20 Cheeky Questions: William Dangar
- Words by
- Georgina Reid
William Dangar is quite a character. He’s one of Australia’s most accomplished landscape designers, the creative director of outdoor furniture and accessories brand Robert Plumb, and a mad endurance motorbike rider. William is a straight up country lad who tells it how it is, regardless of whether he’s chatting to a bricklayer or a film star client. Also, he hasn’t worn underpants since 1986. Clearly, he’s a sinner, but a charming one, so we asked him some cheeky questions.
Can you please tell us a little bit about yourself, and your life with plants?
I moved to Sydney from the country 25 years ago by default when I met my wife Julia and unsuccessfully tried to get her to move to the country. She found me a job as a landscape labourer and the rest is history. I am passionate about garden design and its interface with architecture. I also have a passion for the mechanics of small business and service industries.
I’ve heard you’re just about to launch a new Robert Plumb collaboration with weaver Tammy Kanat. How did this come about?
I met Tammy through her sister who is a client. I commissioned her to create an artwork for our house in Bondi and we got on really well. Once it was completed we discussed doing outdoor stuff for RP and the new products we are releasing this spring are really cool and all made of woven rope.
What’s one of the most sinful things you’ve done and are willing to share with us?
I haven’t worn any underpants since 1986.
I find them to be a redundant layer of clothing.
What do you love about what you do?
The long list of unreal people I meet and work with from truck drivers, chippies, artists, politicians, Hollywood types and CEOs.
If you were a plant, what would you be?
Kikuyu lawn (it’s very hardwearing but needs a lot of maintenance)
What cheers you up?
Sunny days after a really good soaking rain.
What is the habit you are proudest of breaking or want to break
Using my phone whilst driving. I’m not quite there yet, but I’m trying. It’s such a bad habit and really dangerous.
What is your favourite word?
Mint. It best describes how I like my work to look when completed.
Have you ever been in love with two people at the same time?
Not in the last 25 years.
Name a skill you wish you had.
Patience
What is the most played song on your playlist?
Disappear by INXS or any 80s song. I have bad taste in music.
If you had to make a garden with 3 plants, what would they be?
Banksia, Miscanthus and Aloe.
What makes somebody sexy?
A sense of humour.
What do you miss most about being a kid?
Nothing, I still am one.
What’s the first thing you notice when you meet a person?
Their hair (it’s an envy thing).
What qualities in people do you admire the most?
Loyalty, honesty and humor.
What would you be doing in an alternate life or career?
Pro enduro motorbike rider (see kid reference)
What’s your perfect three-course meal?
I looove sushi
What is special about where you live?
I live in Bondi and our garden is bigger than our house, which is a rarity these days. It’s an oasis.
How many people are you completely yourself with?
One. My wife Julia.
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