Situated in the heart of Parnell’s creative district in St George’s Bay Road, Outline Design has developed a reputation for preserving traditional craftsmanship while, at the same time, pushing the boundaries of modern design.

“We’ve always believed in the magic that artisans bring to the table,” says design principal and owner Victoria Wilkes. “Whether it’s intricate hand weaving, masterful masonry or meticulous woodwork, artisans spend their lifetimes perfecting their skills and their crafts, and it’s these timeless techniques, characterised by soft natural forms and repetitive geometries, that are at the heart of our latest collaboration with GH Commercial.”

The genesis of Nest

In creating the bespoke carpet design for GH Commercial, Wilkes and her team at Outline Design drew inspiration from traditional manufacturing methods in a celebration of the meticulous handcrafted processes that have shaped human creativity for centuries.

“For us, Nest embodies this essence,” explains Wilkes. “The organic forms created by skilled hands lend themselves beautifully to carpet design, allowing for seamless pattern repeats while maintaining a dynamic, handmade aesthetic.”

“Craftsmanship is about keeping traditions alive for future generations,” adds senior designer Juliet Lloyd. “By blending these time-honoured techniques with GH Commercial’s Designer Jet technology, we are able to modernise these traditional forms and introduce them to a broader range of spaces.”

Innovative technology revolutionises carpet design 

GH Commercial’s Designer Jet technology injects dyes into the carpet with precision engineering, enabling the creation of intricate, bespoke patterns along with an infinite array of colours. It is this capability which complemented Outline Design’s vision for Nest.

“The technology allowed us to translate the delicate, handcrafted aesthetic into our carpet design with unparalleled precision,” explains Wilkes. “It’s the perfect marriage of tradition and technology.”

Scandinavian influence and natural palette

Drawing further inspiration from iconic Scandinavian furniture designs, such as Poul Kjærholm’s PK22 wicker chair for Fritz Hansen, Nest embodies the beauty of weaving. The ‘Haze’ palette grounds the design in earthy tones, while the loop pile — known for its resilience in high-traffic spaces — adds tactile depth and subtle shadow.

“The use of rich, earthy tones and loop pile not only emphasises the woven texture but it also creates a sense of warmth and comfort,” says Wilkes. “It’s like bringing a piece of the natural world indoors.”

Bringing tradition to modern spaces 

The team at Outline Design sees Nest as not only a beautiful carpet design but also a tribute to the artisans who have perfected their crafts over generations. “By incorporating these traditional forms into modern commercial and hospitality spaces, Outline Design and GH Commercial are preserving these valuable skills and ensuring they remain relevant in contemporary design,” says designer Breanna Dorman. “Nest carries a story: of heritage, innovation and the seamless blend of old and new.”

The creators 

Outline Design’s ongoing success as a practice over the past 23 years is testament to the talent and dedication of both its skilled designers and the artisans with whom the studio collaborates — every person bringing a wealth of experience and creativity to each project. This collaborative approach ensures that each design is unique, reflecting the client’s vision and the team’s artistic expertise.

“We recently created a custom carpet with this same technology for Safari Group’s TRYP by Wyndham hotel in Palmerston North,” says Wilkes. “These collaborations with GH Commercial not only reflect our unwavering commitment to craftsmanship and innovation as we strive to set new standards in interior design, they also demonstrate the power of blending traditional techniques with modern technology. We see them as a celebration of heritage, artistry and the endless possibilities of design.”

For more information about Outline Design and to view the studio’s innovative projects, visit outlinedesign.co.nz

Key facts: Designer Jet® Carpets

Performance

ACCS Rating 4 Star — Contract Extra Heavy Duty

Texture options

Available in 17oz and 35oz cut pile for a range of comfort and softness, 22oz textured loop pile that delivers durable, tactile surface interest, and 23oz cut and loop pile, which combines both techniques to create rich texture and dynamic variation — adding a layered, dimensional effect that elevates any space.

Size options

Rolls (1.96m wide, perfect in corridors), carpet tiles (500mm x 500mm) or planks (250mm x 1000mm) for flexible installation

Sustainability

Declare Red List Free; Green Building Council Compliant; Environmental Certification Level 4 (maximum level); ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001; PVC, BPA and Phthalate free

Fast and cost-effective

Quick production in our Australian factory, with no design fees. Smaller minimum orders and flexible pricing to suit various budgets.

This content has been created with support from GH Commercial. ArchitectureNow works with a range of partners in the A&D supply sector to create and/or source appropriate content for this website and Architecture NZ magazine.

If your brand or clients are interested in similar creative content email mark.lipman@agm.co.nz to enquire.