Open Studio #5... Dean Toepfer

Product and lighting designer Dean Toepfer creates sleek, utilitarian pieces with a distinctive personality. Whether it’s a functional vase in an unlikely material, or exaggerating the proportions of a classic sling chair and upholstering it in a musk pink shag, his designs keep materiality front of mind. After a lengthy career in fashion, Dean pivoted his focus to furniture and lighting, and we’re so glad he did.

Photos by Vanessa Heath.

Can you tell us a little about your background?

Originally, I studied fashion after school and ended up landing a position with a Brisbane-based clothing label as a national sales manager. The position evolved into international sales where I was attending trade shows in Europe and America whilst also managing offshore production for international accounts. After a few years working within the fashion industry I felt a change was needed and wanted to pursue a more holistic and creative path. From there I moved to Melbourne and undertook an Associate Degree in Design at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), where I found my passion for furniture and lighting. Upon graduating I applied for a spot in JamFactory's furniture Associate Training Program so I could further build my skillset as a designer.

Tell us about your studio

I share the studio with Luca Lettieri, we first met as Associates in 2018. On leaving the program the timing was right and we were both looking for a studio space at the same time. I think it's a great mix, we both have very different approaches to design and making, it's a nice contrast.

As for my own practice, what starts with experimentation of shape and form, is then brought to life through materiality, process and technique. I have always been drawn to designing seating and lighting, I very much like the vast differences between the functionality and the challenges that both provide when designing a new piece. My main aim when designing a piece is to create intriguing objects with character and aesthetic sensibility.

“My main aim when designing a piece is to
create intriguing objects with character
and aesthetic sensibility.”

Product development and material samples line the shelves of Dean’s Studio.

You’re quite diverse in your choice of material. How does this inform your practice?

With each new project, I'm always keen to explore new processes or materials that I haven't previously used. I enjoy the challenges involved as there is a substantial amount of research and problem-solving attached to understanding the qualities and restraints. Sometimes I go into a project with certain expectations or ideas and things don't always go to plan, but through these experiences, new and unexpected ideas are born. Through challenging myself with projects, I'm learning alternate ways to approach my design process, which in turn informs my practice. I feel I always need to be challenging my skill set in one way or another.

“Sometimes I go into a project with certain expectations or ideas and things don't always go to plan, but through these experiences, new and unexpected ideas are born.”

How are you staying inspired right now?

This year has been a bit of an odd one to say the least, but staying inspired and motivated has been one of the main focuses. It has been a good time for me to take one step back, to re-evaluate and refocus energy into areas within my practice that I may have neglected in the past. I get inspiration from many different places, there is not one main source. I like to keep an open mind to draw inspiration from the small and minute day to day details of life, making the most of things that I find interesting or beautiful. I am quite fortunate to be a part of a large creative cohort, this is also a constant source of motivation and inspiration.

A drinks trolley made from a terrazzo Marblo.

How do you like to spend your time outside of your studio?

When I do take timeout I like to reset and relax. I love a Sunday at home, bit of gardening and doing bits and bobs around the house, a market shop, followed by a nice meal and sometimes a catch up with friends.

What's next for you?

I'm currently developing a new product that I'll be looking to wholesale and sell direct online. This is a new area for me, so I’m currently in the midst of setting up a web-shop, arranging packaging, finalising labelling and all the other finer details that come along with the launch of a new project. I also have plans for a show overseas next year, so I'm starting to develop new work for that as well.

deantoepfer.com