Nathan Louey: Winner of the Kaolin Porcelain Surfaces Customisation Design Challenge

CO-academy graduate Nathan Louey is the 1st place winner of the Kaolin Porcelain Surfaces Customisation Design Challenge, with his entry Sandstone Woodlands. Nathan's design was inspired by Sydney's landscape, reflecting the rich biodiversity and rock formations in the area. We sat down with Nathan to discuss his design process during this challenge and how he is furthering his professional experiences, post CO-academy.

Could you tell us about the origins of this design competition and what specifically inspired you to take part? 

First and foremost, I want to express my gratitude to CO-architecture, as my journey truly began with your CO-academy initiative. It encouraged me to become more involved in the art, design, and architecture scene, and I began browsing platforms like City of Sydney’s What’s On and Eventbrite to connect with other designers and develop my soft skills. 

One standout event was Saturday Indesign Sydney. After the excitement of Melbourne Design Week in May, I was eager for something similar. However, with 34 exhibitors, planning one day was a bit overwhelming. I marked it in my calendar and continued searching for other creative events before finalising my itinerary. 

On the 7th of September, I decided to visit Kaolin Porcelain Surfaces and Maxton Foxs’ event at Kaolin’s Alexandria Warehouse on a whim. Kaolin’s design challenge, with its diverse, high-quality products, drew me in. Participating in the challenge was a great way to dive into the experience and express my creativity. You know that feeling when an event ends, and you’re left wanting to hold on to the magic? For me, the competition acted as a debrief, extending the experience by a few extra days. It allowed me to capture that magic and put my own creative spin on tile and surface design, making the inspiration last a little longer. 

What was your approach to the design, and how did you plan to communicate your vision effectively? 

Funnily enough, the panel discussion hosted at Kaolin straddled around the idea of the ‘Australian Aesthetic’. It was more of the broader sensitivities of our Nation’s style that were discussed rather than delving into the specificities of varying regional aesthetic differences. A light bulb moment hit me during the talk and was eager to delve more into the nuanced ‘Sydney Aesthetic’ as the core basis of my concept. 

My approach was very much influenced by my connection to Sydney. Coming from Melbourne and now calling Sydney my second home, I wanted to capture what makes this city unique. I drew inspiration from the stunning sandstone outcrops and the rich woodlands, integrating those elements into my design. 

I focused on how nature interacts with the built environment. For example, the red hues in my design represent the Sydney Red Gum (Angophora costata), and I incorporated aspects of honeycomb weathering, known as tafoni, that you see along the coastline. 

To effectively communicate my vision, I made sure to express my love for nature, flora, and fauna throughout the process. This not only helped me stay true to the brief and the customisation techniques but also allowed me to celebrate Sydney’s biodiversity and the stories behind it. I believe that just as wind, rain, and waves shape the landscape into beautiful patterns, we too can leave a positive mark on our environment. 

How did your design process unfold, and how long did it take you to bring your project to completion? What new skills or techniques did you acquire during the project? 

Time was tight throughout the competition, with just a week to submit after the event. Balancing study and other commitments made it crucial to carefully plan and streamline the design process. 

The approach began with researching precedents and tile manufacturing techniques, focusing on a coastal Sydney theme to create a place-sensitive outcome. Sketches of three 900mm x 1800mm tile designs were drafted on Procreate, later refined in Adobe Illustrator with grout lines, and then finalised in Photoshop by incorporating the selected Kaolin tile range and formatting the panels. 

Once the initial three designs were complete, I chose one to develop my Sandstone Woodlands concept for two additional connecting panels, following the same technical process. There was no time for multiple revisions or ideating a plethora of different ideas; the design unfolded from 9pm the night before the deadline through to submission the following afternoon. 

This competition was significant for me as it marked one of the first times I actively used Procreate in my design process. It was my initial experience in tile design, and I learned how to create continuous patterns. This can be seen in my sketches, where the first two panels are placed at each end, with the two successive panels sketched in between to maintain fluidity and continuity. Despite the time constraints, the creative flow under pressure worked in my favour, with ideas having quietly evolved in the background even before I began. 

Reflecting on the experience, what resources or strategies helped you the most throughout the design phase? Is there anything you wish you had known earlier? 

I cannot stress this enough! Before engaging in the design process, it’s crucial to read and interpret the brief correctly and review the competition’s terms and conditions. Understanding the technical specifications, format requirements, and deadlines is essential for informing and streamlining your design while ensuring compliance with the guidelines. Asking questions was vital for fully grasping the brief, but going beyond it to flesh out the ‘Sydney Aesthetic’ fostered a more grounded perspective. My inquiries with the founder of Kaolin Porcelain Tiles clarified the brief and led to a tour of their collection. 

Being original is important, and it’s essential not to rely heavily on previous designs. Look at precedents as starting points or conversation starters rather than taking them as gospel, as this can cloud your judgment, complicate the design process, and undermine your unique style. These precedents helped me stay within the technical guidelines of tile-making practices without dictating visual or material aspects. 

Nature is my greatest inspiration. My walks along the Spit to Manly have allowed me to capture the essence of Sydney’s coast and embed it within my design sensibility. Nature is the ultimate resource and designer; I am here to interpret it within a human context. 

I have no complaints about how the process unfolded and wouldn’t change a thing. You don’t need to know everything when taking a leap of faith; trusting your intuition and learning as you go is vital. I appreciate how organic and free-flowing the process was, rather than rigid, meticulous, and overly technical. 

How did participating in this competition help enhance your professional experience? 

While I have yet to land a permanent role after participating in the challenge, the journey has been incredibly valuable. Engaging in the Kaolin Porcelain Surfaces Customisation Design Challenge has initiated a snowball effect in my professional development, starting with discovering CO-architecture’s mission, which motivated me to enrol in CO-academy and pursue networking opportunities at industry events. 

The challenge was more than competition; it was a transformative experience that filled me with excitement and purpose. I connected with like-minded individuals, fostering an environment for sharing insights and deepening my sense of belonging within the art and design community. 

I also connected with inspiring professionals from Kaolin and Maxton Fox, enriching my understanding of the industry and providing fresh perspectives. These relationships have been invaluable for my growth, boosting my confidence and underscoring the importance of building genuine connections and committing to continuous professional development. 

My parting advice is to embrace the snowball effect of growth; while obstacles may slow your progress, perseverance will help expand your snowball of success. Keep pushing forward and let each experience contribute to your journey. 

Thank you to everyone at CO-architecture, Kaolin, Maxton Fox, affiliates and those who took time out of their busy day to learn more about my work and read my story. 

 To learn more about Nathan's submission in the Kaolin Porcelain Surfaces Customisation Design Challenge, check out the Kaolin website or head to Nathan's CO-architecture user profile.