Jane & Arch MacDonnell

Jane and Arch MacDonnell started their boutique graphic design studio, Inhouse, in 1995 from the front room of their house. Based here in Tāmaki Makaurau, their work focuses on the arts sector, particularly long-form publishing and projects that reflect and contribute to the culture of Aotearoa. They love making things that last and have a sense of place. 

A new publication designed by Inhouse is The Chair: A story of design and making in Aotearoa, made in accompaniment to the exhibition held at Objectspace Tāmaki Makaurau earlier in the year and now currently being shown at Objectspace Ōtautahi in the Sir Miles Warren Gallery. 

We visited their studio (a beautifully converted house) in Birkenhead, which sits amongst the treetops in a plot of established native bush. Jane and Arch shared some of their favourite items from Everyday Needs, things we still have in the shop and some archival pieces from previous years that are still very much well loved.

1. Cast Iron Bottle Opener

We seem to collect bottle openers. But once we had this one, the collecting stopped. It’s perfect — beautifully weighted and works a treat.

2. Walnut Spitz 

This is the pepper grinder above all others. Incredibly handsome and effective, it’s a lovely sculpture for your bench.

3. Self Watering Plant Pot

These pots are little gems. It’s good to know you can go on holiday and rest assured that your plants have water reserves.

4. Leather Fly Swat

Not only is this fly swat beautiful, it really works. The leather’s thwack is immensely satisfying.

5. The Chair: A story of design and making in Aotearoa

The Chair is on our list because it’s such a compelling read. It’s a rich archive of design and making of a single object in Aotearoa. So many voices and stories, beautiful photography and comprehensive research. We found ourselves constantly lost in the content.