Alumnus designed to succeed

July 2008

Monash University alumnus Matt Smith (BIndDesign(Hons) 2005) calls himself a ‘glorified shed tinkerer’. In reality, he is the brains behind a New Zealand design company specialising in clever, practical furniture.

Mr Smith became passionate about design as a young teenager living in New Zealand. Years later, he travelled to Australia to pursue his passion.

“I chose to study Industrial Design at Monash because I was impressed with what the University offered, and the idea of living in Melbourne appealed to me. When I applied, I was offered a scholarship which helped too,” he said.

After graduating, Mr Smith returned to New Zealand and in 2007 founded his own furniture company. Punga & Smith focuses on practical designs, filling a gap in the industry.

The Sacrificial Chair

“Current trends show a move from over-decorative designs to honest, understandable creations. Furniture will include fewer superfluous details and rather (include) just what’s needed,” Mr Smith predicted.

Take the Sacrificial Chair for example. A Punga & Smith product, it is a seatless chair designed to be used as a clothes rack. Other Punga & Smith items include Peach Fruit Baskets, the Neat Vodka Cabinet and the Beast Rug.

Mr Smith is currently preparing for next year’s Milan Furniture Fair where he plans to exhibit Punga & Smith’s creations. He also teaches Industrial Design at Victoria University in Wellington.

Mr Smith advises alumni wanting to pursue a similar profession to focus on the big picture.

“Decide what you want to do and stick to it. Write a business plan and just start ticking the boxes until you get to where you want to be,” he said.

Links:

Punga & Smith