From intimate patios to grand terraces, Design Concepts delivers furniture that transforms outdoor living into a sophisticated, enduring experience. We chat with general manager Richard Lee about the brand’s design philosophy, sustainable approach, and the art of creating resort-inspired sanctuaries made for real New Zealand living.
What inspires your aesthetic and approach to your outdoor furniture designs?
Our brand is inspired by the art of Relaxing more outdoors. We look to Design pieces that invite comfort and lounging, creating spaces that feel as good as they look. Our furniture offering is inspired by the idea of making our clients’ homes feel and look like a resort. A real life sanctuary for everyday living. We believe that the same refined aesthetic and comfort found indoors can be achieved outdoors.
Through deep seating, softness, and textures in our fabrics, our collections bring together relaxation and design for all seasons.
How do you balance design and functionality?
Each collection begins with our customers and the New Zealand environment in mind. This influences everything — from materials and colours to proportions and comfort. We design with real living in mind, creating pieces that are as functional as they are beautiful. Whether it’s for a large family gathering or a quiet corner to unwind, our furniture is made to enhance the way people live, relax, and enjoy their outdoor spaces all year round.
Tell us about material selection.
With material selection, New Zealand’s Environments is a major factor in our selection. With intense UV exposure and damp winters, durability is essential.
At Design Concepts we choose premium materials designed for life outdoors.
Sunbrella or Agora Fabric with a 5 Year Fade Warranty, Aluminium framing and A-Grade Teak.
Every material chosen is to ensure lasting quality.
Sustainability is key today. How does Design Concepts approach this?
We recognise how increasingly important sustainability is becoming not only in New Zealand but globally.
At Design Concepts we believe in making conscious choices to reduce waste and create lasting value.
We have chosen to discontinue products that are not suited to our environment. Avoiding high turnover, low quality pieces that do not stand the test of time. Shifting our focus on durable materials and design.
We stock parts and accessories for our products to extend the lifespan. Sometimes it only takes a spare bolt or wheel to keep the product functional.
From rehoming and recycling pre-loved or damaged pieces to mindful material and packaging choices, sustainability is a constant effort shared from our manufacturers to our ground team.
Any trends you’re excited about?
We are seeing a growing interest towards Fabric Covered Outdoor Sofas. Something we are excited about.
We introduced our first design ‘Kapiti’ in 2018 and is still one of our most popular collections to date.
More customers are embracing this indoor-inspired look for outdoors and we are looking forward to expanding the range in the future.
What can clients expect from Design Concepts this year?
We have introduced more curve to our 2025/2026 range and have plenty of in stock items ready for summer.
Our classic and timeless pieces remain favourites but we are excited to offer a fresh mix that brings difference to your outdoor living.
With plenty of stock available, we encourage clients to visit us, try out the ranges, and find the setting that feels right for them.
Outdoor pieces that are made to last for many summers ahead!
