A respected leader in environmentally-responsible design and a trend-setter. Having crafted a stunning collection of lighting designs for over two decades, David Trubridge has become a visionary in the world of lighting.
Trubridge’s first lighting design, the Coral Pendant, was created during his time teaching in Australia. This timeless creation exemplifies his passion for the environment. It celebrates coral beauty, while drawing attention to environmental challenges the reef faces.
Twenty years on from the launch of Coral and spurred by his latest book, The Other Way, David recently made a journey to search for new inspiration. “I always take time out to wander the Australian countryside whenever I visit these shores. I love the open landscape. It allows you to see for miles, and this is something I find nurtures creativity,” he explains. “One of the things I address in The Other Way is the idea of getting off the beaten track. In other words, don’t always feel the need to follow a defined path because it represents where someone has been before you. As for my design thinking, this means I’m always trying to find a new route or a different way of doing things.” This fundamental philosophy started in Australia during his many years of hiking.
A local approach to sustainability
David believes the industry needs to move away from homogenisation and return to more traditional ways of thinking about design. “Take the design of something like a grass hut, for example. If we were to build on that as an idea and return to an Indigenous way of thinking in our design, using local skills and flavour, we can start moving away from the universal style that I see popping up everywhere,” he says. “With the addition of technology and contemporary production methods such as 3D printing, we can actually achieve a more sensitive form of design. In fact, we’re currently working with a research institute in Rotorua to develop a new material for our lighting. Using locally grown products, it will have a better end-of-life outcome and in the long run, be more sustainable.”
David Trubridge, a leader in sustainable designs, has always championed the shift to a more sustainable approach to production. This is evident in his latest creation, the Toru. Inspired by microscopic diatoms and named after the Te Reo Maori word for “three”. Diatoms are especially important for the health of our oceans. They convert dissolved carbon dioxide in the water into oxygen. So for each Toru sold, the company makes a donation to Sustainable Coastlines.
About the David Trubridge Design Range
David Trubridge designs are available in Australia through Mondoluce. These also include his work, the Toru and the Coral. According to Mondoluce’s general manager, Trubridge’s products are perennially popular for good reason. “David is known as New Zealand’s premier sustainable designer. His nature-inspired designs have been captivating Australian consumers for decades,” she said. “The environment-first approach David takes to everything he does is something that really resonates with our audience. The creative designs he continues to conceive are now a focal point in many Australian homes.” David Trubridge, a leader in sustainable designs.
To find out more about the iconic David Trubridge range, visit the Mondoluce website. mondoluce.com
