David Trubridge began making furniture after graduating as a naval architect in England in 1972. He now lives in Havelock North, New Zealand, working from a home studio, and also at Cicada Works – a group of related businesses in the old Whakatu meatworks.

Trubridge is concerned about sustainability, and his practice is based on a deep knowledge of materials, gained through decades of handmaking. After some years of contracting out aspects of production, he now manufactures his works himself, using CNC (computer numerical control) technology. As well, Trubridge has licensed Italian manufacturer Cappellini to produce some designs.

Cicada Works has set up a mentoring and employment design incubator for young designers. The next goal is to establish a manufacturing facility that would make Whakatu a centre for international design production.




You can see Trubridge's work in the new exhibition Smart works: design and the handmade, from 30 March 2007 at the Powerhouse Museum.

Smart works: design and the handmade

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+ Smart works