Photography by John Gollings
Nexus Designs
Our origins with Merchant Builders
“Thus for the first time a genuine architectural circumspection was brought within the financial reach of the average owner… Among the more notable enterprises was… a firm called Merchant Builders in Melbourne.”
Robin Boyd – Australia’s Home, 1968
During the boom of international Modernism, Merchant Builders led the push in Melbourne for an Australian take on Mid-century design. The best architects and designers of the 1960s came together to create the “Australia House.” They brought Modern Australian architecture to the mass audience with ground-breaking designs that suited the Australian landscape and climate. Out of this hotbed of creativity, Nexus Designs was born.
One of the founders of Merchant Builders, David Yencken, met Janne Faulker at a dinner party. The two shared an instant creative connection. David recognised Janne’s style and confidence and offered her a job the next day.
Janne began by managing the Merchant Builders joinery factory but was soon furnishing all their display homes. She was given complete creative control to craft a striking and unique Modern aesthetic.
“ In those days Merchant Builders was like the Bloomsbury Group in London – a whole range of quite brilliant people, [who were] very idealistic.”
Janne Faulker AM – Founder Nexus Designs
Photography by John Gollings, Neil Lorimer, Nexus Designs and Unknown
Janne’s design influence showed Melbournians what a vibrant life could look like inside a Merchant Builders’ home. Mixing European influences with local craftsmanship became a feature of her interiors. These design choices helped to foster the arts in Australia and establish local aritsans.
Janne and her growing team of designers moved on from Merchant Builders in the 1980s to become Nexus Designs in South Melbourne, where we still work today. The studio remains dedicated to the principles of Australian Modernsism – simplicity, comfort, and practically, paired with a naturalness in materials and dedication to designing for the Australian environment.
“It was always based very much on the Australian environment and the fact that Australia has a very different way of life. We’re much freer… people want to take off their shoes and walk on timber floors and then walk straight outside.”
