The illuminating vision of David Trubridge
David Trubridge, in our design library, speaks to our team as well as some friends from Overland Partners, Luxe magazine and a few other industry partners.
We recently had the honor of hosting acclaimed New Zealand based lighting designer David Trubridge in our studio to speak with our team. Known globally for his visionary approach to lighting design, David Trubridge's work resonates deeply with our commitment to excellence and innovation in interior design. When designing our own studio, we wanted a space that fosters not only creativity and collaboration, but also overall wellbeing. The design adheres to rigorous WELL Building Standards and incorporates wellness principles throughout, so it was only fitting that we feature a stunning David Trubridge lighting piece in our foyer.
In the intimate setting of our design library, David offered our team a firsthand glimpse into the journey of his past as a forester, self-taught furniture maker and woodworker, adventurer and risk-taker as well as an insightful look at his creative process and philosophy. His dedication to “responsible design” (a term he prefers to use in place of sustainability) and craftsmanship left a lasting impression on all who attended, inspiring us to think critically about the pros and cons of each design decision we make.
At the heart of his creative process lies a profound respect for local culture and a deep commitment to utilizing local resources sustainably. David Trubridge's designs are imbued with a sense of place, drawing inspiration from the cultural heritage of the locations he works in. Whether it's the intricate patterns of Pacific Island weaving or the organic forms found in New Zealand's native flora, each piece reflects a homage to local traditions and craftsmanship.
David explained to us that something is only sustainable if it can continue to be done forever. There is not much within consumer-dominated lives that can do that. So he challenged us instead to rethink the goal of sustainability and instead do all we can to be environmentally and socially responsible.
What does it mean to be environmentally responsible? David explained several factors that he personally found to be important, starting with the care and respect for our environment and people, choice of materials, minimization of waste and use of renewable energy.
He underscored that it is not always easy to strike the right balance between what might be good for the environment in one aspect but might have an unintended consequence in another. For example, bamboo is plentiful and replenishes quickly, but it requires a lot of energy to convert it from its natural state into flat pieces. What’s important is to be honest and transparent about your challenges and solutions - as long as your goal is to keep improving.
A stunning lighting piece crafted by David Trubridge graces the Britt Design Group studio foyer in our collection.
Video from davidtrubridge.com
David Trubridge's philosophy is a testament to the transformative power of design rooted in respect for cultural heritage and environmental stewardship. His approach challenges us to reconsider how we interact with our surroundings and inspires us to create spaces that reflect both beauty and ethical responsibility.
We invite you to explore the transformative power of his designs and experience firsthand the intersection of artistry, sustainability, and functional beauty.
Click here to discover more about David Trubridge and his captivating lighting collections.
Projects featuring David Trubridge pieces:
