DBT 18TH

After graduating from industrial design together in 2007, Nicholas Karlovasitis and Sarah Gibson set about establishing Design By Them from a small Sydney apartment garage. Their goal was to create a company that would represent independent Australian designers and establish a playful yet permanent brand recognised worldwide.

Last year, DBT turned 18 and wanted to celebrate with a special campaign that rang true to our ethos of creating enduring, enjoyable designs without sacrificing the fun. ‘DBT 18TH’ is about a brand grown up, finding beauty and nostalgia amongst the chaos of its journey — a coming of age party that celebrates the lessons of the past and a retrospect of innovation and ambition.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY PETE DALY | STYLING BY KENDRA MCCARTHY

Shot by longtime friend and resident photographer Pete Daly, this series is a reflection on the brand’s evolution. We see over 15 Design By Them Australian–designed pieces throughout the Peter Hall–designed mid-century home. Confetti peppers the house, memories have been made, most good, some less so, but all who attended would say that it's been worth it.

"Maybe there’s a slight hangover from the last 18+ years, but regardless, we still have the same vision of what we want to achieve and where we want to be. The only difference is that we are better at getting to it and we get to collaborate with designers even more. Experience coupled with optimism and drive is a powerful combination. I feel that we are only getting better at what we do and have the team that allows us to do it." - Nick & Sarah

The newest Swage Chairs (Angus Easthope, 2025) scatter the house whilst a sleepy guest rests on Sarah and Nick's first lounge design Cabin (2017). DL LoungeDL Lounge (Dion Lee + Gibson Karlo, 2019) and Sundae Armchair (Jason Ju, 2020) show signs of a late night conversation, accompanied by Parcel Lamps (Daniel Emma, 2025), Felix Vases (Rhys Cooper, 2025) and Overlay Rug (Danielah Martinez, 2023).

Sarah and Nick’s first furniture release, the Butter Stool (2011) floats in the pool whilst an Overlay Runner (Danielah Martinez, 2024) pulled outside to be by the outdoor Ribs Bench (Stefan Lie, 1999).

“A party is only as good as the people who are part of it. We have been fortunate to have so many people be part of our 18 year long party. There would be too many people to thank so this is our collective group to those who have been part of the journey and supported us along the way.”