Q&A: Get to know Città founder Margot Acland

Mar 8

Mar 8 Q&A: Get to know Città founder Margot Acland

Happy International Women’s Day! We’re celebrating the 106 women in the Città family, including our inspirational founder & CEO Margot Acland.

Margot started her career as a chartered accountant before deciding to follow her creative drive to make something of her own. In 1989, Margot established what would later become the Città we know and love today.

In our Q&A, we speak to Margot about this journey, advice for her former self and the best part about what she does.

Tell us about yourself and your background. What are some defining aspects that have made you the person you are today.

I grew up in the small forestry town of Murupara on the edge of Te Urewera National Park. It’s one of the most remote, mountainous and native bush-covered areas in the North Island. I went to a small rural school in the countryside before moving to Christchurch to complete a commerce degree at Canterbury University.

As a child, I loved gardening, sewing and anything creative. My mother was artistic and my father practical. They were wonderful parents who filled my life with interest and excitement. We spent many weekends camping in a big tent in remote places, cooking on open fires, and swimming in rivers. I grew up loving the simple things in life, including good food—mostly homegrown—and the simple pleasures of a small town, rural lifestyle.

These childhood experiences built the foundations of what is important to me today—values of simplicity, purpose and creativity. These pillars have inspired and provided direction throughout my life, both personally and professionally.

Città has a history of more than 30 years. Can you share this journey with us?

I started my career as a chartered accountant and did my training with what is now KPMG, before travelling overseas and working for public companies in Europe, the UK and New Zealand. I was misplaced in my career and, in 1989, decided to begin my own business in a more creative area.

I began importing and wholesaling hand-painted Italian ceramics. I had lived in Italy and loved it—the Italian culture, lifestyle and aesthetic affected me greatly. In fact, it directly inspired our business. Città translates to ‘city’ in Italian and we began using this name for our products designed for city dwellers.

In the early 1990s, we began working with a friend of mine who was an artist. We found we could elevate the products we were producing by applying patterns and designs. From here, we went on to employ young New Zealand designers and the design element of Città took shape.

Today, we have an in-house team of furniture, object and textile designers working from our studio in Mt Eden, Auckland. We have 13 stores throughout New Zealand and employ 130 people. Our furniture and homewares can also be found at more than 500 stockists worldwide.

As CEO and director, you’re very much involved in Città with the day-to-day operations. What’s the best part about what you do?

I still feel very excited about going to work each day. We have such a stimulating environment in the office and I feel really privileged to be able to work with a group of young talented people.

If you knew what you know now, what advice would you give your former self at the start of your career?

It’s so important to be passionate about your chosen path. I was never a passionate accountant!

How would you describe your interior style? Has it changed over the years?

I would say it’s eclectic, and it has improved over the years. You are very much shaped by life experiences and I have been fortunate enough to have travelled widely and been exposed to many different interior styles.