My Basket

Designer Focus: David Trubridge

Revered for his nature-inspired lighting, David Trubridge has made a name for himself drawing inspiration from organic forms like coral reefs, sea urchins and plankton.


Using eco-friendly designs and sustainable materials to reduce environmental impact, Trubridge fulfils his mission to inspire connection with nature through considered, thoughtful design.

The designer David Trubridge


Born in 1951 in New Zealand, David Trubridge trained as a naval architect studying Naval Architecture at The University of Newcastle, graduating in 1972. This academic understanding of structure and form informed his nuanced approach to design.


He started his career crafting furniture in his workshop, but it was his move back to New Zealand in 1985 that prompted an awakening in his inspiration to create designs based on the nature that surrounded him.


At the 2001 Milan Furniture Fair Trubridge’s Body Raft was picked up for manufacture by Cappellini, the well-known Italian design brand. Then, from there Trubridge moved across to light design, seeing the birth of iconic lighting pieces like The Coral Pendant, The Koura Pendant and The Maru Pendant.

The philosophy


A philosophy firmly aligned with sustainability, natural forms and exploration fuel, David Trubridge’s pieces concentrate on the interplay of light, shadow and organic forms.


His interest and belief in sustainable living are reflected in his designs by using materials such as sustainability-sourced bamboo plywood and other low-impact materials to keep the environmental footprint of his creations to a minimum.

His flat-pack designs further reduce shipping volume, thereby lowering carbon emissions.


Fully committed to energy-efficient practices and minimal waste, his designs not only reflect his deep inspiration taken from nature but encourage responsible investment in products that are environmentally conscious.


Trubridge’s ultimate aim is to foster a more meaningful connection between people and the natural world.

The design approach


David Trubridge’s designs mimic natural forms found in New Zealand’s ecosystems like sea urchins, coral and plankton. This use of simple, clean lines, gentle curves and perforations allows these sculptural structures to create intricate patterns of light that shift and vary depending on the angle and intensity of the light source.


The result? Physical design with movement, depth and life that imitates the motion and flow of the natural world.

David Trubridge's light design


Let’s cast our eye over three light designs that truly exemplify David Trubridge’s distinctive and sustainable design principles. The pieces display his mastery of creating visually striking lighting with less environmental impact.

The Coral Pendant Light


Based on the natural formations of Pacific Ocean coral reefs, this pendant contains intricate perforations and a carefully designed organic form that allows light to filter through to create mesmerising light patterns that mimic the natural rhythms of underwater life.


The Kina Pendant Light


With its botanical aesthetic and delicate flower-like form, the precise perforations in The Floral Pendant Light allow light to spill through in floral patterns casting a beautiful, ambient glow.


The light’s movement is fluid and graceful, reminiscent of nature’s organic growth.


Why David Trubridge matters


Not only does David Trubridge redefine sustainable design practices in lighting, but he sets a benchmark for eco-conscious design globally.


He has been awarded the Red Dot Design Award for The Nikau Pendant Luminaire, which was recognised for its distinctive natural elements and play of light.


Trubridge has also won the Good Design Award for The Navicula Lamp due to the designs’ unique link to diatoms, microorganisms that absorb atmospheric carbon.


Notable exhibitions have been The Milan Furniture Fair  and at Venice Biennale . Trubridge’s Icarus Installation has also been acquired by the Centre Pompidou in Paris.

Where can I buy David Trubridge pieces?


Holloways of Ludlow are proud to offer a range of David Trubridge’s iconic pieces in various colour palettes, shapes and sizes to suit your style.


Share Story