We meet Emma Coulter, an artistic force at Geyer Melbourne.
July 1st, 2009
In a Brunswick art studio in Melbourne’s North a group of artists have staked their claim. The Pea Grean Boat is home to a handful of jewellers, painters, fashion designers and sculptors. One of these intrepid artists, Emma Coulter, also happens to be a senior designer at Geyer.
“Where design is conceived, rationalised, developed, documented and endlessly laboured over before it is even built, my art happens very intuitively,” Emma says, “I paint in the complete opposite way that I design.”
Formally trained in both art and design, Emma studied at QUT and has worked for HPA and Cox Rayner and now works for Geyer’s Melbourne office as a senior designer and creative lead designer.
“I’m a big believer that ‘god is in the details’ and if you can carry the idea through to that level of resolution then I believe you will create a successful project. Of course it all depends on how good the idea is in the first place.”
Emma recently exhibited in her third solo art show, ‘Memory Space’ at Kick gallery in Melbourne. “The concept is basically a metaphor for a collective dwelling space of subconscious thought patterns and processes and the translation of subliminal ideas into visual references,” she explains.
The artist and designer is a member of the Geyer’s national Design Leadership Team (DLT). “We are responsible for ensuring that ideas are challenged, design standards are maintained, and that great design comes out of the office,” she says.
In her role at Geyer Emma has also been involved in a number of notable projects including John Holland’s head office in Brisbane – a favourite of the designer for its “raw and honest detailing” – and BHP Mitsubishi Alliance Brisbane, as well as quirkier projects such as the ’24 hour chair’ for Wilkhahn’s 200th anniversary in ’07.
“I think artists think in a slightly different way to designers. Art is first and foremost deeply rooted in a conceptual idea. It isn’t driven by the same commercial pressures. Art lets an idea be an idea for the sake of an idea,” Emma says.
“I think too often in design we start by focussing on the end result and the deliverables. A little more time invested up front exploring ideas can really set up the foundations for a more memorable outcome.”
See more of Emma’s interior design and artistic works below.
geyer.com.au
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!
Savage Design’s approach to understanding the relationship between design concepts and user experience, particularly with metalwork, transcends traditional boundaries, blending timeless craftsmanship with digital innovation to create enduring elegance in objects, furnishings, and door furniture.
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.
Turning VOC-free, recycled paper into environmentally-friendly lightweight board.
Danish office furniture manufacturer collaborates with acclaimed designer, Kasper Salto
NBRS Architecture have transformed one of the oldest structures on Macquarie University’s campus – the Faculty of Science & Engineering’s Mitchell building – to create an energy and space efficient contemporary workspace that encourages collaboration whilst respecting the historical, social and aesthetic significance of the building.
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
A south coast escape that redefines hospitality architecture.
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.