Cultural practice

For Christchurch-born designer Campbell Johnson, the inspiration for his work is sensorial, from the people and places around him. So when an opportunity to head to a cultural epi-centre like Milan was presented to him to advance his 20-year-long career further, he absolutely embraced it.

It was in Melbourne over lockdown, where he was living and working, keeping an eye out for international opportunities in executive design study, that he learned of the Masters in Contemporary Interior Design at Milan’s renowned Istituto Marangoni. He applied and was awarded a Vogue Italia scholarship to undertake the enticing programme.

While studying, he learnt of what was coined the ‘Italian way’, centring on a protagonist, and the emotional aspect to a design while celebrating the provenance of materials and manufacture. Key to his studies was also personally focusing on the social aspect of sustainability.

Campbell also found a muse in the historical setting and stories of the city.

“I was so inspired, always discovering a new quartiere (neighbourhood). I walked the streets soaking up the energy and architecture – Milan is breathtakingly beautiful, but in a genuine way, with an ancient history infused by a frenetic modern city. I never got tired of exploring.”

Having completed his Masters, Campbell’s plan was to continue to America after winning the ‘green card lottery’, but after the intensity of study and the lingering effects of Covid, he decided to come home to recharge. What he wasn’t expecting, though, was to fall back in love with the ever-evolving Christchurch.

“After being away these last few years in such a turbulent time, I found myself experiencing Christchurch in a different way. I was reminded how beautiful it is and appreciated the spirit and progress made since I left,” he says.

“I feel invigorated, ready to apply the learnings gained from my creative sabbatical.”

With an existing footprint already in postearthquake Christchurch across the hospitality, retail, residential, and corporate sectors – you will have seen his work in spaces like restaurant Hali and salon Corkin + Friends – he is very happy to be picking up where he left off.

With clients and their needs always at the front of his mind, Campbell is looking forward to applying the learnings from his international experience across his future projects.

“Interior design, to me, is about creating an environment that fully represents you and extends your vision of how a space could be.” campbelljohnsondesign.co.nz

With a new year comes the chance to take stock, reboot, and heed the opportunities that come our way.

The following stories centre on people and businesses that offer us chances to see something new, transform our health, and revisit our heritage. There’s Kate Macdonald, founder of Davaar and Co, who bloomed in the face of challenges by transforming her generational product into something modern while respecting the past. There’s Ultimate Hikes, celebrating its 30th anniversary of guiding folks through the Milford Track, allowing people to hike New Zealand’s Great Walks safely. Then there is Green Dinner Table, delivering plant-based meals to your door, taking the hassle out of healthy.