Christchurch is full of success stories, such as furniture and interior design store Trenzseater. Metropol editor Lynda Papesch talks to its general manager Ben Lewis about inspiration, and the road to success. The harder you work the luckier you get, and there is no substitute for hard work. That is the creed that Ben Lewis lives by. He co-founded Trenzseater in 2004, chasing his vision to fulfil a niche in the market for tailor-made luxury furniture.
Today the company has a global profile, and Ben plans to keep it that way for some time to come.
He is continuously inspired by design, through architecture, interior design and classic furniture design where classic detailing provides a signature style, he explains. “I also enjoy, and am inspired by, fashion, art and antiques. Natural materials [marble, stone] inspire me for their unique, classic qualities, and I enjoy the character you get from solid timbers.”
Regular visits to international fairs in Europe also provide ongoing inspiration, along with the new designs each of the company’s international suppliers release each year.
“Being involved with these international brands is a privilege, it is inspiring, and it is also great to have the opportunity to see how a brand on a global scale works.”
Design is a concept that is always evolving, he believes. “I think it is constantly being improved and developed into something better, which always starts with an original idea. It is important to always be one step ahead of the market so your idea is first to market, we like to pride ourselves as design leaders.”
New Zealand designers feature regularly on the world stage in various international competitions, from kitchen, bathroom and lighting designers through to interior designers. “New Zealand designers are always very innovative, creative and inspiring,” Ben adds.
Personally, he is driven to succeed, and motivated to inspire through the industry and interior design.
