Meet Local Design, Sydney's Brand New Design Hub

So, you’re looking for a beautiful new... something. A design object. Made locally. Look no further than Local Design, nestled in the heart of the new Kensington Street precinct in Chippendale.

Part design hub, part studio and part gallery, Local Design was a meeting of minds between founders Emma Elizabeth and Tom Fereday, who wanted to create a place in Sydney where people could come to source local products and product designers. Local Design is the first creative concept space that has showcased authentic Australian designers within a heritage architectural landscape.

Home to the work of some of Sydney’s most talented up-and-coming designers, the space is intended to be open to anyone who’s curious about design to wander in and have a chat. “We want to make it easier for people to learn about design, and find local designers – whether they’re looking for a particular product, or need a designer to work on a project,” says Tom.

“It’s not often you can go into a storefront with design objects and have two designers that can talk you through exactly how something was made, and the thinking behind it,” adds Ryan, a fellow designer also part of the space. And we agree – it’s pretty awesome to ask all the questions and peek inside the creative process before you hand over your hard-earned cash.

Local Design isn’t a passive business, hosting regular events to show off the fine creations that grace the space. Next up on the event calendar is the launch of Tom’s own new Wes by SD Element furniture range on Thursday 18 February — inspired by none other than Wes Anderson and his unmissable colour palette of dreamy cinematic hues. You read that right, a furniture collection inspired by Wes Anderson. We’ll fight you for every last piece.

Always looking for the next project, Local Design is sending 10 of its finest to Milan this year, and has plans to move into a new Alexandria space soon. From February 22, LOCAL DESIGN will take over 42 Church Ave, Alexandria to create a new creative concept space that will consist of a gallery showroom, photographic studio, workspace and private event venue.

Find Local Design at 46-48 Kensington Street, Chippendale until February 22. Open Monday - Friday 9-5pm, Saturday 10-4pm and all other times by appointment.

Images: Bodhi Liggett.