Simon Ancher

Simon Ancher is an established award-winning designer and director of Simon Ancher Studio in Launceston. He is the former Director of the Furniture Design Program at UTAS.  Simon's practice references subtle gestures, details and minimalist reduction.  He appreciates and strives for pure simple design ideas and aesthetics. 

"When things are pared back, you really notice the finer details of proportion, materiality, structure, and purpose."

Born Newcastle 1977 NSW. Moved to Hobart, Tasmania in 1980 with his family. After completing his secondary School education at Hutchins Simon undertook a GAP year predominantly in Cleveland America, then onto England, Wales, Scotland and Tokyo. Upon returning to Tasmania Simon completed a bachelor of Fine Arts majoring in Furniture Design with first class Honours.

In 2000, he established his own design practise and worked out of the Designer Makers Co-Op (now DoT). In 2003 Simon moved to Launceston to study Architecture and also teach in the University’s Education Department. At the end of 4th year, Simon Accepted a full-time position within the School of Education running the Materials, Design and Technology course. A year later he was the new Head of the Australian School of Fine Furniture (2006).

After a successful 12 years with the University of Tasmania, Simon decided to leave the institution and embark on working as a fulltime designer and maker. Together with his talented wife Lisa they launched Simon Ancher Studio which operates from Herbert St Invermay and they currently employ 4 staff.

“Launching myself off the family home carport roof (2.4m high) in an attempt to land gracefully and safely (having cleared the immediate hedge obstacle) via my newly made pear wood and garbage bag constructed ‘hanglider’ was the first moment I can remember being convinced of my design prowess! It wasn’t overly successful, as I remember also testing the family umbrella which produced a notably softer landing….”

Image credit: Courtesy of Anjie Blair.