With the theme of ‘Evolution’ in 2024, Decor + Design will be taking visitors on a journey into true sustainability at our inaugural Green Design Show, which will be a beautifully demarcated area at the entrance to the exhibition. Featuring industry leaders including Koskela, Cultivated and Mark Tuckey, we are delighted that leading brand E9 Design will be exhibiting their mouth-watering modular sofas.

Launched in 2022, E9 Design was ‘born green’, with circularity built into its manufacturing processes and materials. Made from 97% sustainable materials, their sofas are built to last and are fully customisable for Australian spaces and lifestyles. They’re made locally in Australia for a lower carbon footprint and even customised pieces are available in six weeks or less.

In the lead up to this important event for the Australian design industry, we spoke with E9 Design’s Founder, Steve Higgs, about the origins and mission of the brand.

‘Eclipse’ Sofa by E9 Design. ‘Rolly’ Sofa Pictured in Hero Image of Article. Note – All images courtesy of E9 Design.

Steve, can you tell us a little about your background and the foundation of E9 Design?

I fell into the furniture industry in 1984 when I started a job as a leather cutter. Since then, my passion for learning has seen me involved in everything from Design and Manufacturing, to Retail and Marketing.

I have run a diverse group of Australia’s leading manufacturing facilities, from Fantastic Furniture to King Furniture. I have also set up (and managed) facilities abroad.

In 2010, I retired from the industry. A decade later, I agreed to design and build some bespoke furniture for a friend.

This project reignited my passion for the “game”, and soon after, I cofounded E9 Design with my sons Jordan and Damon. We spent the next two years developing a unique system of design, construction and manufacture.

We have now curated a range of furniture based on those methods and in 2022 we opened our first showroom in Alexandria.

E9 Design Founders: Steve Higgs with his sons Jordan and Damon

How customisable are the sofa ranges for the interior design industry?

Customisation is part of our DNA. We looked to industries such as architecture, construction and even cars, where customisation is so common it is “normal”.

Our digitally-based systems allow us to work with designers to produce products that are tailored to fit the exact requirement of their clients. Sizing, comfort levels and upholstery choices are all normal for us.

We can even do completely original bespoke pieces. The results feel seamless and special once they’re in situ.

The ‘Newman’ sofa chaise from E9 Design.

When budgetary constraints do not allow for full customisation, our extensive range of standard sizes can often achieve a custom feel when combined with a fabric you love.

Circular design is a major focus of Decor + Design this year with our inaugural Green Design Show. How do E9 Design collections reflect this philosophy?

We knew from day one that circular design was mandatory for E9 Design. Starting from scratch has been a huge advantage. Our products have been “born green”. We use a variety of methods to achieve this.

• Longevity – our products are made to last and we choose quality over price to achieve this. Ultimately this is still less expensive in the long term. All components are replaceable over the life of our sofas. This includes our removable covers.
• Recycled and recyclable materials – wherever we can, we use recycled materials, we do. For example some of our moveable backrests are weighted (to stay in place) with recycled glass which has been crushed to a “sand” and contained within a hemp canvas satchel which is recoverable at the end of life.Our steel frames are fully recyclable, as are many of the textiles we use. We make components from recovered / recycled ocean plastics. We use sustainably sourced timber for our legs.
• We do not permanently join dissimilar materials. Everything is designed to be easily disassembled at end of life for recycling. When we do join materials such as foam, we use low VOC, water-based glues.
• Future proofing – we create designs with a timeless quality. We also envision a future where a frame, or a complete structure, could be reused to create a new, or updated product which embraces the latest contemporary styling cues. If you then added a new cover, it will have a new life.
• Ongoing research and improvement – the E9 Design team are constantly looking for new and emerging technologies and materials to reduce our footprint.

The ‘Eclipse’ curved sofa by E9 Design.

Why are you exhibiting at Green Design Show 2024? 

As the world pivots toward sustainability, the Green Design show offers a perfect platform for E9 Design to share the work we’ve done to be part of the change. We hope to demonstrate that through imagination and innovation, circular design can be mainstream.

What can visitors expect to see at your stand? 

Although being green is at the core of what we do, we are also passionate about making comfortable, flexible, and beautiful furniture that makes you feel good.

We will be showcasing several brand new additions to our range. Cosmo, blends soft shapes with innovations, such as varying seat depths, and includes an array of pieces which can be combined to create unique lounging solutions.

We will also be demonstrating how the organic shapes of “Rolly” can instantly adapt to open plan living and your changing needs. Visitors can also learn how they can work with us to create custom or bespoke pieces to achieve something really special.

Don’t miss E9 Design at the Green Design Show at Decor + Design 2024, Wednesday 17th – Friday 19th July at Melbourne Exhibition Centre. Entry to the exhibition is free but limited to trade visitors. Register now to visit and plan your trip to Australia’s premier trade event for the interior design industry!