Panel Discussion | Sustainably Made Design | Queensland Day

EVENT: Queensland Day: Celebrating Queensland Women in Design

PANEL DISCUSSION: Sustainably Made Design and Furniture in Queensland

Join us for an inspiring and insightful panel discussion on the future of furniture design in Queensland. In a world of consumerism and mass consumption, how do we move beyond green washing and fast fashion to create objects that are made for longevity? How do we encourage our audience to buy local and support our local makers? Facilitated by artisan Board Director, and interior designer and academic Angela Spillane. Our esteemed panelists, accomplished leaders and innovators in the field, will share their unique perspectives, experiences, and the transformative impact of their work.

About the panellists

Angela Spillane, Studiospillane

Angela Spillane is an experienced interior designer with 25 years’ professional experience. She taught for many years at the QUT and is a regular contributor to the Brisbane design industry and network. Angela is a Fellow of the Design Institute of Australia (DIA), and started studiospillane, a brisbane based commercial interior design studio, in 2019.

Clare Kennedy, Director Five Mile Radius

Clare Kennedy is an Australian architect and interior designer, and Director of File Mile Radius. Her interest is in Australian design, craft and culture, local materials, healthy spaces, and environmental design. Clare gained 8 years of experience in architectural practices worldwide before beginning her own consultancy in 2017.

Professor Beck Davis

Professor Beck Davis is a designer with expertise in leading collaborations that span Not-for-Profit, Government organisations, university research institutes, StartUp entities and/or private enterprise. She is a fellow of the Design Institute of Australia and served on the Board of Directors from 2018-2023. She is also a Board Member of Art Monthly Australasia, member of the Design Society (US) and the Design Research Society (UK). Prior to her appointment to Griffith University, she was Head of School, Art & Design at The Australian National University.

Shari Lyon, Industrial Designer Fluxwood Lighting

Shari Lyon's design career has spanned over 10 years, working closely with designers across the creative industry and also lecturing Design at Griffith University for 3 years. Shari’s finely honed background in timber and an eye for beautiful design, created Fluxwood Lighting to fill the gap in the market for bespoke handcrafted lighting while celebrating the use of fine solid timber in the Australian market. An emphasis on thoughtful design and a commitment to local manufacturing has cemented the success of the brand.

Päivi Piotto, Owner Ebb&Flow

Päivi Piotto is an experienced Senior Client Services Manager with a history of working in the furniture industry. The owner of Ebb&Flow, a successful business providing unique and functional furniture and lighting to Queensland’s best designers for over 15 years. With a focus on supporting Australia's best manufacturers and artisan furniture designers offering a Queensland agency for beautiful products.

Karina Seljak, Seljak Brand

Karina Seljak is an artist and designer, and Co-founder & Creative Director at Seljak Brand. Since 2016, Seljak Brand has designed closed-loop blankets from textiles waste to prove waste is beautiful. Investigating the potential and realities of Circular Economy approaches to manufacturing and consumption in Australia, she now educates about circular design at universities, councils and other institutions. Karina currently sits on the Sunshine Coast Arts Advisory Board as practicing local artist, honing her craft in drawing, soft sculpture and installation.

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Queensland Day: Celebrating Queensland Women in Design is part of the 2024 Queensland Government’s Queensland Day celebrations.