Ben and Kiri Wahrlich
Owners of Nightworks Studio
Meet Ben and Kiri Wahrlich owners of Nightworks Studio in the gorgeous mid century Poynton House located at 68 Oxford Terrace.
Ben was born and raised in Whangamata in the Coromandel Peninsula, Kiri from Nelson and they met each other while studying here in Christchurch.
In 2006 they moved to Sydney to lay their career foundations in both product and graphic design.
They took new product design ideas to design-focused trade shows and found their lighting designs were proving the most successful. For them, good design is a recipe of materials, design, quality, and sustainability, timelessness, and being able to compete on the global stage and they do, with numerous honors and awards to their name.
Ben and Kiri started the lauded lighting studio Anaesthetic Design in Sydney back in 2011.
In 2017, Ben and Kiri decided to take the bold step to relocate their family and business to Christchurch. Shortly after, they rebranded as Nightworks Studio to bring in a more New Zealand flavour to their brand. Their team specialises in design, products, and public installations, with lighting being their main focus.
We are always interested in what brings people to start a new life here in Christchurch and what aspects of our city they find appealing.
We chatted with Ben to find out.
Of all the places you could live, why Christchurch?
It wasn’t until our second child was on the way before we started to evaluate our current lifestyle in Sydney and where the best place would be to raise our family, along with finding a good place that would support our growing business.
We both had some family in Christchurch, which helped us form a good base here. Christchurch is a unique city, where you can be skiing in the morning and at the beach in the afternoon! A big plus for us was the international airport, which is key for our business. Christchurch is an affordable city with a lot of young families and provides us with a great work/life balance.
Where do you like to shop for fashion?
Ballantynes, Moochi, and Infinite Definite to name a few. We also love Recycled Boutique and often head down to Nifty Vintage on lower Cashel Street.
Where do you like to go out for lunch or dinner?
We love South Town Club on Welles St! Riverside is dangerously close to our showroom. Zeek’s upstairs at The Crossing has been our go-to lately. And when we have visitors from out of town we always head to Bar Yoko in The Welder.
What opportunities do you think Christchurch could expand on?
We would love to see the interior design and furniture community come together for more events, showroom tours - collective product showcases, and launches.
CHECK OUT SOME OF BEN & KIRI'S FAVOURITES
Parking
With over 10,000 car parks in the city centre, find one where you need it.
Central City
Classics
From the Cathedral Square markets to the Margaret Mahy playground, these beloved central city experiences always draw us back to the CBD.
Tribute to Ernest Rutherford
A tribute to Ernest Rutherford, who studied at the University of Canterbury and is regarded as the father of nuclear...
Whiti-reia Cathedral Square
Cathedral Square, locally known simply as the Square.
Riverside Mural
This mural provides a new perspective on street art and demonstrates the rich heritage of a time past, remembering the...
Chapman’s Homer - Bull Sculpture
Michael Parekowhai's amazing artwork is back in the city, and now located just outside the Christchurch Art Gallery! ...
Central City Classics
From the Cathedral Square markets to the Margaret Mahy playground, these beloved central city experiences always draw us back to the CBD.
Cracked Ink Artwork
This new piece on the Rockpool Bar building is by New Zealand artist Cracked Ink.
Whiti-reia Cathedral Square
Cathedral Square, locally known simply as the Square.
Antarctic - Novotel - Street Art
This mural is one of two commissioned to celebrate Christchurch's unique status as an Antarctic gateway city. Located...
