The Local Project draws on a wide range of mediums to explore narratives around design, from how it is created to how it is used.
Print is tangible, creating a direct, physical connection between reader and subject matter especially relevant in a world where virtual interaction is becoming the norm.
Video offers an unparalleled ability to explore the immersive, experiential qualities of spaces and hear architects, designers, makers, and suppliers speak about their work in their own words.
Digital, social media and e-mail, meanwhile, are instantaneous platforms. Able to be constantly updated with the latest news, they offer a valued immediacy that underpins the connection with our community.
Print, video, digital and social media all have their own unique storytelling potential, and we’re inspired by the power of these different mediums to communicate the biggest ideas, the finest details and everything in between.
Working across multiple mediums, we explore architecture, interiors, design and art of Australia, New Zealand and North America. From the Blue Mountains to Waiheke, Christchurch to Manhattan, California to Auckland, The Local Project is dedicated to championing the design community of our local region.
The Local Project features are in-depth stories exploring residential and commercial projects, collections, exhibitions and events.
Published three times a year, The Local Project print periodical showcases the best of architecture and design from Australia, New Zealand and North America.
Covering local architecture and interiors, the Project Galleries represent a comprehensive collated online source of project images and information.
From the emerging to the established, The Local Project Profiles showcase architects, designers, makers, studios and brands.
Video produced by The Local Project provides an immersive insight into the best of local design, interiors and architecture.
The Local Marketplace presents a curated selection of local design, furniture, art, materials and objects.
The Local Project was founded in 2016 by Aidan Anderson. At the time, Aidan was working as a furniture maker and observed first hand that, while there was a burgeoning interest in local design across the community, there were few channels connecting designers and makers directly with those interested in their work.
What began as an Instagram account has expanded to encompass digital and print media as well as video, becoming Australia, New Zealand and Asia-Pacific’s fastest growing design publication. Most recently, in April 2023, The Local Project broadened its scope to cover North America, marking an exciting step in its exploration of locality and design.
The first issue of The Local Project print publication was released in 2019. This foray into print was conceived as a way of offering something tangible to The Local Project’s growing community and acknowledging the significance of design as a physical object. The print publication has since expanded to encompass two additional titles – The Commercial Project and The Local Marketplace – and 2022 saw the release of The Local Project’s first hardcover book, 10.
Over the years, The Local Project’s video content has evolved, and the YouTube channel – which has amassed one million subscribers and one hundred million video plays – represents a new way of interacting with the existing audience and of reaching new eyes around the globe.
These efforts have been recognised at the Mumbrella Publish Awards; in 2022, The Local Project was awarded Best Use of Video for its video of James Stockwell Architect’s Bunkeren and in 2023, it was named Publication of the Year. The hardcover book was also highly commended for Special Edition of the Year.
Since The Local Project began, it has been proud to champion the best of local design, from the small workshop of an up-and-coming designer to the most established names in the industry.
