WORK
See below a selection of recent projects and work.This includes furniture and object design as well as interior design projects.Please reach out via the contact page if you would like to know more or are interested in collaborating, I'd love to hear from you.
the alu studio deskDesigned for the office of a Berlin-based design studio, the lines and structure of this desk are intentionally placed to celebrate and hero the intricate joinery of the solid european cherry frame.A two metre wide hand-brushed aluminium desk surface locks perfectly into place with the edges of the frame, eradicating the need for any visual surface hardware to hold it in place.This desk can be fully dismantled and flat-packed for ease of transport.This work was a custom commission, however can be reproduced upon request. Please get in touch for pricing and customisation possibilities.
the zag stoolInspired by traditional Bobbin antique corner chairs, this is my take on that form using solid european cherry and handwoven braided sea grass.I was also inspired by the seat weaving techniques I learnt whilst studying under master chairmaker Daniel Lizarralde in San Sebastián, Spain. The braided seagrass has a beautiful textural and colour variance to it that gives a beautifully organic edge to the sharper wooden frame.The geometric zig zag form of the framework is hand carved, and sealed with a smooth, matte oil finish.This work was a custom commission, however can be reproduced upon request. Please get in touch for pricing and customisation possibilities.
alu studio shelfCustom designed and made by Liam Barwick for a Berlin-based design studio. Spanning over four metres wide and constructed of solid european cherry and handbrushed aluminum shelving.Inspired by traditional Japanese joinery, the tension in the shelving is held entirely in place using a mortise and 'tusk' wedge system.The entire system packs down into individual components and is highly customisable in dimensions and materials.Attachment to the walls is minimal and intended to only provide slight additional support, as the majority of weight is designed to transfer downwards.This work was a custom commission, however can be reproduced upon request. Please get in touch for pricing and customisation possibilities.
ritual lampDeveloped as part of a series of objects that explore alternative material combinations, more specifically the combination of typically industrial and organic materials.My work is typically focused on working with organic, natural materials such as wood, linen, cotton and ceramic. However, with recent access to metal working machinery I felt drawn to exploring this new material.Initial experimentations with solely industrial materials such as steel and aluminium felt too far from my personal aesthetic, so I embarked on exploring a way to soften the harsh edges and textures. This led me to explore this technique of ‘sandwhiching’ a thin strip of dark solid wood between sheets of aluminium. Acting as both a structural joining mechanism and design choice. This addition grounded the work, removing just the right amount of harsh industrial energy whilst also engaging with it. The gentle warm light diffused by the natural cotton canvas softened the piece even more.The concept behind the ‘ritual’ of the lamp was based on a personal routine of arriving home and only gently illuminating the space with a small selection of lamps. Intentionally slowing my transition from the working day into the evening. This ritual is often accompanied by the lighting of a candle or incense. The small shelf within this lamp is intentionally designed to be impractically small. Its sole purpose is to hold this small candle or incense burner, a ritual that accompanies the slow transition from the outside world to a personal space.Each element of this object has been intentionally designed to encourage mindful engagement and grounding.
KEDEMFull interior design and creative direction of a new restaurant located in Berlin's Neukölln neighborhood.The creative scope and responsibilities of this project was all encompassing, including:- all graphic design including branding, logo design, website and menus- interior design including custom furniture design- construction of all custom tables, backbar, shelving, and additional kitchen portal cladding- tableware and soft furnishings, including custom made curtains- photography and documentationThis project also included a focus on sustainability. Using the wood from one single German Ash tree I was able to build all of the tables for the space, and using any remaining scraps I produced all accessories for the restaurant including cutlery trays, iPad stands, shelving and more.
lamp 001The first in a series of lamps exploring new material combinations.Expanding beyond my standard use of softer, organic materials I challenged myself to incorporate sharper more industrial elements. Whilst researching these materials I was drawn to how quickly a natural patina developed on the untreated steel surface.Ultimately I chose to introduce organic cotton canvas to soften the overall structure and diffuse the lamp with its warm glow.This lamp is within a series of ongoing explorations of combining industrial materials in direct contrast with softer organic counterparts.
communal tableCustom designed and built for a Berlin restaurant, this table was produced in two sizes; 250cm and 200cm long.Designed to function as a communal table that could seat up to eight guests, for shared seating, larger groups, or as a serving table for larger functions.Taking inspiration from farm house furniture, the seperate between the long surface planks gives the piece a rustic feel, while the natural oiled finish gave it a clean precise finish.The legs are removable and seperate to travel flat. This piece alongside all of the tables in this restaurant were built from a single tree.Design and construction: Liam Barwick
round tableCustom designed and built for a Berlin restaurant. 120cm ∅ and constructed from solid Ash.Inspired by the simplicity of farmhouse furniure, the cross lap joint legs come apart and the legs pack flat.This piece alongside all of the tables in this restaurant were built from a single tree.Design and construction: Liam Barwick
room dividerThe design and function behind this piece had multiple requirements:- display and storage space for a busy restaurant
- an abstracted room divider to provide privacy and define zones within the space that is also moveable
- provide additional surface area for buffet style eatingThs highly adaptable structure achieved all of these requirements. Wheels beneath the main structure allow it to move around the space freely, whilst the entire top half is fully removable to simplify the structure and create an additional surface for buffet style catering. The shelving in the top grid can be slid around and shuffled between levels to suit the types of products on display. And finally the storage in the base unit allows for storage/display for items such as wine bottles, retail items, or blankets.Design and construction: Liam Barwick
t tableDeveloped using scrap left over beech veneer particle board, the t table was born out of a challenge to design quickly and with existing material.This resulted in a stripped back, simple, design perfect for a small side table or stool.Design and construction: Liam Barwick
bedsideDeveloped using scrap left over beech veneer particle board, bedside was born out of a challenge to design quickly and with existing material.This resulted in a simple but fun bedside table with hidden and open storage.Design and construction: Liam Barwick
restaurant tablesCustom designed and made for a Berlin-based restaurant design. These twelve tables are all made of solid ash and finished with a natural matt oil. As part of the sustainable concept for this restaurant design, all tables in the space are made from a single tree, with all offcuts utilised for accessories throughout the space.Design and construction: Liam Barwick
oak tableA simple table developed as a commission. A sold oak table top bit legs attached using a wedged mortise and tenon joint.Design and construction: Liam Barwick
ceramicsA selection of ceramics from commissions and personal projects.
pojagi curtainsA set of curtains based on the traditional korean patchwork technique of pojagi.
textilesA selection of textile works from various projects and commissions.
About
Originally from Australia and now based in Rotterdam, Liam Barwick is an artist and designer working across various fields.Open to commissions and collaborations, get in touch to discuss more.
Contact
To get in touch regarding available work, commissions, colloborations or general inquiries, please fill in the form below and I will get back to you as soon as possible.
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