Norman + Quaine are true pioneers of Australian design. Since they began to work together in 1989, Katherine Norman and Caroline Quaine have paved the way for today's generation of designers. They designed a furniture range that developed a loyal following by interior designers and architects and along the way defined Australian style. They did this at a time when Australian design was a relatively new concept and the industry was a male dominated one. Their furniture is intelligent, playful and beautifully detailed with nostalgic references to the past and has featured in many a design magazine interior. However what is less known about N+ Q is their multi-disciplinary approach to design and the interiors, events and advertising they have designed and directed. Their long-association with Living Edge is testament to this as they were responsible for all showroom interiors, advertising and photographic shoots during their time there. More recently they've tuned their talents to 'upcycling' by taking old pieces of furniture and giving them the Norman and Quaine treatment, with delightful results. Norman + Quaine tend to quietly get on with things, so you may not have heard all that much about them - they don't tend to blow their own trumpet so to speak. That's why we're thrilled to bring you our interview with Kath Norman and shed a little more light on their creative and enduring partnership.
(above) Grace, a stallwart of the Norman + Quaine range
How did you come together as Norman and Quaine, can you tell us the story?
Caroline and I first met In 1984 working for the American based company Mitchell Giurgola + Thorpe architects on the New Parliament House project in Canberra. Our work involved designing the custom furniture for the building-we formed part of a team of four. Our involvement with this project lead to a wide variety of contracts within the industry including manufacturers, some of which we would secure longstanding relationships(with) in the future years. After traveling abroad and working for architects and designers, Norman +Quaine was established in 1989 in a shared studio in Surry Hills Sydney working alongside architects and interior designers. In 1993 we relocated to a Surry Hills warehouse/ showroom to showcase our designs as Norman + Quaine.
(above) Oliver Lounge
What changes have you noticed in the design industry in Australia since you began?
It's hard to talk of the design industry in the past 25- 30 years we have been involved, after all design stretches back for centuries and there is always change. As with many industries the design industry responds to the political, economic, environmental, and social fabric of the times. The Australian design industry has expanded with the advent of accessibility to travel and international projects, media and sophisticated communication technologies. In the past Australian designers looked towards European and US furniture and design. When we first started there were only a handful of Australian furniture designers emerging. The growth and acceptance of the new face of Australian product design with manufacturers, the design community, suppliers and retailers is a credit to our industry.
(above) Louie, the newest addition to the N+Q range
You strive to produce Norman and Quaine products in Australia, has this become more difficult with an increase in offshore production?
N+Q maintain our belief in supporting local manufacture in the country or region to whom we are selling. This remains our goal, however, if change is required to maintain the quality we require we would review our manufacture policy. Currently we manufacture in Sydney and regional NSW for the Australian market and China for the Asian/Pacific region.
Do you each have a personal favourite, in the Norman + Quaine furniture range?
The Demille Chair (see below) is one of our favorites and comfortably fits in to both commercial and domestic interiors. The combination of the elegant timber frame with the contrasting chunky seam detailing and scale of the upholstered seat are very compatible. The expressed finger-jointing to the arm adds a beautiful detail. Comfortable and classic!
As well as your furniture range, the Norman and Quaine philosophy has been applied to interiors, exhibitions, advertising and styling. What ties it all together?
Our combined skills in interior and industrial design, allows us to delve in to all areas of design. It is a natural progression for us to expand into other areas of design (other than furniture). For us trying to adhere to a budget whilst producing exciting and stimulating visuals is always a challenge.
(above and below) One of each from a series of ads created for Living Edge, creative direction by Norman + Quaine
Recently you have begun working with vintage pieces, giving them a new life through restoration and combining old elements with new. Can you tell us what inspired this side of the business?
Norman +Quaine have always been interested in vintage pieces – a lot of our designs utilise the proportions of a bygone era. So it comes naturally to us to produce the combination of old with new - revitalising + recreating.
In a world which is ostensibly dependent on mass production, these individual pieces become collectors items and personalize the home.
(above) Edwardian Tea Trolley
Without revealing too many secrets, where do you find your treasures and what’s been your most exciting find?
Auctionhouses mainly, sometimes discards on the side of the road, they are usually not treasures in totality but in part can be reused as part of a table top or base for example. Our latest coffee table we love – an old tiled top incorporated with timber slats and metals base (see below).
What are you most proud of?
I guess we are proud to have had the architectural and interior designers embrace our furniture in lieu of imported product, which has allowed our business to flourish for 20 years.
Who are your design heroes?
Any designer/creator who has pushed the boundaries which existed in their time, and succeeded.
(above) Stool/side table
What inspires you?
A design solution which is so rational, so simple but immensely clever and effective.
OR a fabulous market !
How do you want your work to be remembered?
To be amongst the first few to design and produce Australian furniture in a European dominated market and to still be in business 20 years later.
Visit the Norman and Quaine website normanquaine.com.au for more information.
Posted by Lauren Evans