Kia ora

Kate Rowland and Lawrence Reid are Te Whanganui-a-Tara–based designers whose practice sits at the intersection of mātauranga Māori, material innovation, and contemporary design.

Meeting during their studies at Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington, they discovered a shared passion for crafting objects with narrative depth, cultural resonance, and respect for material origins. Drawn to design that goes beyond visual aesthetics, their work is rooted in storytelling, cultural integrity, and hands-on making.

Kate’s Master’s research led to the development of an innovative harakeke–biopolymer composite, exploring how indigenous fibres can inform future-focused material practices. Together, Kate and Lawrence formed their design studio to create lighting and spatial works that are not just inspired by culture, but actively uphold the mana of the materials and narratives they carry. Their studio offers both bespoke design commissions and a growing range of lighting products.

If you’re seeking to bring together product or spatial design with cultural storytelling, we’d love to kōrero. This is just the beginning of our journey, and we welcome collaborations that honour both innovation and identity.