Congratulations to Design Director of Kett Justin Hutchinson, for being named a winner in the 2023 Design Anthology Awards. Chosen by an esteemed panel of industry experts who evaluated hundreds of entries from across the Asia Pacific region, Justin was honoured in the People-Industrial Design category alongside 21 other award winners across the categories of People, Places & Products.
Above: Justin Hutchinson Design Director of Kett
For over 20 years, Justin Hutchinson’s work has contributed to the evolution of contemporary design in our homes, workplaces and streets. Justin has been instrumental in returning the Australian design industry to local inspiration and investment. His collections hero Australian design and manufacturing, with their success proving an appetite for it. Justin’s furniture reflects his understanding of the Australian way of life and demonstrates his passion and commitment to improving it.
Above: Erskine Sofa & Erskine Coffee Table designed by Justin Hutchinson for Kett
Justin’s designs first gained notoriety through collaborations with Australian brand Tait, releasing Stripe, Kink, Nano and Jak and Jil, the latter becoming one of Australia’s most iconic outdoor collections.
Above: Urban Commons Collection for the NGV's Melbourne Now.
Establishing design studio Urban Commons, Justin’s outdoor kitchen Tilt allowed for communal areas to be transformed into spaces for connection. In 2013, he designed a collection with Melbourne University as part of NGV’s Melbourne Now to facilitate growing food in high-density urban environments. Later, responding to population growth and transport challenges, Justin developed a system that allows car spaces to be converted into ‘parkscapes’. It is difficult to walk the streets of Fitzroy, Brunswick, or Collingwood without experiencing Justin’s joyful parkscapes - colourful combinations of planters, seating and greenery that inject life into the neighbourhood & facilitate shared experiences.
Above: Johanna Occasional Chair, Otway Entertainment Unit, Otway Sofa,Otway Trestle Coffee Tables, Otway Round Coffee Tables Porcelain Designed by Justin Hutchinson for Kett
In 2016, Justin teamed up with Cosh Living to found Kett, developing signature indoor collections that utilise local makers and quality materials. In 2020, acknowledging the growing rental market, Justin developed wall hung joinery for Kett – a robust storage system that can be disassembled and relocated. Called ‘Frame’ the system is made in Australia free of formaldehyde, phenols, solvents, PVC or melamine.
Above: Frame Living System designed by Justin Hutchinson for Kett
Justin’s collections have been specified into noteworthy local and international projects, including The Australian Embassy in Washington DC, the Google HQ Singapore, Melbourne, Swinburne and Monash University, Melbourne Bar Arbory & the Brunswick Nightingale Precinct, alongside countless residential homes.
Justin’s contribution to contemporary Australian design is clear. He responds to developing challenges, innovating in residential and public space design to make our lives more functional, beautiful, and connected.