Alumni Feature

Alice Wassell’s major project for her Bachelor of Design (Product) won her national acclaim – and secured her a permanent job after graduation.

Alice designed a chaise longue, or window seat, from American ash and upholstery, and then went to Otago Furniture to have it manufactured.

“I showed them my concepts, discussed the details and provided them with all the design files,” she says. “They liked the project and I think they liked working with me as well, because they offered me a job not long after graduation.”

Alice’s role within the small team at Otago Furniture involves both design and sales.

“I do all the sketches, technical drawings and CAD models for new furniture concepts, which are then passed onto the workshop,” she says. “I also run the social media accounts, and help with retail sales in the showroom.”

Alice’s chaise longue also won her a Bronze Award at the national Best Awards ceremony in Auckland in 2023.

She describes her time at Otago Polytechnic as fun and inspiring, and says it was wonderful to be surrounded by other designers and creative people.

Alice’s cousin is now considering studying Product Design at Otago Polytechnic, and she’s encouraging him – and anyone else who’s interested – to go for it.

“There's so much support, you get to try out so many different things and learn to test out your new ideas in the workshop. It’s a qualification that can take your career in many directions”.