72 | NEST Interiors DESIGN Design solutions tuned to the needs of the client NEST Interiors prides itself on offering customized solutions for each client. T T Sue Russell Hamilton-based interior designer Tonga Robertson has always had a creative spark. This passion led her to establish her thriving design studio, NEST Interiors & Design, while raising three young children. Seeking a creative outlet, Tonga decided to pursue interior design, a field that combined her love for art and working with people. “I would have loved to be a practicing artist, and when I had my babies, I looked for a creative career path. “I also love being around people and saw that interior design would give me both,” Tonga explains. Tonga’s journey into interior design required significant commitment, including putting her children in full-time daycare. She enrolled at WINTEC and, in her final year, interned with a builder on a major 300m² house project. This hands-on experience allowed her to explore her creative potential and gain invaluable experience. After graduating, Tonga faced the challenge of finding work in an established studio, which led her to create her own business, NEST Interiors & Design. Despite economic fluctuations, Tonga has successfully navigated the ups and downs, building a reputable design studio known for its bespoke solutions. Tonga maintains a strong connection with WINTEC, mentoring design students who intern at her studio and being a regular industry voice and participates in critiquing student work. “Right now, the economy is quite volatile, particularly in the construction sector, which affects interior designers too. We felt a downturn toward the end of 2022,” Tonga notes. Despite these challenges, NEST Interiors has found success in specialised work for the notfor-profit sector, including churches, Marae and Wellbeing facilities. Tonga and her team excel at creating bespoke spaces that meet the unique needs of these organizations. “We fix the problem of operating in a space that isn’t fit for their purposes, whether it’s a home or a office. We understand how spaces work for people and tailor our design solutions accordingly,” Tonga explains. NEST Interiors prides itself on offering customized solutions for each client. Every project starts with a blank slate, ensuring designs are perfectly tuned to the client’s needs. Recently, NEST Interiors embarked on an exciting community marae project in Pokeno, North Waikato. Unlike most marae, this one is intended for the entire community. “This project presents wonderful challenges, as we need to create a concept that resonates with the entire community. The council provided the land, so there’s a real investment by everyone in this project,” Tonga says. Honored to be part of such a meaningful project, Tonga has built a dynamic team and consultants that are all passionate about the same things. The Pokeno Marae project held a community event to gather and share historical insights about the town and region and share their vision for their community Marae. “Those early stories need to be reflected in the design elements to ensure a real connection and relevance. It’s an exciting project to be part of,” she adds. Tonga thrives on the nitty-gritty of formulating design outcomes from scratch. Looking ahead, she aims to grow her studio. “My goal is to have a medium-sized design studio with a diverse team. Diversity is an amazing superpower to harness,” she says. Nearly six years since opening NEST Interiors & Design, Tonga reflects on her journey with no regrets. Her family migrated to New Zealand in the early 1980s, and she grew up during the era of the dawn raids. “I understand the complexity and sacrifices my grandparents made. That’s what drives me as I build on who I became through that journey,” Tonga concludes. With her creative vision and dedication, Tonga Robertson continues to make a positive impact in the world of interior design through NEST Interiors & Design. Proudly Suppor�ng NEST Interiors ELECTRICAL HEATPUMP / AIR CONDITIONING SOLAR Commercial & Residential Flooring Specialists With an extensive range to suit any project, úè äõè üòøõ àäìîä÷ò ĥòòõìñê èûóèõ÷ö CARPET VINYL LAMINATE TIMBER FLOORING P. 07 850 1639 ïîĥòòõìñêçìõèæ÷ æò ñý Talk to us about your next project.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=