Founded in 2015, So Watt has developed a boutique manufacturing and design studio focused on changing the conversation around the accessibility of sustainable, Australian made furniture and joinery.
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About So Watt
Jonathan and Sophie Biet, founders of So Watt noticed a growing appetite for locally made, customisable, and environmentally conscious furniture in Australia yet a lack of opportunities for homeowners and businesses to engage in conscious purchasing. This inspired So Watt to challenge the ordinary and create a company predicated on honesty and education of long-lasting design and material choices, which flows from their manufacturing process all the way to the Marrickville workshop's open-door policy.
So Watt bridges the gap between designer and furniture maker. By bringing all necessary expertise under one roof, clients are empowered to take part in the design of tailor-made solutions that withstand the test of time and support local industry.
Material Philosophy
So Watt aspires to identify new materials that offer improved opportunities for our environment and test them until their capacity and potential are fully realised. Inspired by other design greats like Marcel Breuer, who recognised the potential of tubular steel, originally used in bike manufacturing, and created the iconic Wassily chair, So Watt looks to identify sustainable yet affordable materials and explores them without being restricted with any end goals on form. Instead, our designers are challenged to maximize the visual and functional potential of holistic materials, ensuring their characteristics are the focus and that their nuances are celebrated in the final form.
Design Philosophy
The design philosophy of So Watt is centred on a pragmatic desire for simplicity of form and clarity of function. We believe that furniture does not need to be elaborately embellished to be celebrated. Instead, we design with honest materials and subject them to an appropriate, yet refined manufacturing processes paired with a focus on minimising waste for the best outcome. So Watt understands that everything is subject to its context, and our context is Australia. For this reason, we design with local artisans, local materials and for a local audience. We encourage and guide our clients to select concepts that bring them joy without the cloud of trends or overseas influences. We hope in time that by celebrating our national creative personality, Australian design can transcend its origin and speak to a wider global audience.
Manufacturing Philosophy
Everything at So Watt is manufactured in our Marrickville workshop, ensuring our designers are totally immersed in the creation process. This approach fosters stringent prototyping and testing opportunities for our design team, resulting in rigorously tested pieces and finishes. Because So Watt is focused on the manufacture of their own designs, there is the privilege of a close designer-maker relationship which is centred around collaboration between our workshop team and the designer to create outcomes that are also efficient and enjoyable to make and as much a contribution of the maker as the designer. While it may be cheaper and easier to look to offshore manufacturers for our purchasing options, it's important to look for transparency in the conception of goods. What better way to know our workers and environment are being supported than by looking to buy furniture made by your neighbours and not the nameless, no matter where we are on the planet.
Jonathan Biet
Director • Lead Designer
Owner and lead designer of So Watt, Jono is the mastermind behind the efficient and effective micro-manufacturing undertaken at the So Watt workshop in ways that are unique to our materials and project goals. Jono’s degree in Industrial Design from UNSW fostered a keen interest in machinery and detailed parts design, that is evident throughout our collections. Jono will unpack a detail down to its core and scrutinise every element until it is being done as perfectly and efficiently as possible.
Sophie Biet
Co-Owner • Designer
Sophie loves a brainstorming session. From problem-solving and unpacking unique project requirements to suggesting exciting and unusual materials and manufacturing techniques, Sophie helps establish the basis for your project and outlines the requirements for the workshop team. With a degree in Industrial Design from RMIT and a background in commercial project management, Sophie approaches all projects with creativity and a strict plan to ensure budget and deadline are always met.
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So Watt is a Sydney-based design studio specializing in plywood furniture. Our team of creators, inventors, and designers challenge the ordinary and work across architecture, technology, media, interiors, and events.
We firmly believe that the future of goods-making is ethical, local, and inspirational. At our purpose-built workshop in Marrickville, we design and manufacture striking, functional furniture, products, and spaces. We sell directly to the public and collaborate with various industries, focusing on sustainable materials and radical transparency.
Our Story:
Founded in June 2015 by husband and wife Sophie and Jonathan Biet in their garage at home, So Watt began as a bespoke lighting design and homewares brand, while also working in visual merchandising. By 2018, the team had moved into the ground floor of their current Marrickville workshop, with a shift in focus to plywood furniture and joinery. Fast forward to 2024 and So Watt now occupies the whole building, with a larger workshop to provide a creative atmosphere for their growing team, plus a 150 square metre showroom and meeting space.
Our Studio and Workshop:
Our original brick two-storey Marrickville HQ is one of the few Sydney inner-city design workshops open and accessible to the public. We hold workshops and classes, and our showroom filled with plywood furniture and joinery is open 6 days a week, with dedicated appointments available to discuss your project. Read more about our services here: https://sowatt.com.au/pages/services or reach out to book an appointment to visit our showroom here: https://sowatt.com.au/pages/contact
Our Values:
We believe that the future of goods-making is ethical, local, and inspirational. All our pieces are 100% Australian made, crafted by our team using locally sourced materials. This allows us to offer short lead times and support our thriving creative and manufacturing industries. We customize sizes and finishes of all our pieces and work with clients to create bespoke designs and unique commissions for commercial, retail, and residential fitouts.
Our open-door policy at our Sydney showroom and workshop supports a collaborative approach for all projects. We work with clients across Australia and occasionally internationally.
Our Work:
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Future Friendly: We make products with the belief that there should be less of it.
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Service: We provide certainty and encourage collaboration.
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Craft: Our creations are a harmony of inputs creating complete solutions.
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Gift: We apply curiosity and imagination across all our projects.
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People: We work with like-minded creatives in a supportive and energetic environment.