The Quench Collective from Queensland put their state on the map with a new book, product and a host of awards. By Nicholas Sherwood.

Whilst the sunshine state’s design credentials might have once lagged behind its southern siblings, today Queensland A+D creatives are thriving. A central driver of this evolution is the Quench collective: six designers making waves both locally and internationally, taking out Best in Show at last year’s Dwell on Design in the US.

This year, beside launching new product the collective are also appearing at the LA event, Tastemakers, which combines 15 of our best designers in one exhibition. Quench continue to grow across America, creating new opportunities in a new market. “The reception that we, and our products, received last year was just overwhelming. It reinforced that the American market appreciates the quality and humour in our designs.”

Jason Bird of Luxxbox (part of the collective) is committed to chronicling the growth of Queensland’s design industry, and has produced Hightide, a 10-year collection of the top 22 designers in the state today. Those featured come from different backgrounds and crafts, but they share the desire to improve and create anything from the high tech to the rustic. Being a less inner-city-centric state, with a stronger emphasis on outdoor and nature, the designs reflect this yet still have the ability to cater to every consumer.

hightide-book.com
dwellondesign.com
wearetastemakers.com