Caren's creative portfolio

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During her Bachelor of Industrial Design (Honours) at the University of South Australia, Caren Elliss travelled to Mexico to undertake a four-month Industrial Design internship at Air Design. Tasked with designing furniture and products for New York loft apartments this experience became central to the trajectory of her practice. On her return, she commenced study towards a Master of Sustainable Design at University of South Australia. After her first year in the master’s course Elliss was accepted into the two –year Furniture Associate program at Jam Factory and put her studies on hold to take up this opportunity.

After completing her associateship, Elliss undertook a mentorship with New Zealand born, Adelaide based Furniture maker Lex Stobie. She was in turn invited to join him at his then studio based at George Street Studios, Thebarton. Taking up this opportunity, she was further mentored by Stobie and worked on developing her own brand.

Having worked closely with several Australian brands including Koskela, Estilo Commercial, Pirate Life and Woodmark. Elliss has expanded her practice to include residential and hospitality fit outs. During 2016 -2018 Elliss was a Studio Educator in Product Design and a Workshop Instructor at the School of Art, Architecture and Design, University of South Australia.

In 2018 Elliss was selected for ‘Adelaide Modern’ as one of six South Australian furniture designers to exhibit as ‘the present’ tasked with a contemporary response to a piece of South Australian manufactured Mid-Century furniture from ‘the past’. Elliss responded with her ‘Aurora chaise’ in response to the Fler (Fritz (Fred) Lowen and Ernest Rodeck) daybed. She was also invited, and spoke at the Symposium for this exhibition.     

2021 brought about some exciting collaborations with Keturah Zimran from Ikuntji Arts for Tarnanthi (Jam Factory). Selected alongside contemporaries, Daniel + Emma and Dean Toepfer, Elliss was invited to collaborate with Indigenous Art Centre ‘Ikuntji Arts’ where she responded to Zimran’s ‘Puli Puli’ textile resulting in a collaborative piece of furniture that was exhibited during Tarnanthi and Melbourne Design Week. It has since been included in travelling exhibition ‘New Exuberance’ that is currently moving around Australian regional areas for the next 3 years. In addition to this, her joint collaborative exhibition with Alison Smiles for ‘Ludere - to play’ (Craft + Design Canberra) resulted in the successful development of a range of functional ceramic ware, under the brand Ludere Projects. 

Elliss has exhibited at various local and interstate exhibitions including Melbourne Design Week, Sydney InDesign, Tarnanthi, Jam Factory, and Craft + Design Canberra. Her work has been included in publications ‘Ikuntji Fabrics’ (2022) and ‘New Exuberance’ (2023).

Describing herself as an Industrial Designer/Maker Elliss is known for producing thoughtful, original furniture, predominantly in the area of seating. Tapping into her digital and manufacturing skills, she continues to produce small – run commercial grade furniture utilised in Universities, Hospitality venues and private residences across Australia. 

Elliss currently runs her design studio and workshop in the western suburbs of Adelaide. Last year she returned to her previous role of Studio Educator and new role of CAD Tutor at University of South Australia and was 2023's external mentor for Jam Factory Furniture Studio Associates.  

Contact :carenellissdesign@gmail.com