Who is he? A self-taught, Australian-born architect and designer known for his futuristic, sexy designs. Newson is one of the most talented designers of his generation and his portfolio includes furniture, lighting, watches, a car, household objects, glassware and even a private jet, the Kelvin 40. His work has appeared in Madonna's videos and in movies including the Austin Powers films.
How did he start out? Born in Sydney in 1963, Newson spent his childhood in Europe, Asia and Australia. He graduated from the Sydney College of the Arts in jewellery and sculpture in 1984 and two years later founded the Pod Design Studio, specialising in furniture and clocks, and exhibited his furniture designs for the first time at the Roslyn Oxley gallery in Sydney.