David Trubridge believes that both craft knowledge and computer design are equally essential in his prototyping and manufacturing operation for both home and export.

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 some European manufacturers (including Cappellini and Boffi in Italy) to produce other designs. Cicada Studios is a mentoring and employment design incubator for young designers.

The next goal is to establish a whole new ecodesigned Cicada in Hawkes Bay, including a manufacturing facility that would make it a centre for international design production.






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