Harley Anstee, the joint managing director of Nexus Designs, is the co-author of ‘Using Australian Colour’, a sourcebook of colour inspirations for use inside and outside the home.

Drawing colour inspiration from the Australian landscape, from the rich terracotta soil in the Centre, to the colour of sand along Australian beaches, Harley Anstee has helped to shape the colours that dominate many of our homes today.

Architecture & Design spoke to him about the favourite part of his job, what the colour forecasting process is like, and his recent work with Bluescope Steel.

Tell us more about yourself.

I have more than thirty five years of history with Nexus Designs and have been instrumental in its development. I am responsible for the atmosphere at Nexus Designs which enables designers to develop whilst still paying homage to the company’s unique philosophy.

I have mentored and developed the talents of many young designers since joining Nexus Designs in 1975 and am a fellow of the Design Institute of Australia.

Why design?  

I have always been interested in art history, architecture, interior design, contemporary Australian Art and well-designed modern furniture, and so after completing an Interior Design course at RMIT in 1965, it was a natural progression to move into a design-related industry.

What is the favourite part of your job?

Working and collaborating with our extremely talented team of designers on a diverse range of interior, graphic and product development services. Liaising with our Joint Managing Director  Michael Malignaggi and our dedicated Service and Practice Manager, Dianne Roderick and of course Janne Faulkner, our Founding Director. Working daily with this diverse group is extremely stimulating and rewarding.

What is the biggest challenge you face every day?

Keeping up to date with a myriad of new products from a host of different sources. 

What is the colour and trend forecasting process like, and what key factors do you look out for when deciding which colours will be ‘fashionable’?

Colour and trend forecasting is a major part of my role. In our Product Development studio, we work mainly with the Australian Building Products Industry.

As specifiers for a wide range of residential and commercial projects, Nexus Designs are very conscious of what is current in terms of colour and trend forecasting. We travel overseas to major trade fairs and find this assists in our colour forecasting, which we adapt for Australian conditions.

Fashion trends are transient, and with the Australian Building Products Industry it is relevant that colour selections will have a more permanent basis. Understanding a particular product and how it is manufactured, where it is used, its target market, past sales history and analysing gaps in the range are just a few of the factors we take into account when making forecasting decisions.

For example, the colours we select for BlueScope Steel are quite different to the colours and designs we select for SCA Australia. Deeko and Handee brands require the colours and designs to change every 6 months to a year, as opposed to BlueScope Steel where the colours need to last for 5 to 6 years. A detailed knowledge of each business and industry is essential.

You helped Bluescope develop six new shades for Colorbond Steel. Tell us more about it.

A national research and audit process was undertaken by Nexus Designs which resulted in receiving over 170 responses from architects and designers – both large scale and sole practitioners, building developers, project home builders, rollformers and others related to the building products industry. It was very clear from our research that change was required to the COLORBOND® colour palette. Audit participants were shown 30 colour boards containing existing and new colours recommended by us. This process took approximately 2 years.

How do these six new colours fit into wider design trends?

All six of the new COLORBOND® colours were amongst the most popular. The new colours were based on the Australian landscape and could be selected for a wide range and scale of  commercial and residential  projects across Australia, including coastal, rural and city landscapes

Which colour from the new range is your favourite, and why?

I don’t really have a favourite as I like all the colours. If I had to make a choice it would probably be Wallaby – I like the depth of colour and its neutral character.