Sydney Duo Koskela Are Forging A Better World Through Design

Brought to you by the MINI “Bright Rays” grant. To enter click here.

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Koskela’s Sydney showroom immediately shows Sasha Titchkosky and Russel Koskela’s thirst for design. The cavernous space in the inner-city suburb of Rosebery has the air of industrial spontaneity, but you know that everything from the distressed brick walls to humble shop counter has been meticulously planned. The couple are obsessed with design.

Koskela produce “kids’ furniture right through to custom-designed boardroom tables”, says Sasha, adding that everything is made locally. Describing themselves as an “Australian furniture, design and lifestyle brand”, the couple have built the business into a champion of Australian design. Their local focus ties into Sasha and Russel’s love of nature, a huge inspiration in their work. Their enthusiasm is infectious – they’re currently excited about spring, breathlessly asking, “Have you smelled the jasmine yet?”

That love of design and nature are the fuel that keeps Koskela running and refining their design philosophy: “The most important thing is to be passionate about what you’re doing and maintain that passion.” Koskela are keen to share that passion with anyone who loves design in all its forms. Sasha is proud of how the showroom is a lab for design lovers. “We set up a café, we have a gallery space that changes every four to six weeks and workshop classes so you can come here and learn something new,” she says.

The more you talk with the couple, the more you realise that design isn’t a solo act. Everything about their design is about connecting – with people who visit their showroom but also the people who help make products for sale. “A lot of our work now is also collaboration and that’s what we really love as well”, says Russel, “whether it’s working with an indigenous community in central Australia or a person working with fire in a factory”. For Russel, this collaboration is key to keeping the Rosebery showroom fresh and in line with its ethics for locally produced design. “I get a lot of inspiration from different people and just things around me.”

Russel is currently working with Indigenous communities, including traditional Yolngu weavers from Elcho Island in Arnhem Land. Koskela provides the form while the weavers use “traditional bush materials and natural dyes”. The collaboration is electric. “Every light is unique and relies on the artist’s interpretation,” the pair says. Plus, it’s “nice to know there’s a story behind something of where a product’s come from – who’s worked with it and who’s going to use it”.

Koskela’s attention to the entire process ensures everything meets their ethical needs – from showcasing traditional art to supporting communities and maintaining responsible production methods. Design is so central to Koskela that it is the answer to physical and philosophical needs as well. “Right through the process, from idea to completion, we ensure our products don’t impact the health and wellbeing of the workers making them,” Russel says.

That total design solution isn’t confined to the showroom floor, however – everything at Koskela is designed with the world in mind. “We do our best to minimise our environmental impact”, Sasha says. “We want to be remembered for our commitment to helping forge a better world through sustainable design that will stand the test of time.”

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Koskela are one of the mentors of the MINI “Bright Rays” competition, which offers the next crop of creatives the chance to win a $29,000 business grant, a new MINI Ray for a year, plus mentoring. To enter, head to the “Bright Rays” website and tell them about your dream project in 250 words or less and how the grant could help you.