Tucked away in the back of Gerringong on Rowlins Road is a furniture maker which has just won two Australian Good Design Awards.

Juri and Nelli Hegi, owners of Hegi Design House, have taken out two ticks of approval for the designs of their Coulee Daybed and their Monolith Table.

Australia’s Good Design Awards are one of the most prestigious design awards in the world.

It is rare to win one, but taking out two wins in the same year is remarkable.

Juri is the furniture maker and his wife Nelli’s expertise is in design and social media.

They came to Australia just over seven years ago from Hanover, Germany, and started making furniture for a hobby about five years ago.

Since then, their clean contemporary lines, beautiful timbers and fine steel furniture has become sought after by those in the know.  

“I started as a cabinet maker, learnt welding, but discovered my passion when I combined steel and timber,” says Juri.

“It has been a long learning curve for me, but I revel in the creativity of design and execution.”

Inspiration for the Monolith Table was sparked by the geometric designs of the Bauhaus period.

The piece can be combined to form a coffee table or used singularly as a bedside table or a side table next to a favourite lounge chair.

The table is made from PEFC certified grade sustainable Victorian Ash, with a choice of finishes. Price is from $850.

The Good Design Awards Jury also praised the Coulee Day Bed, commenting: “A pleasant form which will be successful in the market. It has a nice array of options and accessories to complement the range. There’s beautiful simplicity and attention to detail – a careful, considered design.”

The bed, which is the result of a collaboration with Patryk Koca, is available in leather, velvet and a mix of fabric and leather. for $5,500 to $7,800.

The pair are also busy fulfilling custom orders for a growing clientele.

“Everything is made from scratch and we can customise sizes, and colours for cushions,” says Juri.

“People will send me an inspirational picture and ask me to make something similar. We put our touch, our style into it and enjoy the design challenge.”

Nelli, in charge of marketing and social media, prepared the entry for the Design Awards, says, “We didn’t expect to win, we just went with the flow and put all our heart, soul and work into it.

“To win two awards was amazing.”