The Story of Nomadic Design

Gabby and Moritz (Momo) Stewart are the pair behind Nomadic Design, a small, family-run cabinetmaking business based just outside Whangārei in the subtropical north of Aotearoa New Zealand.

The business began in 2018, in a backyard shed in suburban Auckland, with a few hand tools, a lot of patience, and a shared desire to work more simply—with purpose and integrity. Since then, Nomadic Design has grown steadily and deliberately, now operating from a workshop beside their home, where life and work remain closely connected.

Momo trained in traditional cabinetmaking in southern Germany, graduating with honours. His work is deeply informed by this foundation—where care, slowness, and an understanding of materials are at the core. After moving to New Zealand in 2016, drawn by its forests, mountains, and coastlines, he began to develop a quieter, more sustainable way of working—guided by the belief that good design is both honest and enduring.

Gabby brings the creative direction to the studio—leading the design process, photography, and quietly holding the shape of each project as it moves from concept to completion. Their two young children, Moss and Nellie, are growing up in the mix of it all—alongside sawdust, sketches, and the rhythm of making things by hand.

Their work is grounded in sustainable values and a deep respect for natural materials. Each piece is thoughtfully designed to support the rhythms of everyday life, with careful attention to both form and function. From the layout of a drawer to the choice of timber, their process is considered and intentional—resulting in cabinetry built to last.

Nomadic Design is shaped by family, craftsmanship, and a quiet commitment to doing things well—one project at a time.

Photography by Hannah Baker