Meet Your Maker: Franco Crea

The furniture and space designer, who prides himself on ensuring his work reflects the latest trends, construction methodology and technology, studied both interior design and furniture making to ensure he has the knowledge and skills to produce unique, highly-resolved, finely executed work. This approach has clearly worked for him, having built a thriving practice producing a flagship collection of tables, seating, storage and occasional furniture as well as custom designing pieces for both residential and commercial clients. In 2013 he was named one to watch when his Mesa collection was nominated as a finalist in the emerging designer competition Launch Pad, and in 2014 he undertook the ambitious contract of designing and manufacturing 216 tables and 28 ottomans and stools in collaboration with Cox Architecture and Estilo Commercial as part of the Adelaide Oval redevelopment. More recently, his loath to compromise has been the catalyst for the development of a new bespoke joinery service. For Crea, the limitations of mass manufacture and a loss of artisanal skills across the industry has had a profound impact on the quality of product currently available. With his unique perspective on the relationship between the processes of design and manufacture, Crea intends to redress this with his new kitchen fit-out and joinery service providing elegant, finely crafted, highly detailed, customised solutions. Crea has built a prototype kitchen in his Adelaide studio to showcase the quality and attention to detail clients can expect when working with him. In keeping with his signature minimal aesthetic, the kitchen features a range of materials, including the warmth of American walnut, the elegance of Calcutta gold marble and a statement island constructed entirely from Corian, a chemically inert, non-toxic, renewable and repairable material that reflects Crea’s commitment to environmental, social and economical sustainability. Excited by what this new service has to offer, Crea looks forward to extending his practice beyond the design and manufacture of individual pieces to the creation of spaces in which the materials, finishes and details reflect his high standards and distinct, contemporary aesthetic. Franco Crea is featured on the Well Made website. Well Made is an initiative of Guildhouse. For further information about Well Made, visit wellmade.com.au The Adelaide Review is a proud media partner of Well Made.