Last year’s Launch Pad competition in Melbourne saw an outstanding display of new, innovative designs from emerging Australian designers.

As always, the 2008 programme offered finalists the opportunity to work with a group of top industry professionals and their designs reviewed by panel of international designers.

So where are they now?

Keith Melbourne

The winner of the Woven Image Award last year with his ‘Twilight’ LED lamp, Keith has since been working further on his 2007 entry, the ‘I Do’ lamp.

“I’ve been working with ISM objects to bring the lights to the Australian market,” he says.

“I have extended the original table lights into an LED-based lighting range, including two table lights, pendant lights and wall lights. I expect that they will be available through ISM from around the middle of 09.”

Kristian Aus

Aus entered his ‘Invader’ coffee table in LP ’08, and has since had a great deal of success with his ‘metal petal’ lamp, winning a number of awards.

Aus is currently exhibiting at the Hidden Heroes exhibition in Milan with his ‘Anemone Stool’, ‘Metal Petal’ and ‘Echo Petal’ lamps and ‘United’ stool.

Malcolm Thomas

Malcolm has also taken his 2008 entry, the ‘Flap Bowl’ to Milan for the So Buono! Exhibition.

In addition he has been working hard on other projects including being commissioned to create a range of furniture for the BUG Gallery. “This is an exciting opportunity for me as I have lots of ideas that just need helping along,” he says.

“The challenge is to design using a familiar language but some how create items that have a point of difference.”

Stay tuned for another update on last year’s finalists and more on Launch Pad 2009 and don’t forget, entries close soon.

The Launch Pad programme would not be possible without the support and expertise provided by the Angels Indesign network, including this year’s major sponsor Living Edge.

launch-pad.com.au

Hero Image: Keith Melbourne

’I Do’ light

’Echo Petal’ lamp

’Flap Bowl’