
Workroom Design was established in 2008 by father and daughter – Douglas Snelling and Rebecca Snelling.
Douglas is the implementer of Rebecca’s design concepts and together have a strong aesthetic as well as sensibility for materials. The Snelling family have an affinity for timber, in particular New Zealand natives, with the families roots being in rural Northland New Zealand the land of the infamous Kauri tree.
Douglas’ background is in farming he progressed into building houses as well as other practical projects. Rebecca is of fine arts training having a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Whitecliffe College of Art and Design. She maintains a binary creative practice explaining that her design is ingrained in her art practice and vice-versa.
Workroom design uses found material where ever possible and only sustainably farmed timbers. The pieces and hand produced in low quantities. The design aesthetic is clean and functional as well as a focus on compositional balance and materiality.
So what are some of Rebecca’s faves at the moment?
Who is your favourite NZ artist/designer?
Without sounding cliche this is a very hard question as I am from the fine art persuasion I look at numerous artists and in my design practice alot of designers. To narrow it down I will talk about who I like right now. I am fond of Yvonne Todd’s work, I have always been fond of her aesthetic sensibility it has a nostalgia mixed with bad taste and good taste at the same time. This work is from her latest exhibition.

I cannot answer this question with out mentioning Heather Straka’s work ‘The Asian’ I am still so impressed with it. Conceptually this work is so stimulating and dealing with comtemporary issues surrounding the creative sector such as plagiarism and mass production, she successfully makes this topic interesting.

Favourite travel destination?
I think that I am yet to discover this. I have been to quite a few popular destinations, Melbourne, Paris and London. I am yet to see NYC – I fear i may be a little over stimulated. All and all I am quite happy close to home, I had a fantastic time recently on Great Barrier island – I do like simple with very little distraction – I really liked the hunter gather that came out in us…

Your favourite place to have coffee/tea?
We have lovely coffee at our new store Douglas + Bec. It is Supreme Coffee, drip filter made in a beautiful chemex coffee maker. We have been taught by the best at Supreme Coffee to make the drip filter to its full potential and it is so yummy – we also get to try all different beans – its really exciting. We serve it to customers as a wee gift.

Out and about I have to say Good One, Auckland Coffee Supreme head quarters – I’d be lying if I said anywhere else, the coffee is always perfect – I have adapted embarrassingly high standards.
Rebecca will be showcasing her stunning furniture and lighting range at NZ Art + Design Week.
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