When Italian design house Cappellini bought the rights for David Trubridge's piece' 'Body Raft', in 2001, not only did his fortune change but in doing so, he paved the way for fellow designers.
Since then he has entrenched himself in the industry, creating furniture and lighting pieces throughout the world, contributing to notable causes, and mentoring New Zealand's emerging designers.
It seems fitting that nearly two decades after the Milan trade show, the award-winning designer would be made an officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to design.
But it came as a "complete surprise" for the man himself when he was asked about a month ago.
"I've never really thought about that. You think of it as more for people in the public sphere, doing stuff, rather than doing your own thing. I mean of course I've done a lot for other people along the way but I never expected that."