All About Design – DesignByThem

Established in 2007, DesignByThem was founded by industrial designers Sarah Gibson and Nicholas Karlovasitis. The design house is run by designers who are dedicated to creating and producing unique, original products for design professionals and design lovers all over the world.

The brand’s growing collection of furniture, accessories and lighting is characterised by its unique Australian perspective, timeless aesthetic and distinct playfulness. Driven by collaboration, the name DesignByThem is representative of not only the Australian designers that are represented but also the people that help make it happen. Now, 13 years on, the DesignByThem collection has come to include over 150 products, with an ensemble of talented Australian designers and collaborators that continues to grow.

A major goal for DesignByThem is to become a net exporter for Australian design. Behind this goal is the drive to inspire customers with accessible, world-class design. “We believe that Australian design can compete in a global marketplace, and we hope to open up Australian designers to more opportunities by exposing them to a bigger market,” says Sarah. “To produce great work, you need a great team, suppliers and collaborating designers who love what they do, motivate each other and strive for new challenges.”

Established in 2007, DesignByThem was founded by industrial designers Sarah Gibson and Nicholas Karlovasitis.

DesignByThem takes pride in being informative, versatile, forward-thinking, environmentally-conscious and authentic, producing timeless products that work in homes and commercial spaces. Over the years, the company has become known for working with both traditional and experimental materials that challenge the status quo. The collection includes unique designs made from timber, metal, glass, fabrics, leathers, 80-100% recycled plastic and, more recently, acrylic.

A major goal for DesignByThem is to become a net exporter for Australian design.

“We believe that our products must be innovative but not forced. They must be useful but also be enjoyable. They have character and stories but require modesty,” Nicholas reflects. “They must be sensitive to time and to the environment. They must be accessible, appear simple and not be over-designed. They must consider all details, be well made and have value. They must complement each other but be individual.”

The brand has been rapidly expanding with increased overseas business and interest. DesignByThem has supplied leading global companies including Dropbox, Facebook, Google, Nike, Netflix, Sydney Opera House, Tiffany & Co, and AirBnB. In April 2019, DesignByThem celebrated 12 years of Australian design with a solo exhibition at Milan Design Week, showcasing over 30 signature pieces and their first collaboration with a fashion designer Dion Lee.

“We believe that our products must be innovative but not forced. They must be useful but also be enjoyable. They have character and stories but require modesty.”