Join us as we rewind the clock and relive the moments that made 2023 a standout year for both our furniture and the designers who make it all possible.

As we bid farewell to another incredible year, it's with immense pride and gratitude that we reflect on the outstanding recognition and accolades that have adorned our journey throughout 2023.

At nau, crafting exquisite pieces is more than a job; it's a passion that drives us to new heights. This year has been a testament to that dedication, and we're excited to share the highlights that have defined our journey.

In this recap, we won't just be shining a spotlight on our designer furniture; we're also turning the focus onto the brilliant minds behind these creations. Our commitment to excellence extends beyond the products themselves to the talented designers who bring them to life.

Lincoln Sofa System by Adam Goodrum.

2023 was an outstanding year for our Lincoln sofa system by Adam Goodrum. The design of this sofa collection is characterised by the same classic elegance and deep proportions of the Lincoln continental vehicle ranges of the 1970s. In a nod to the car’s bench seat and various seat arrangements, the Lincoln sofa features a signature wide inner armrest and extensive modularity. This sofa collection channels the practical prestige and luxurious functionality synonymous with the Lincoln continental vehicle ranges of the 1970s. Inspired by the car’s generous long lines, proportions and low clearance chassis, the design of the Lincoln sofa collection is characterised by the same classic elegance and deep proportions. In a nod to the car’s bench seat and various seat arrangements, the Lincoln sofa features a signature wide inner armrest and extensive modularity. Lincoln received a prestigious Good Design Award Winner Accolade in the Product Design category at Australia’s International Good Design Awards for Excellence in Design and Innovation in recognition of outstanding design and innovation. The Good Design Awards Jury commented: “Lincoln finds beauty in simplicity, while also leaving a lasting impression of sophistication. Easy to assemble and install, we feel that the endless variations possible with this sofa system places it strides ahead of its competitors.” In addition to winning the Good Design Award, Lincoln Sofa System was also shortlisted at the 2023 Interior Design Excellence Awards (IDEA) and the INDE Awards, respectively for the ‘Object – Professional’ category and 'The Object' category.

Cove by Tom Fereday.

Cove by Tom Fereday has been shortlisted at the Dezeen Awards 2023 as one of six finalists in the furniture design category. The Cove series includes a solid recycled cast aluminium chair, lounge and table cast entirely from locally sourced recycled aluminium machine waste. The material was repurposed from the local Sydney machining industry, and the forms traditionally sand cast were developed from obsolete solid timber prototypes to form casting moulds. As a result, a reinterpretation of the Cove range as a limited edition sculptural cast aluminium series was created. We are now working with Tom on a timber version of the range, due for release in 2024. Congratulations Tom and thank you Dezeen for the recognition.

Pa by Timothy Robertson.

Pa, a new seating range designed by Timothy Robertson, was shortlisted at the DIA Awards 2023. The Design Institute of Australia (DIA) believes that designers and their contributions shape everything around us and that this 'contribution' is most effective when the design is accurately investigated. The awards promote ideas, creativity, diversity, and processes and reinforce design's social, cultural, economic and environmental impact. The Pa range draws inspiration from the profound emotions evoked by the serene ambience of Japanese gardens. It was born out of a desire to capture and infuse these feelings into our daily lives using furniture as a medium of expression. Crafted in a range of unique native Australian timbers and American hardwoods, the pa collection includes a lounge chair, dining armchair and counter/bar stool.

Adam Goodrum

2023 solidified Adam Goodrum as the most successful, currently practising furniture designer in Australia and we could not be prouder. We are excited to share that this year Adam has been inducted into the DIA Hall of Fame AND has been awarded the IDEA Gold Medal. A firm believer that every environment is defined by the objects within it, Adam designs with the philosophy that an object must therefore justify its existence – through its story and detailing. For this reason, his designs celebrate process and craftsmanship, and accentuate components and joinery to create functional pieces with spirit and personality. The over-decade-long partnership between Adam and Cult has produced outstanding and iconic ranges, including Fat Tulip and Molloy. Here at nau, we cherish not only our professional relationship with Adam but also our personal ones and we can’t wait to keep collaborating to bring you more exciting designs.

DIA Hall of Fame
 
For over 25 years, the DIA Hall of Fame program has celebrated the work of eminent design visionaries, and leaders.

Induction into the DIA Hall of Fame signifies an outstanding body of work, contribution to the Australian design industry or achievement in furthering the profession. It is the ultimate industry recognition for design leaders across all design disciplines.

IDEA 2023 – Gold Medal

One of the highest honours to be bestowed on an individual designer, the Gold Medal is given in recognition of those practitioners who have made an influential and enduring contribution to Australian design culture over the course of a career. Members of the IDEA jury individually nominate candidates and this year named Adam as the Gold Medallist.

Congratulations again Adam for your achievements in 2023. Definitely a year to remember!