Mark Lever is the founder and creative director of SYML, a New Zealand design studio creating objects for architecture.
AN UNCONVENTIONAL BEGINNING
Born in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland in 1963, Mark followed an unconventional path into design. Leaving formal education at fifteen, his early working life took him through factories, mines and commercial kitchens. Time spent cheffing and working in practical, process-driven environments established an early familiarity with materials, tools, repetition and making.
a chance introduction to photography became the beginning of a career in commercial image-making.
After returning to Aotearoa following the 1987 crash, Mark moved to Auckland and established himself as one of New Zealand's leading advertising photographers.
Photography led naturally into filmmaking. Mark went on to direct music videos and advertising campaigns, working internationally for major brands.
A CONTINUING FASCINATION WITH MAKING
Alongside this career ran a continuing fascination with making.
Sailing, building, woodworking, furniture and the process of understanding how objects are constructed.
In 2018 he co-founded SmallSpace, bringing these interests together through bespoke interiors, furniture and fabrication.
WORKING FROM MATAKANA
Working from his studio in Matakana,
Mark now approaches lighting, architectural hardware and objects with the eye of an image-maker and the instincts of a craftsman.
Materials, proportion, surface, light and the evidence of process are central to the work.
SYML
SYML is the culmination of those experiences — a studio where image-making, fabrication and material exploration come together in objects intended to sit quietly within architecture while retaining a distinct identity of their own.
