The creation of Rhys Thomas and Kristie Lahey, Nooko & Co places importance on collaborations, working with other local independent makers and artists from Brisbane and northern New South Wales to realise specific products and designs. One collaborative helping hand is Martin Johnston, who also crafts both handplanes for bodysurfing and bespoke furniture (find the odd piece at Small Stall). Rhys and Kristie work full time in design and marketing fields, with evenings and weekends spent with a sketchbook in hand, dreaming up new ideas and designs for this joint creative side project.

Inspired by mid-century Scandinavian and American furniture and homewares, sleek lines, smooth finishes and simplicity feature throughout the three debut releases – the Tube Collection, Fold Collection and Wedge Collection. Intricate joinery is employed to make certain shapes possible, adding to the design and acting as a functional element within each piece. Using high-quality materials like sustainably sourced solid oak hardwood with unique metal joinery, Nooko & Co’s pieces are careful and considered from initial inspiration through to production. Expect stools, bench seats, dining and hall tables, desks and lighting when the made-to-order online store launches soon. Keep an eye on the website and Instagram for updates.