This week we are joined by the successful and truly inspiring Daniel Kamp, the founder of KAMP.studio. We discuss his career, the importance of sustainability in the industry and of course, New Zealand's design culture.
Can you tell us a little bit about 'KAMP.studio' and how you started it?
KAMP.studio is a design and art practice producing sculptural products and projects. We work mostly at the intersection of technology and craft, combining advanced 3D printing techniques with traditional hand craft. We have an ever-evolving
inhouse collection of products – homewares, jewellery, lighting and objects – and we also work on experimental projects and
client commissions.
KAMP.studio was born out of my frustration with ‘industrial design’. Before KAMP I founded a contemporary NZ made furniture design company which eventually evolved into product and spatial design studio, Think &Shift. Under that brand my two partners and I worked on client projects from take away coffee cups to children’s chairs and retail fit outs. The company was very successful and still is today but I left because it was just missing something for me, something I couldn’t articulate at the time. I sold my shares and did a bunch of travel around Europe and Asia to meet with creatives I admire, gather my thoughts and decide what came next for me. It was during that trip that I identified what didn’t feel right in my career – it was the ‘industrial’ part of ‘industrial design’. We live in a postindustrial world, why on earth would I want to be an industrial designer? That was the thought that began KAMP.studio. Ultimately my practice explores postindustrial alternatives to the design of physical objects. A few self-initiated projects, a website and eventually a full collection later, there it was - KAMP.studio.
Have you always lived in New Zealand? What is your favourite part of living there?
Yes I have. I grew up partly in the country (the mountains in Hawkes bay) and partly in the City (central Wellington) so I had a really nicely balanced upbringing. That is one of the things I like about this country – you can have the best of both worlds. There is lots I love about NZ – the people, the culture the smallness and the opportunities that come along with that. In August though, my partner and I are relocating to Hong Kong, to expand our practices and to live the crazy big city life for a while. While I’ll be based there (and hopefully bouncing around all of Asia) some components of my studio will remain in NZ and I’ll spend some time back here, so KAMP.studio will begin to operate more globally/nomadically. I’m hoping to carry out a project in China when I get to HK, combining ancient Chinese craft with modern 3D printing technologies. This one really excites me – keep your eyes peeled.
If you had to describe your brand in three words what would they be?
Our ethos is Exploratory, Ethical, Elegant but I could equally describe my practice as Totally Fucking Consuming.
What inspires you?
Evolution – technological and biological.
What is your favourite product you've designed to date?
This is always a difficult question. Partly because I can never remember all the things I’ve designed and partly because, while there were certainly some duds along the way, I’m really proud of most of the things I’ve created. The Poise Cutlery is particularly special to me because it was the first thing I started working on as KAMP.studio. It’s totally illogical - really expensive laser sintered titanium cutlery - but I just love the process and I love the objects. It was the first time I allowed myself to really make what I wanted regardless of whether it made sense.
How do you make your products sustainable?
Pretty much everything we create is a one-off or limited edition and all of our products are made to order. I believe that uniqueness in itself is hugely important to sustainability. Mass production creates a kind of monotony that I think is really bad for the planet. You might like a mass produced object, but you very rarely love them and people only tend to keep things that they love. Common objects are landfill in waiting, unique objects are more likely to be cherished for a lifetime. We make unique things that we hope people will love and keep. I’m also trying to promote a more sensitive approach to the use of 3D printing in design. One were, the technology is used alongside human craft and utilises quality materials, rather than just pumping out cheap breakable plastic shit.
What does your studio or work place look like?
Shared, white, open. My current studio is right underneath my apartment on K Road in Auckland. We live on the 3rd floor of a beautiful, lofty, historic building with a shared studio on the 2nd floor where I work alongside my partner, interior designer Alexandra Batten, my team and a bunch of other creatives.
How would you describe New Zealand's art and design culture?
My personal experience is that the design scene here is beautifully open, supportive and collaborative. It’s small and everyone knows everyone, often personally as well as professionally. As a result, competition is friendly and productive, rather than cut throat. Maybe Kiwis are just really nice..
Who is your favourite New Zealand designer (of anything) and why?
Jamie McClellan’s understanding of proportion, subtly and materiality is unsurpassed in this country I think.
What is the best piece of advice you've ever been given?
“Make your own rules” – John Kamp
And finally, do you have any advice for young New Zealand creatives?
Try not follow too much advice...
All images and designs are credited to Daniel Kamp, founder of KAMP.studio. For contact details and more of KAMP.studio's work please visit kamp.studio. You can also find them on Instagram here.
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