BFA(Hons), BEnvDes

Academic Director

Member of Design Institute of Australia, Furniture
Designers Assoc., Designers of Tasmania DOT inc
Contact Details
Telephone: +61 3 6331 0288
Fax: +61 3 6331 2660
Location: 214-216 York Street Launceston
Email: simon.ancher@utas.edu.au

Profile
Born in 1977, Simon grew up in an environment that strongly encouraged creative thought processes and self-expression which has greatly influenced his approach to design and passion for design education. In 2000 he graduated from the University of Tasmania receiving an Honours Degree in Furniture Design. Working from the Designer Makers Co-Op Workshop in North Hobart Simon developed a successful practice specialising in one-off commissioned work and interior fit-outs.

In 2001 Simon traveled throughout the United States, England, Norway and France. The most influential period being a 4-month stay in the centre of Paris, surrounded by breath taking architecture, art and design.

On his return to Tasmania Simon moved to Launceston to study Architecture and to commence teaching for the Faculty of Education’s Design and Technology program, UTAS.

Simon’s designs have been selected for various exhibitions including the Sydney based annual design event ‘Workshopped’, Design Island and Young Designer’s Month. In 2006 Simon’s 'Plied Rocker’ entry in the Tasmania Wood Design Collection Biennial Exhibition won the Premier’s 'Best in Show' award.

In recent years a series of public art commissions have enabled a fascination with morphed bench-seating configurations to be investigated and developed.   The benches constitute a significant shift in design methodology and manufacture operations in Simon’s practice. The ‘designer/maker’ type model has been developed into a more collaborative operation. The continued development of these industry-based collaborations is a key aspect of Simon’s design practice.