Samuel Burns
Melbourne-based designer-maker Samuel Burns from Sabu Studio draws inspiration from the natural environment for his beautifully uncomplicated designs.
Photography: Samuel Burns & Angela Crowley
‘I often get inspiration at times I least expect, I am forever running around trying to scramble up a bit of paper and a pen when an idea comes to me at a random moment in time,’ says Samuel Burns. Photo: Angela Crowley
‘It’s also always a great feeling seeing my product in new spaces, seeing it being used and enjoyed. This pushes me to keep pursuing my design practice,’ says Samuel Burns. Photo: Samuel Burns
Samuel Burns draws on the natural environment and Scandinavian and Japanese influence for his designs. Photo: Samuel Burns
H&F: Hi Samuel, has design always played a big part in your life?
Samuel: I grew up in a very creative environment and household which has definitely had a big influence on me and my creative journey. I’ve always had a keen interest in both art and design. After completing a Bachelor of Fine Art I went on to study Industrial Design in Melbourne, graduating in 2018. I have worked in both art and design industries over the last 5 or so years. I established Sabu Studio in 2020, I design and make all the products from my studio in Coburg.
What does a ‘normal’ day in the studio look like for you?
Most of the time is spent in the workshop, working on commissions and orders. Other times when I’m not working on commissions or making my product I will be designing and prototyping new work. It is always a juggling act between completing orders/commissions whilst also finding the time to develop new design ideas and products.
What material do you most like work with why?
I tend to use predominantly timber in my work, it is an amazing material and has so much character to it which I am really drawn to. Naturally, I tend to design with timber in mind, although I am now hoping to pursue other materials in my practice. I am trying not to limit myself to just one material, I would like to have a diverse material knowledge and utilise that throughout my design practice.
What do you love most about what you do?
I love the act of making and bringing an idea to life. I really enjoy designing new products and getting inspired. Once I get an idea that I want to develop I tend to obsess over it, I almost have to put everything else on hold until I make it.
I also really enjoy problem solving throughout my practice. There are often a multitude of ways to approach a design, I find satisfaction in figuring out the optimum way to fabricate the design and its components.
‘Once I get an idea that I want to develop I tend to obsess over it, I almost have to put everything else on hold until I make it,’ says Samuel Burns. Photo: Samuel Burns
“I try not to overcomplicate my designs, this can be a challenge sometimes, oftentimes I overdesign and then have to really strip it back to basics. I want the function, form and material to speak for itself. ”
The Jens Daybed by Sabu Studio. Photo: Samuel Burns
Onu Floor Light by Sabu Studio. Photo: Samuel Burns
Simplicity plays a big part in your work – why is it so important?
Yes, I try not to overcomplicate my designs, this can be a challenge sometimes, oftentimes I overdesign and then have to really strip it back to basics. I want the function, form and material to speak for itself. My work tends to present itself as being very simple, yet there are a lot of complexities in the fabrication, it’s often challenging making something look effortless and seamless.
Is there a common misconception people have about your job?
I guess people see me as a furniture maker/woodworker, which I don’t feel I particularly associate with that term, I feel it’s certain connotations which I tend not to align with. I’m trying to disassociate myself as strictly a furniture maker/ woodworker as I also work in an array of other products and mediums.
What keeps you inspired and interested?
I often get inspiration at times I least expect, I’m forever running around trying to scramble up a bit of paper and a pen when an idea comes to me at a random moment in time. I always have to be making and pushing new ideas and concepts, it’s a bit of an obsession. It’s also always a great feeling seeing my product in new spaces, seeing it being used and enjoyed. This pushes me to keep pursuing my design practice.
The Racina Table by Sabu Studio. Photo: Samuel Burns
Onu Pendant by Sabu Studio. Photo: Samuel Burns
Do you have a design philosophy that guides your thinking?
I draw inspiration from the natural environment in much of my work. It’s not necessarily a conscious decision, however it seems to inherently reveal itself in my work through material, form and symbolism. I’m drawn to the idea of introducing a sense of the natural world into interior spaces. I’m inspired by both Scandinavian and Japanese design aesthetics and this reveals itself in my work through refined and elegant designs.
What has been your proudest work moment to date?
Recently, I received a few awards at the Vivid Emerging Designer Awards and at the IDEA Awards. It was great to have my design and work recognised for both these awards. It was great to take part in these awards alongside such a great collection of both emerging and established Australian designers.
What’s the most important piece of advice you would give someone turning their dream project into a full-time job?
I was employed by local lighting designer Alex Earl for a few years. This was a great learning experience, not only for developing and refining my skills but also gaining knowledge about running a small business. It provides great insight as to how you may want to go about establishing your own practice/business.
Working in communal design studios is also a great way to begin, as you are working alongside other young designers and creatives. It is always beneficial to surround yourself with likeminded people, it provides a lot of inspiration, and there is also opportunity for feedback and collaboration.
What’s in store for you this year?
I’m currently completing a large dining table commission, this has been keeping me very busy recently, I’m looking forward to revealing it soon. I also have a few more products which I have been developing for some time now. There’s still a little bit of development needed but I’m excited to complete and release these to the public.
