Meet The Maker | Undercurrent
Interview By Sarah Norris
Photo | Two Bearded Men
Olivia Macfarlane’s work with Undercurrent is conscious consideration meet extraordinary. Her vision in her work aligns closely to her personal beliefs that sustainability should and can be incorporated into interior concepts. Each project intertwines ideas about human needs and the ebb and flow of nature. We had a chat to Liv about how she incorporates this philosophy into her work.
Explain to us the UNDERCURRENT ethos? What is its driving goal?
My ultimate goal is to create extraordinary spaces for memorable moments. We believe our projects bring a sense of aliveness to the ordinary. We have a burning desire to bring global knowledge to the local platform.
Was it important to you from the beginning to create a company focused on reducing your carbon footprint?
Absolutely!
Being raised on a farm, I feel a strong connection to our natural environment. When I set up the business and moved from Auckland to Wanaka, I felt my senses had been deprived and wanted to revive them. My personal and business carbon emissions are something I am conscious of and continually aiming to improve (I am by no means perfect, this is always a learning curve!)
We are based out of Wanaka, but as we work with clients across New Zealand and internationally, we have digitalised a lot of our practice. This has dramatically minimised our impact on printing and transport. We regularly attend Zoom meetings with screen share so that we are able to communicate easily with clients, we use 3D BIMx models and artistic renders to clearly communicate ideas, and use a fantastic app called Morpholio. Most of our sketch books are even digital.
How do you aim to continue sustainable practice?
We aim to calculate and offset our emissions annually, with the long term goal of becoming a Toitū certified carbon zero company (unfortunately this is still quite an expensive process for a small business) We also have a small planting project in the pipeline which I am really excited about, this will be released in the next while.
We encourage our clients to use sustainable materials and local products where possible. We have brilliant suppliers, contractors and collaborators who align with our approaches.
We constantly aim to minimise landfill. Construction and demolition waste makes up to 40-50 percent of New Zealand’s total landfill waste. We engage with Habitat for Humanity who work in partnership with people of goodwill and families in genuine housing, to eliminate poverty housing across New Zealand. They are able to reuse and recycle demolition waste that would otherwise go to landfill.
At times like this a circular economy is essential.
Photo | Ellie Ruby Richards
“Life is a sensory experience. Every element and touchpoint informs the way in which we experience life. This is why at Undercurrent we design with the human needs at the centre.”
