What happens when you strip a lounge chair down to its absolute bare essentials? For University of Canberra Industrial Design student and Australia’s Next Top Designer (ANTD) Highly Commended honoree Luc Puchert, the result is the striking YOKE Collection. Conceived and fabricated over a university winter break, YOKE beautifully contrasts a raw, industrial exposed frame with plush, minimalist contact points.
We caught up with Luc to discuss the agricultural inspiration behind the collection’s name, the hands-on process of mastering metal fabrication for the project, and how the experience is shaping his current Honours research into product longevity.
A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors and Partners: This incredible journey wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of Workshopped, Meir Australia, Darren Palmer, Hans Galutera and Flexmirror Australia, as well as Axolotl for supplying the stunning trophies.
How did you come up with the initial idea for the YOKE Collection?
The YOKE Collection began by exploring what a reclined chair might look and feel like when reduced to only the essential contact points needed for comfort. I was interested in contrasting the soft, plush forms popular in contemporary furniture with a more industrial, exposed frame.
The project was designed and built during the winter break of my final year of Industrial Design. It gave me the opportunity to finally learn welding and metal fabrication while bringing an idea I had been developing to life using the facilities at my university.
The name YOKE comes from the traditional agricultural tool used to connect two oxen so they can pull a heavy load together. For me, it represents the exposed frame, which unites the individual components and enables the chair to support the user.
What materials did you use for your design, and why did you choose them?
YOKE’s frame is made from mild steel tubing finished with a textured black powder coat, creating a visual and tactile contrast against the soft upholstery while also being durable and fully recyclable. The cushion’s internal structure consists of a large PVC pipe wrapped in foam and fabric, with PVC chosen for its lightweight yet structural properties.
Are there any other projects or designs you are currently working on that you are excited about?
I’m currently undertaking my Honours year in Industrial Design, researching product longevity and the factors that influence the lifespan of consumer goods. At the time of writing, the project is in the prototyping stage, with the final outcome due at the end of the year.
It’s been an exciting opportunity to bring together everything I’ve learned throughout my degree into one final project, and YOKE has certainly helped build the skills and confidence needed to take it on.
Who has been your biggest influence or mentor in your design journey?
My parents have been my biggest influence. They taught me the value of taking pride in what you make, which I’ve tried to carry into my own design practice, whether that’s spending extra time refining an idea or learning a new skill to bring a project to life.
Sam Tomkins, Eddi Pianca, and the team in the workshop have been my mentors since I first started at the University of Canberra. They always seem to ask the questions you hope they won’t ask about your design choices, but over time I’ve realised that’s exactly what pushes you to think more critically, refine your ideas, and be more intentional with every design decision.
What insights did you gain from showcasing your designs at Design Show Australia, and would you recommend participating in the ANTD competition?
Design Show Australia was an amazing experience. One of the highlights was talking with the other finalists, hearing about their projects, and learning about the different ways they approach design.
A real highlight for me was seeing people interact with YOKE over the three days. Watching people sit in it, spend time with it, and genuinely enjoy it in a public setting was incredibly rewarding and gave me a new perspective on the design. The show also gave me the chance to connect with experienced designers and share the story behind YOKE and how it came to life.
I would absolutely recommend participating in ANTD. It’s a great opportunity to broaden your perspective on design, meet people who share the same passion, and showcase your work in an environment where people are genuinely interested in what you create and how you got there.
What’s next for you?
Right now, I’m focused on completing my Honours project in Industrial Design. It’s keeping me pretty busy, but I’m really enjoying the opportunity to explore a topic I’m passionate about and push my design practice further. I’m excited to keep learning, refining my skills, and seeing where the experience takes me.
By challenging contemporary furniture trends and mastering the physical grit of metal fabrication, Luc Puchert has proven himself to be an exceptionally thoughtful voice in the next generation of Australian industrial design. With a keen eye toward sustainability, intentionality, and product longevity, his upcoming Honours work is undoubtedly something to watch.
To follow the development of his final university year and see where the YOKE journey leads next, you can view his website here: https://lucpuchert-industrialdesign.com/work
