In a world still fighting against the lures of generic design and mass production, Lyzadie Renault, founder of LyZadie Design Studio in New Zealand, is a breath of fresh air.
An artist and archidesigner, her creations deeply embody the luxury of natural materials, timeless and unique design and exquisite, homegrown craftsmanship. We are delighted that LyZadie Design Studio will be exhibiting at the 2nd edition of the Green Design Show in 2025, which will celebrate local makers and truly sustainable design processes.
Her work isn’t just about creating functional furniture – although it is certainly that. It’s about telling stories and fostering a deep connection between people, makers, materials, and the environment. Through her innovative use of local materials and bespoke collaborations with small artisans, Lyzadie has carved out a space where design becomes both a dialogue and an art form.
The Material is the Storyteller
For Lyzadie, a design story begins with the materials. She seeks out the stories embedded in their very fibres. Her Releathered collection, for example, originated from an unusual muse: discarded leather belts. Where others saw waste, she envisioned potential.
“Each belt had a life before—it carried someone through their first marriage, first heartbreak, first job,” Renault explains. This depth of meaning inspired her to create bespoke furniture pieces that breathe new life into the materials’ histories.
Releathered Armoire by LyZadie Design Studio
Accompanying each Releathered piece is a short story or poem imagining the journeys these belts might have taken. These narratives add another layer to the design, making each piece not only a functional object but also a conversation starter. This is furniture with a soul.
Innovating with Biomaterials
Lyzadie also works with cutting-edge materials, sparking conversations about diversifying resources and reducing environmental impact. For her first armchair collection, she partnered with a London-based scientist to source Pinatex, an innovative textile made from the by-product of pineapple farming. This eco-friendly alternative to leather retains the durability and timeless appeal of traditional upholstery while reducing reliance on intensive farming practices.
TUI Arm Chair by LyZadie Design Studio
“Leather is an incredible material—it lasts forever and withstands so much,” Lyzadie notes. “But we need to diversify our resources to avoid overburdening one sector.”
We love the incredible TUI Arm Chair by LyZadie Design Studio (pictured above). The structure is made from sustainable wood (Rescued River Matai) and covered in Pinatex.
Luxury is Craftsmanship
At the core of LyZadie’s design philosophy is a dedication to supporting local artisans. She travels across New Zealand to collaborate with skilled craftspeople who share her vision for creating timeless, high-quality designs. These partnerships, enrich the creative process and give each piece an irreplaceable authenticity.
A notable collaboration is with a stonemason who helped bring the DANCEOFGEOMETRY collection to life. Lyzadie’s designs often demand a delicate balance between her creative vision and the physical constraints of the materials, and her relationships with artisans play a crucial role in navigating that balance. “There’s a back-and-forth process,” she explains. “I come up with a concept, and the makers guide me in understanding what’s possible.”
DANCEOFGEOMETRY Bookend, by LyZadie Design Studio
This focus on collaboration doesn’t just elevate her designs—it also builds a community around craftsmanship. Renault is transparent about the makers and their contributions, a rarity in the world of luxury design. “I want the people who make my furniture to feel valued and proud of what they create,” she says. “Their growth and fulfillment are just as important as the final product.”
A Woman in a Male-Dominated Field
Lyzadie’s journey as a designer hasn’t been without its challenges. The product and archi-design industry remains largely male-dominated, and she often finds herself navigating biases, whether subtle or overt. “I feel like I have to prove myself as a designer so much more as a woman,” she admits. But rather than letting these challenges deter her, Lyzadie channels them into her work. Her designs, which effortlessly blend strength and elegance, speak volumes about her tenacity and vision.
Her transparency about her creative process, her collaborations with local artisans, and her dedication to sustainability have inspired others. “I’ve seen women step up and start creating their own furniture,” she says. “It’s inspiring to see more women breaking into this field and redefining what’s possible.”
Designing for a Sustainable Future
LyZadie Design Studio will be exhibiting as part of the 2025 Green Design Show at Decor + Design. Exhibitors in this area must meet robust sustainability guidelines, curated by our Official 2025 Sustainability Advisor, Circular Design Thinking.
Sustainability is more than a buzzword for Lyzadie —it’s a guiding principle. From sourcing reclaimed wood to experimenting with flax (a plant abundant in New Zealand), she constantly explores ways to minimise her environmental impact. Her furniture isn’t just built to last—it’s built to endure generations.
“Ethical design isn’t just about using eco-friendly materials,” she explains. “It’s about creating products that stand the test of time.”
See Future Classics at the 2025 Green Design Show
As Lyzadie looks to the future, she remains focused on creating designs that inspire and educate. Visitors to her upcoming showcase will encounter a carefully curated selection of her pieces, including the BLACKTREEFERN collection.
BLACKTREEFERN Credenza by Lyzadie Design Studio
We are delighted that Lyzadie will be brining her unique vision and master storytelling to the Green Design Show, co-located with Decor + Design from 16th – 18th July at Melbourne Exhibition Centre. Register your interest now to receive updates on the exhibition plus the wider world of design.
“I want my designs to leave a legacy,” says Lyzadie. “Not just in the pieces themselves, but in the conversations they start and the changes they inspire.”