to oversee our projects from start to finish, so site observation is a key element at the end to ensure the project runs smoothly,” says Liv. “We also provide full procurement services – we love to source all of the furniture, lighting and soft fittings.”

Some recent major projects have included the Naumi Studio Hotel in Wellington, a boundary-pushing hotel destination that uses layers of materials and colours to create a narrative; the Hanmers Fable Hotel, which pays homage to Californian and Spanish architectural ideals by creating a calm and timeless oasis in this resort town; and the Ormiston Town Centre food court, an authentically cosy space that veers away from the usual shopping mall style with an unexpectedly human atmosphere.

Now with a team of eight – and growing – Material Creative has proved that passion, collaboration and, most of all, an original vision are key to excellent interior design.