Q&A: Introducing the Liana sofa collection
The latest addition to Città’s upholstered furniture collection is the unique Liana Sofa collection. The design reimagines rattan furniture for contemporary spaces and features a 2 seater, 3 seater and an armchair.
The collection is designed by Hawke’s Bay-based industrial designer Scott Fitzsimons and was a finalist in the recent Best Design Awards.
We chatted with Scott and our own David Moreland (Head of Furniture & Product Design) to find out more about the collection.
Hi Scott! Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do.
Scott: Scott Fitzsimons Studio is a multidisciplinary design office with a focus on creating original and meaningful objects and spaces. We design and develop products that are durable, functional and engaging. Our designs are restrained in aesthetic with meticulous attention to detail. We are devoted to designing products that are environmentally and socially responsible with an underlying philosophy of simplicity, timelessness and permanence.
Where did you draw inspiration from when designing the Liana Sofa?
Scott: With the Liana Sofa I found inspiration in the material itself. I set out to design a contemporary piece while simultaneously celebrating the rattan. The design showcases the textural quality of the natural material and the beautiful handwoven surfaces are a testament to the skill of the craftspeople.
We’ve seen some of your initial sketches of the Liana Sofa. Can you talk us through your creative process?
Scott: It nearly always starts with pen and paper, rapidly sketching several ideas to narrow in on a concept direction. It’s a very repetitive process—sketching the same ideas over and over as it slowly cements your thinking behind the concept.
I then build the design in CAD and we produce physical prototypes. This helps to assess things such as comfort, scale and proportion. The end of the process is far more practical. We focus on perfecting all the small details that bring the product to life.
The Liana Sofa was a finalist in the furniture category of Best Design Awards. How did this feel?
Scott: It’s always really rewarding to have your work recognised by the design community. It’s been a really enjoyable journey to do this in collaboration with the amazing team at Città.
What aspect of the design are you most proud of?
Scott: I really like the sense of calm about the sofa. There is a lovely simplicity in the way the rattan cape gently wraps around the minimal upholstered interior. It brings the different materials together with a single elegant gesture.
David, how did the collaboration with Scott originate?
David: I’ve always liked Scott’s direct approach to design, whether it be furniture, tapware or packaging. His ability to understand and design around a brief is lovely to watch. When Scott mentioned he wanted to take a look at this rattan furniture project, I knew we were in good hands. I think the result speaks for itself—it’s thoughtful, elegant and soft, but at the same time very clean and precise.
What space do you see the Liana Sofa being used?
David: I see these sofas having a place in any environment that features natural materials and tones, or in any location tied to nature—like the coast or the bush. In saying that, the materiality is so soft and tactile I think they could work just as well in an inner-city apartment or a more commercial surrounding as well.
The Liana Sofa is upholstered to order in New Zealand. Can you tell us about this process?
David: The Liana Sofa allows the customer to be a part of the design process by choosing their fabric. We have a wide range of premium fabric options, including different colours and compositions. This allows the customer to select a look that’s perfectly suited to their space. The piece is then brought to life by a local Auckland furniture manufacturer who has more than 30 years’ experience.
Finally, what aspect of the design are you most proud of?
David: We went through so many iterations and sampling stages with this design. I love how the end result honours the natural beauty of the woven rattan. The way we have wrapped the rattan cape around the upholstered base and merged traditional craft with modern design means we have created a very unique product.
