Chris Deguara (26) grew up camping and water skiing as a youngster. Growing up in an outdoors environment enabled him to see things in nature not many other people can see. After learning the upholstery trade from his father, Chris decided to study furniture design at TAFE. Now, his work has already earned him many awards, among which Awards of distinction, woodwork, metalwork jewellery, outdoor education and Apprentice of the Year. His ‘Astro lounge’ earned him recognition as a student finalist in the 2003 Australian Furniture of the Year Awards.