The home of New Zealand Outdoor Product Design
About
Our Expertise
With 35+ years of industry experience, I can offer product design expertise for any outdoor or travel business. My work has supported Himalayan mountaineers, polar explorers, extreme kayakers, hikers, hunters, alpine climbers, campers, cyclists, motorcyclists and world travellers. I have also developed custom bags and cases for specialist products.
I have been employed by three large companies: Fairydown, Kathmandu and Sea to Summit, and since founding Andy Milne Design Limited in 2007, have worked with over 25 different clients. Highlights include a Good Design Australia Award (2009) for a tent design, plus two patents: a tent pole retainer and an innovative sleeping bag system.
Skills & Expertise
-
Concept design
-
Pattern-making
-
Technical pack creation
-
Construction techniques
-
Mock-up samples
-
Sample reviews
-
Quality control
-
Detailed tech-pack creation
Design Philosophy
New Zealand’s challenging landscapes have long inspired innovation in outdoor gear. I aim to continue that tradition by designing products that combine innovation, function and creativity.
My approach is guided by these principles
-
Product design is a personal signature — every detail matters.
-
Great design balances art and engineering, uniting aesthetics with function.
-
Designers must understand the full process: design, manufacturing, sales, and marketing.
-
It is important to balance the creative process with practical constraints and deadlines.
-
Learning each brand’s values and stories shapes stronger products.
-
First-hand knowledge of a product's end-use is invaluable throughout the design process.
-
As a freelancer, I refine and optimise my process with every project.
Minaal
“Andy’s been an integral part of what we’ve achieved over the past 12 years. From helping us navigate the original ideation and design process to vetting suppliers, managing production, developing QC standards, and expanding the range, his insight has been incalculably valuable.
He’s the rare designer who has extensive experience hand-making gear from scratch, meaning the design concepts don’t collapse on first contact with the factory.
In addition to being a reassuring, knowledgeable voice at the table, he’s always got a keen eye for opportunity costs and trade-offs, meaning decisions are made with both eyes wide open – resulting in a more robust product at the other end.”
— Jimmy – Co-founder, Minaal
Bushback
“We first engaged Andy in 2021, initially to improve some of our established lightweight tents and sleeping bags. It wasn’t long after that initial work that we decided to embark on some bigger, longer term design projects. Bushbuck has always prided itself on disrupting the market so it was a real opportunity for us to combine Andy’s extensive design experience with our agile and commercial approach. All to further reinforce Bushbuck as a performance and design orientated brand that is also one of the most competitively priced out there. Due to the thoroughness of his design process, the products Andy developed for us are now cornerstones of our equipment range. “
— Tim Dunn — CEO & Founder, Bushbuck
Contact
For inquiries or collaborations, reach out to discuss how we can bring your brand vision to life.