Philosophy
My Philosophy
At Bentolabs, I believe design should enhance life's most meaningful moments. Drawing from decades of production design experience, I understand how thoughtfully crafted environments transform the way people experience what they love.
My approach is built on four essential principles:
Modularity I design for life's evolution. My products adapt and grow with you, offering endless possibilities for configuration and expansion.
Minimalism Beauty lies in reduction - removing the unnecessary until only the essential remains. My designs celebrate clean lines and purposeful elements.
Simplicity Design isn't just about aesthetics - it's about solving real problems beautifully. My products merge form and function, bringing together premium materials, precise engineering, and minimalist aesthetics.
What began in my world of production design has evolved into a meticulous approach to crafting everyday objects. I believe thoughtful design has the power to elevate not just spaces, but experiences.
About me
And a little bit about Roo
I'm Grier, founder of Bentolabs. For twenty years I was production designer for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, creating their live shows around the world. Born in New Zealand, I've lived and worked globally - from Los Angeles to London, Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City. My journey has included publishing a book of photography with Macmillan and founding CoAqua, a premium coconut water brand. These experiences in design, photography, and entrepreneurship all converge in Bentolabs, where I create furniture that combines simplicity, functionality, and thoughtful engineering.
Before Bentolabs I was living in Bali and my partner, and I rescued Roo on Christmas eve from what would have been a very short life indeed - she's been with us ever since. She's a well-travelled, much loved Bali dog.