Skinner Design

Skinner Design is a family business that was born from a life full of art, textiles, architecture and an appreciation for enduring design.

Skinner Design Ltd was formed by Hilary and Bryan in 1985.

In 1987 after a visit to the Milan Furniture Fair, Skinner Design became the sole New Zealand distributor for the prestigious Italian company, Driade. This famous design company was started by the Astori family in 1968, this fact and the philosophy behind Driade resonated with the Skinners.

In 1996 the Skinners along with their daughter Hannah, (returning from having worked in Driade’s Milan showroom), opened Indice. Indice is a retail showroom where we are able to display a greater range of products. We now represent other agencies such as XO from France and Anthologie Quartett from Germany. Along with the furniture and accessories, Indice is a space that incorporates the design ethos of the Skinners themselves, combining, art, textiles, crafts and colour.

Our team includes Virginia Craig, (ex Craig, Craig & Moller). Along with her interior design and CAD skills, she brings her own personal experience and knowledge of a life encircled by art and architecture. The other member of our team is Gary Hicks, (ex Vogue Living Australia) whose eye for detail makes a valuable contribution to concepts and layouts of both client presentations and press work.

As well as representing the above contemporary manufacturers, Skinner Design has many and varied contacts in Europe and America and is able to source product for specific design jobs, be it contemporary or traditional, commercial or residential.

We also have a number of skilled local manufacturers with whom we work to produce items of furniture and joinery which can be custom built for specific situations.

The work undertaken by Skinner Design continues to be diverse. Our underlying philosophy of taking the best of cutting edge design and technology as well as incorporating classical and antique elements to reflect each clients’ brief.