In Conversation With Susan Pehar Founder & Director ducksnest.

“The name “ducksnest.” reflects a unique blend of personal resonance and a friend’s suggestion to incorporate birds, symbolising places people love to visit.”

1. Returning to the roots of ducksnest., what inspired you to start the company?

“The inception of ducksnest. in 2009 was a deliberate response to a discerning market need for exceptional home furniture and décor products, complemented by a bespoke interior design service. I recognised the value of authentic, high-quality pieces that transcend fleeting trends. My vision was to curate a collection of timeless, multi-generational products that not only elevate living spaces but also foster a sense of connection. By providing personalised design expertise, I aimed to empower clients to realise their unique aesthetic aspirations, thereby establishing a loyal following and a reputation for quality in the industry.”

2. What were your primary goals for ducksnest. and its associated furniture brands, and how did you envision the business evolving?”

At ducksnest., my primary objective was to establish a harmonious convergence of high-end furniture retail and boutique interior design expertise, offering discerning clients an elevated experience in home furnishings, décor, and personalised design services. Building on this foundation, my current focus is to position ducksnest. as a force in promoting European furniture design excellence throughout Australia, as exemplified by our exclusive partnerships with esteemed brands like ARTISAN and nunc.

Looking ahead, I envision ducksnest. evolving incorporating additional brands and a platform for innovative, sustainable, and forward-thinking design, showcasing a curated selection of products that not only push the boundaries of aesthetics but also prioritise environmental responsibility. By fostering a community of like-minded individuals who share our passion for exceptional design, we aim to solidify ducksnest.’s position as a trusted authority in the Australian furniture curation landscape.”

3. Can you articulate some of the highlights in the ducksnest. story? Favourite products over the years?

“In the past, ducksnest. has been fortunate to have experienced numerous highlights that have contributed to our growth and success. Some notable milestones include:

Establishing a loyal customer base:
We’ve built a community of discerning clients who share our passion for exceptional product design and quality. Their loyalty and trust have been instrumental in our evolution, with many becoming repeat clients and customers.

Exclusive European brand partnerships:
We’ve formed strategic alliances with renowned furniture brands from Europe. These partnerships have not only allowed us to showcase the best of European design but also enabled us to share the stories of passion, dedication, and hard work behind each brand.

Celebrating original design:
We’re committed to representing original design and respecting the talent and effort of product designers. This commitment has led us to curate a collection of unique, high-end furniture pieces and décor that reflect our values.

Some of my favourite furniture designs over the years include:

* Pasha Table
* Pascal Coffee Table
* Monument Table
* Tesa Grid Chair
* Lakri Table
* Bolta Chair
* Cot Stool
* Picard Desk

These exquisite pieces exemplify the pinnacle of craftsmanship, innovative design, and timeless sophistication. Each one balances form and function, offering a distinctive harmony of comfort, elegance, and refinement. As a testament to their enduring appeal, these products have not only resonated deeply with our discerning clients but have also played a significant role in establishing curation of exceptional design and uncompromising quality.”

4. How did you discover furniture brands ARTISAN and nunc, and what aspects of these brands resonated with you?

“I still remember the moment I stumbled upon ARTISAN at a design fair in Dubrovnik, Croatia – I stopped in my tracks. Their stunning furniture pieces drew me in with their perfect blend of timeless style, innovative craftsmanship, and generous use of natural timber. I was captivated by the organic curves and moulded features that seemed to come alive in the beautifully crafted chairs and tables. What resonated with me, though, was the brand’s passion for sustainable design and commitment to generational quality – values that align perfectly with my vision for ducksnest.

My journey with nunc began in 2019, when I was immediately captivated by the sleek, design of the Bolta chair. The chair’s unique form drew me in, and as I delved deeper into the brand, I discovered a shared passion for innovative design, quality, and sustainability. nunc’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of modern design, while remaining true to the essence of modern elegance, resonated with me. The brand’s dedication to creating pieces that are both dynamic and functional aligns with my vision for ducksnest, and I am excited to have nunc as a valued partner in our mission to bring exceptional design to our clients.”

