The Local Project celebrates extraordinary design to an inspired community.
The Local Project draws on a wide range of mediums to explore narratives around design, from how it is created to how it is used.
Print is tangible, creating a direct, physical connection between reader and subject matter especially relevant in a world where virtual interaction is becoming the norm.
Video offers an unparalleled ability to explore the immersive, experiential qualities of spaces and hear architects, designers, makers, and suppliers speak about their work in their own words.
Digital, social media and e-mail, meanwhile, are instantaneous platforms. Able to be constantly updated with the latest news, they offer a valued immediacy that underpins the connection with our community.
Print, video, digital and social media all have their own unique storytelling potential, and we’re inspired by the power of these different mediums to communicate the biggest ideas, the finest details and everything in between.
Working across multiple mediums, we explore architecture, interiors, design and art of Australia, New Zealand and North America. From the Blue Mountains to Waiheke, Christchurch to Manhattan, California to Auckland, The Local Project is dedicated to championing the design community of our local region.
The Local Project was founded in 2016 by Aidan Anderson.
At the time, Aidan was working as a furniture maker and observed first hand that, while there was a burgeoning interest in local design across the community, there were few channels connecting designers and makers directly with those interested in their work.
The Local Project was born as an Instagram account dedicated to showcasing local design, leveraging the platform’s emphasis on strong visuals and design-focused audience. From there, The Local Project website was launched, publishing articles, interviews, profiles, and project, exhibition and event features.
In 2019, the first issue of The Local Project print publication was released. This foray into print was conceived as a way of offering something tangible to our growing community and acknowledging the significance of design as a physical object.
Over the years, The Local Project’s video content has evolved, with the YouTube channel representing a new way of interacting with the existing audience and of reaching new eyes around the globe.
Since The Local Project began, we’ve been proud to champion the best of local design, from the small workshop of an up-and-coming designer to the most established names in the industry.