Working in logistics, Steph Alexander plays a pivotal role in the well-oiled machine that is KE-ZU. She is the intermediary between designers, suppliers, warehouse, sales, marketing and clients, ensuring all furniture is received and delivered to order.

Steph moved from London to Sydney in 2016, after having what Steph describes as a very “say-yes-to-everything kind of a year.” She said yes to Australia and yes to KE-ZU and we couldn’t be more pleased to have Steph here.

(above image: A by the Sea by Steph Alexander)

What attracted you to KE-ZU?

I worked in logistics and customer services in the furniture industry in London, so it was great to find a company that champions international design and that has such a strong connection with European furniture and design.

Where did you work in London?

I did an interior design degree at Goldsmiths, University of London and I interned at Established & Sons. I joined them fulltime after I finished my degree as I had really fallen in love with furniture design through working with them. Established & Sons placed a lot of emphasis on the manufacturing and production of pieces and I loved seeing the development of a piece from design to delivery.

After five years I joined Lee Broom, based in Shoreditch. Lee is a fantastic British designer who has a great eye for detail, a sense of the theatrical and a real desire for users to experience and enjoy design.

What do you enjoy about logistics?

Logistics is a very pivotal place to be. I’m the go-between with the designers, suppliers, warehouse, sales, marketing and as I provide customer care, I also liaise regularly with clients, so I see the whole process in motion. And as a bonus, I’m usually the first to hear about new designs and see the samples.

What is your favourite piece at KE-ZU?

If I have to choose just one, Nub by Andreu World (below) takes it. It reminds me of comfort in the feeling its form evokes. It’s the kind of chair you would have in a nursery, tell stories from, do some artwork in or sit to have a cup of tea and cake with friends. It’s a chair for the cosier parts of your life.

What is a favourite non-KE-ZU piece?

Surface Table by Terence Woodgate & John Barnard for Established & Sons. It’s an elegant example of engineering and design at its finest. Five millimetres thin, carbon fibre, light weight and so strong you can place a Formula 1 car on it. It’s not flashy or overly designed and it shows the beauty of carbon fibre as a material.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I’m a reluctant runner, occasional baker and paper artist. I’m also a rookie photographer so I spend a lot of my time out and about with my camera. Living by the sea means I tend to do a lot of surf photography, but I’m focusing on pet photography these days. I love the four-legged and furry! There’s nothing better than coming home to a wagging tail at the end of the day. To be able to capture that lovely bond between people and animals is such a fantastic feeling. It may be cheesy, but there’s a lot we can take away from how happy with life and in the moment our pets are.

(above image: Shake it off by Steph Alexander)

What are 3 words to describe KE-ZU?

Teamwork, enthusiastic, home away from home… if that can count as three words.