5. What experience do you hope to deliver to customers through ducksnest.’ curated products?

“Through ducksnest., I aim to deliver a distinctive and immersive experience that merges tradition and modernity. Our carefully curated collection of high-quality, sustainable furniture pieces is designed to tell a story, evoke emotions, and resonate on a personal level. We strive to create a connection between our customers and the products they choose, fostering a sense of belonging and timeless elegance in their living and creative spaces. By investing in ducksnest. products, our customers become part of a narrative that values craftsmanship, sustainability, and the beauty of well-designed generational pieces.”

6. How do you nurture and harness your entrepreneurial spirit to drive the growth of your business?

“By staying true to my roots and passion for exceptional design, while continuously seeking inspiration and innovative solutions that align with my vision for ducksnest. This involves:

* Staying curious and open to new ideas, trends, and technologies

* Embracing calculated risks and learning from failures

* Fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement within my team

* Building meaningful relationships with customers, partners, and mentors to gain valuable insights and feedback

* Embracing challenges as opportunities for growth and innovation

By cultivating this entrepreneurial mindset, I’m able to drive the growth of ducksnest. with purpose, resilience, and a commitment to excellence.”

7. With the increasing emphasis on sustainability, what emerging trends do you foresee in the design industry?

“As the design industry continues to evolve, I foresee several emerging trends driven by the growing emphasis on sustainability:

* Increased adoption of eco-friendly materials and practices, such as certified timber, recycled materials, and low-VOC finishes

* A focus on circular design, where products are designed to be recycled, reused, or biodegradable

* Greater emphasis on responsible sourcing and supply chain transparency

* Integration of sustainable technologies, like energy-efficient systems

* A shift towards experiential design, prioritising emotional connections and timeless appeal over fast consumerism

* Growing demand for design that promotes well-being, health, and productivity

Brands like Artisan, with their commitment to certified timber and responsible forest management, are leading the way. As consumers become more environmentally conscious, I expect these trends to drive innovation and shape the future of the design industry.”

8. What key elements or design philosophies do you prioritise when selecting a new furniture brand to represent?

“When selecting a new furniture brand to represent, I prioritise the following key elements and design philosophies:

* Cultural Heritage: Connection to traditional craftsmanship, cultural storytelling, and heritage techniques that add depth and meaning to the design

* Sustainability: Eco-friendly materials, production methods, and end-of-life solutions that minimise environmental impact

* Innovation: Cutting-edge design, materials, and technologies that push the boundaries of furniture-making

* Quality: Exceptional craftsmanship, attention to detail, and durability that ensures timeless appeal

* Authenticity: Brands that stay true to their vision, values, and aesthetics, avoiding trends

* Alignment with ducksnest.’s mission: Shared values, target audience, and brand ethos that ensure a lasting partnership

By prioritising these elements, I ensure that the brands I represent not only meet but exceed our customers’ expectations, while also contributing to a more sustainable and culturally rich design landscape.”

9. What is your vision and aspiration for the future of your business?

“ducksnest. is dedicated to enriching lifestyles through personalised and expertly curated furniture solutions.

Looking ahead, we envision strategic partnerships with distinctive European design brands, fostering collaborations built on shared values, trust, and a passion for innovation. We aspire to connect with like-minded visionaries who understand the emotional and financial investment in exceptional design and business building.

With a relentless commitment to outstanding customer service, ducksnest. aims to establish a legacy of generational furniture, inspiring our stakeholders – including our team, architects, designers, builders, trade professionals, and FF&E specialists – to redefine the essence of living and design through creativity and quality.”

10. Where do you currently reside, and if given the choice, where would you choose to live in the world?

“I currently reside in regional Geelong, with plans to relocate to Melbourne in the near future. If given the opportunity to choose anywhere in the world, I would opt for a location that enables me to maintain a strong connection to my Croatian heritage while continuing to work in the interior design industry.

“One city that has left a lasting impression on me is Copenhagen, which I had the pleasure of visiting recently. I was captivated by its unique blend of minimalist design, sustainable architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. I would love to explore Copenhagen further, as it aligns perfectly with my passion for design, culinary experiences, innovation, and community-driven living.”