Last night marked the beginning of a new phase for Wagga Wagga designer, Rohan Nicol who took out the top prize for his entry, ‘Peppered Sunlight’.

Nicol, who is a graduate of Canberra School of Art, started his career as a gold and silversmith.

His early work with jewellery and metal is reflected in his current designs, which he manufacturers from his workshop in Wagga Wagga.

The Judges particularly liked ‘Peppered Sunlight’’s dimmable globe, height adjustable facilities and light weight material – all functions which contribute to its usability and successful design.

The awards evening, which was held at Est. restaurant above the Establishment Hotel in Sydney’s CBD, was highlighted by a delicious array of Bombay Sapphire cocktails.

Cocktails were put to good use, with nine other toasts to be made to the runners-up and shortlisted recipients.

Runners-up who receive $2,500 each include:

–   Adam Cornish for ‘Twist’
–   Daniel.Emma (Daniel To & Emma Aiston) for ‘Solids’
–   Gary Galego for his wooden framed bicycle ‘Carbonwood’
–   Tomek Archer for ‘Pegleg’ table

Shortlisted finalists who receive $1,000 each include:

–    Helen Kontouris for ‘Breathe’
–    Kain Lucas for ‘Victoria’ side table
–    Marcel Sigel for ‘Weddel’
–    Joseph Ormrod for ‘Genus’ side table
–    David Knott for ‘The Daily Grind’

The Design Discovery Award Exhibition is currently on display at Establishment in Sydney until 30 November 2009, before travelling to Melbourne and Brisbane in early 2010.

Bombay Sapphire Design Discovery Award
bombaysapphire.com/designdiscoveryaward

Winning Entry: Peppered Sunlight by Rohan Nicol

Daniel.Emma (Daniel To & Emma Aiston) ‘Solids’

Tomek Archer’s ‘Pegleg’ Table

David Knott ‘The Daily Grind’

Kain Lucas for ‘Victoria’ side table

Adam Cornish ‘Twist’

Marcel Sigel ‘Weddel’

Joseph Ormrod for ‘Genus’ side table

Gary Galego’s wooden framed bicycle ‘Carbonwood’

Helen Kontouris’ ‘Breathe’