For small, up-and-coming firms, adaptability and diversity is the key to survival, as Michelle Jansen van Rensburg of @qubed design tells Indesignlive.
September 14th, 2011
Established by Michelle Jansen van Rensburg and Carl Coyle in 2006, @qubed design is a small Sydney firm that exemplifies the sort of multi-skilled approach and diverse portfolio that many young businesses must embrace in order to survive in a risky and uncertain post-GFC climate.
The practice was established while Michelle and Carl held positions in large design firms.
“When the GFC hit we were both affected by it,” says Michelle.
“Both companies were hit quite hard and lost projects and large numbers of staff. This was devastating at the time and a difficult period financially, but it was also the opportunity we had been waiting for to dedicate ourselves to the business we had initially set up.”
With a portfolio encompassing exterior, interior and landscape design on commercial, hospitality and residential projects, the 2 directors take care of all the administration, business management, design, documentation, project management, marketing and new business development.
They also head a collective named Sydney House Mafia, a DJ co-operative and event management company that capitalises on Carl’s DJ skills and industry contacts.
“We always knew that we needed a Plan B,” Michelle explains of the joint venture.
“Plan B was born on a recent holiday; as we all know a holiday affords you the time to think about things in a fresh perspective. Design is a passion and our career choice, music and travel our other passion.”
Both were put to perfect use in @qubed design’s latest project, the POP Culture installation for Café Culture which transformed the furniture company’s showroom into a pop-up bar and DJ lounge during Saturday in Design.
“We realised that to survive in today’s climate we need to be flexible in all that we do and that diversification is key,” Michelle explains.
“By having more than one company and more than one passion, we can rely on one when the other is a little slow, and vice versa.”
@qubed design
atqubeddesign.com
A searchable and comprehensive guide for specifying leading products and their suppliers
Keep up to date with the latest and greatest from our industry BFF's!
In the pursuit of an uplifting synergy between the inner world and the surrounding environment, internationally acclaimed Interior Architect and Designer Lorena Gaxiola transform the vibration of the auspicious number ‘8’ into mesmerising artistry alongside the Feltex design team, brought to you by GH Commercial.
Channelling the enchanting ambience of the Caffè Greco in Rome, Budapest’s historic Gerbeaud, and Grossi Florentino in Melbourne, Ross Didier’s new collection evokes the designer’s affinity for café experience, while delivering refined seating for contemporary hospitality interiors.
Sub-Zero and Wolf’s prestigious Kitchen Design Contest (KDC) has celebrated the very best in kitchen innovation and aesthetics for three decades now. Recognising premier kitchen design professionals from around the globe, the KDC facilitates innovation, style and functionality that pushes boundaries.
Join us in welcoming your Official 2017 Launch Pad Partner: Schiavello.
The humble butcher has been afforded a rather sophisticated makeover in Doherty Lynch’s design for this Melbourne retailer. Leanne Amodeo reports.
On Tuesday 8 May, Warwick Fabrics are teaming up with industry leaders to showcase the latest in interior concepts for the commercial arena. Carpet Republic, Design Choice, Dexion – Alexandria, Four Two, Feltex, GGI, Gkraft, Harbour Outdoor, Hughes Commercial, KFive, Nufurn, One World, Polyflor, Prototype, Schiavello, Sofas International and Turner Bros have all come together […]
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
Create a configuration to suit your needs with this curved collection.
With Milan 2024 only a few weeks away, we sneak a view of some of the most exciting pieces set to go on show – from lighting design to furniture, here are nine preview products.