Object-makers are a particular breed of designer. They have a vision, generally work alone and it’s not an easy life by any means. However, when success arrives, it’s sweet – and it’s the impetus to keep them marching down the pathway to create.

Two object-makers in Aotearoa/New Zealand are making names for themselves in the world of furniture design and, while they come from very different backgrounds, both are now in the public eye with their beautiful work.

Ted Synnott first studied marketing at university but found that it wasn’t for him. He then interned with a luxury men’s fashion brand, Dadelszen, working beside the founder but also spending time with Cheshire Architects who were engaged to develop and manage the fit out of the flagship store.

The creative environment suited Synnott well but his role with the fashion brand was not extended. The founder of the business explained that Synnott had lots of good ideas but no skills and, disappointed, Synnott left.

Concurrently Synnott also endured a series of injuries on both shoulders and during his recovery decided to craft a surfboard after watching YouTube videos. Surprised by the quality of the outcome, he decided to enrol for a yearlong course at The Centre for Fine Woodworking in Nelson, which gave him the practical skills to begin designing and making on his own.

The young designer moved to the country and set up a studio, worked on his portfolio and also joined established furniture and lighting brand, Douglas & Bec (now Snelling) in a production-making role. It was during this time that he developed the first iteration of his Volume table.

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Feeling isolated, Synnott secured a grant from Creative New Zealand and moved to the city where he joined a shared workshop and began to develop his collection.

Everything changed with a visit to the Stockholm Furniture Fair in 2023 where Audo approached him interested in his Volume and Otama collections, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Of course, this is not the end of the story, simply the beginning, and Synnott is designing and making products from beautiful timbers such as American white oak that takes his designs to new heights.

While Ted Synnott began his designing life through a circuitous route, Dieter Ingles learnt his craft straight from school. Ingles began his apprenticeship with Alloy Yachts, a renowned superyacht builder, and found himself in the world of high-end furniture design where craftmanship and detail are essential. Working on interiors of superyachts required expert skill and the highest level of craftsmanship, an excellent training ground for Ingles.

After five years working for Alloy Yachts he decided to travel and broaden his experience. For two years he sailed the seas, was introduced to larger vessels and honed his craft. Returning to Aotearoa/New Zealand, he found himself at a crossroads. He worked in kitchen and wardrobe manufacturing for a while but found this did not utilise his knowledge of fine materials and detailed design. With no prospect of the type of work he wanted in sight, there was only one thing to do, and that was to establish his own furniture brand, and so, Dietzwood was born.

Ingles works with timber, mostly American ash and recently with American cherry, and finds the quality suits his needs and finessed designs. His most recent object, a bar cart, has been crafted in American cherry and the subtle pink hue will darken over time to give another dimension to the piece.

Balancing custom work with designing is not easy but Ingles is looking to the future and wants to make a name for himself as both a designer and a maker.

It’s good to see Aotearoa/New Zealand designers making their own unique mark on the regional and global stages. These two object designers are passionate and talented and are definitely creatives to watch. Remember the names Ted Synnott and Dieter Ingles, they are the rising stars of design and crafting their own pathways to success.

American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) is a partner of The Object category in the 2025 INDE.Awards.

Ted Synnott
tedsynnott.com

DIETZWOOD Contemporary NZ Designer Furniture
dietzwood.co.nz

Photography
Ted Synnott, Dieter Ingles

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