This year is shaping up to be a big year for Aussie design studio Made by Pen with the introduction of new collaborations, more sustainable practices and an expansion into Queensland.
Made by Pen proved itself as an archetype for design in 2019, winning various awards including Best in Class of Furniture and Lighting Good Design Award, and Australian Product of the Year at its inaugural showing at Denfair.
2020 will see more of the studio’s signature pared back, inventive style with two of Pen’s top designers, Nick Rennie and Jim Hannon-Tan, returning with new collaborations.
As the studio continues its commitment to good design, there will be a reinvention in the studio’s practice and approach to design.
Transitioning into the new decade, Made by Pen will focus and expand on the standards which have helped the studio to flourish.
“Expect products which imbue all the characteristic of what we believe is good design,” director Susan Chung says.
This, Pen defines as “well-designed and articulated products where quality, aesthetic and functionality are measured equally in design. We will continue to challenge consumer product choice.”
Further, the studio will look to reduce its carbon footprint and support more responsible material choices in product design. Small batch production will remain ensuring wastage is minimised, and production quality is maintained.
In addition to its Melbourne headquarters, Made by Pen will be opening a new office in Brisbane as well as seeking opportunities for manufacturing in Queensland.
Across the border, Made by Pen is now being stocked in the US by retailer DesignMilk and Soren Liv in New Zealand. It also launched a pop-up collaboration in the US with Nordstrom for The Dog Room by Michael Ong mid-February with great success.
