Well Made: Agostino & Brown's local design focus

Agostino’s background is in interior architecture, having developed a passion for furniture design by working with renowned furniture maker Khai Liew. Brown began his professional life as a chef before moving into design, spending two years as an Associate at JamFactory.

Olive Stools, (photo: Will Matthews)

Together, Brown and Agostino have found common goals: to design and create unique pieces for residential and commercial clients. With a shared love for making things, they work closely with architects and designers on producing furniture that is contemporary and long lasting, using materials such as walnut and American oak. A specialty is long tables and boardroom tables, creating communal work and eating spaces, often paired with A+B stools and chairs. Their work can be found across South Australia, at places like the Stirling, Crafers and Morphett Arms hotels, at 23rd Distillery in Renmark and work spaces JLL, Wax Design and Stretton Centre.

Agostino believes that commercial businesses, through commissioning and showcasing local designers, are setting an example to the public. With hotels and restaurants taking pride in their interiors, patrons’ attitudes are also changing.

Big Fella Armchair, (photo: Will Matthews)

Everything is made in South Australia for A+B products. They employ local, skilled tradespeople and, where possible, source local materials. For A+B, it’s an exciting time to be in Adelaide, there is much support for local design and products, and they are sustained by a variety of commissions and contracts.

However, the pair is concerned that it is harder to find skilled tradespeople, with the closure of TAFE courses and specialised trades such as solid timber joinery on the decline.

Agostino & Brown Showroom, Native Desk (photo: Will Matthews)

Firmly based in Adelaide, the duo is moving towards more national and international exposure. The annual DENFAIR in Melbourne is important to them and they would love to represent South Australia at the Milan and New York design fairs.

They would also like to see a curated design event or festival in Adelaide, which supports experimentation and attracts audiences to experience first-hand the amazing talent and energy that is transforming Adelaide into a dynamic creative and design centre.

Agostino & Brown is a part of the Well Made community and featured on the platform.

Well Made is an initiative of Guildhouse. Explore and connect with the best South Australian visual artists, craftspeople, designers and creative spaces on wellmade.com.au

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Header photo: Will Matthews