Establishing a business is challenging at the best of times, however, deciding to create a range of products and go to market in 2020 was certainly a very brave idea considering the pandemic. Or was it?
For Nelli and Juri Hegi it was the perfect time to make their sideline passion of designing and manufacturing furniture a professional business and the results in 2023 speak for themselves.
For the husband-and-wife duo, Hegi Design House was an inevitability. They had been making bespoke furniture as a hobby and then took the plunge and conceived Hegi Design House, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Both Nelli and Juri moved to Australia from Germany when Nelli was offered a marketing internship in Australia. Originally from Kazakhstan, each has their own area of expertise – Nelli in international business, art and marketing and Juri in fine furniture making and art.
The products that they create together are inspirational and unique, with the continuum between the various furniture pieces, the sphere and circle motif, attention to every detail and, of course, comfort.
With their European backgrounds, the Hegis understand heritage, authenticity and furniture that stands the test of time. Through their families, they both experienced and understood that furniture should be passed from one generation to the next, as good design is made to last. This same attitude is applied to the designs that leave their factory floor today – quality furniture with fine contemporary design.
Together, the collections comprise some 40-plus pieces and include dining, coffee and bedside tables, stools and barstools, a daybed, an ottoman and several styles of chairs. There is a representation of the sphere and circle motif in many products with voluptuous rounded arms and an oversized playful aesthetic, such as the Waldo and Bling Bling ranges.
In contrast, the Talas Lounge Chair is sleek and pared back in its design language. However, what sets Hegi Design House apart from its peers is the opportunity for bespoke design and limited editions.
Only twelve of one design are produced, handmade in the factory at Gerringong on the south coast of New South Wales where the couple live. Clients are welcome to visit, touch and see the furniture in-situ, however, online is where most business is conducted.
Sustainability is also intrinsic to the offering. There are no off-cuts left for waste as all material is reused; products are crafted only from certified hardwood and with each order 25 trees are planted; and when products are delivered, they are wrapped in blankets that are then returned so that there is no cardboard or plastic waste.
There are exciting new collections on the horizon with the Hegi X Pietro Franceschini range launching in October and a console/desk in collaboration with Jem Juthamat to follow. There has been much work on creating a digital authentication marker that will be attached to products and will provide the back story to each design and attest to its origins, which will be launched later in the year, while in 2024, an outdoor range will be added to the collection.
With orders, not only from Australia but Japan and Sweden, Hegi Design House is making its presence felt on the local and global markets. Nelli and Juri Hegi are definitely a couple to watch as they successfully design and manufacture their way to success.
Hegi Design House
hegidesignhouse.com
Photography
Nic Gossage
