About Designer Woodworks
At Designer Woodworks our story is one of passion, sustainability and the timeless artistry of woodworking.
Founded by fine craftsman Garan Hale, Designer Woodworks showcases our beautiful Australian timbers. At the heart of our ethos is a commitment to re-establishing our unique, world-class cabinet timbers and the habitats they provide.
We actively reforest our property in Northern New South Wales concentrating on planting endemic species to provide a seed bank for future generations. We collect quality salvaged logs which are band milled and solar kiln dried then crafted into our fine furniture. Our furniture is designed to be used every day and to become loved furniture pieces in and around your life. By choosing Designer Woodworks, you embrace not just furniture but a sustainable lifestyle.
Our Values
All the timber used to craft your furniture is ethically sourced. Proudly family-managed, we've garnered recognition for our commitment to traditional craftsmanship.
Excellence in Craftmanship
We are dedicated to the pursuit of craftsmanship excellence, ensuring that each piece reflects not only meticulous design but also the mastery of traditional woodworking techniques. Our commitment to quality extends beyond furniture; it's a promise to deliver enduring elegance.
Always Sustainable
As stewards of the environment, we grow our own wood, harvest sustainably, and replant, creating a circular process that contributes to a healthier planet. Our commitment to sustainability extends beyond aesthetics, ensuring that every creation embraces the beauty of nature without compromising its future.
Inspiring Generations
We believe in leaving a legacy of inspiration. By crafting functional fine furniture from a diverse range of Australian timbers, we aim to encourage a love for craftsmanship, sustainability, and the timeless beauty of wood.
Our Approach
plant - salvage - mill - dry - design - assemble - finish - fine furniture
Garan Hale's Woodworking Journey
In a world where passions are often discovered later in life, Garan Hale defied the norm. Somehow, as an eight-year old, Garan knew his direction in life was to become a woodworker.
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While still at school he attended night classes with Les Miller laying the foundations for a rich life in the world of woodworking. Garan’s early dedication continued during school work-experience with Leon Sadubin at his “Woodworks” business, an experience that would lead onto an apprenticeship with Peter Adams at Sturt Craft Workshops in Mittagong. Here he developed the hand skills to make fine furniture, preparing him for a lifetime of challenging woodwork. When Peter relocated his business, Garan had the opportunity to continue his apprenticeship with Lewis and Lewis at the fine woodworking hub in Sydney. Here Garan learned the complex construction techniques of solid traditional library and legal office fitouts. The final year of Garan’s apprenticeship was a significant milestone where he was involved in the restoration of the Steam Yacht ‘ENA’ under the watchful eye of David Lockwood, chairman of the Fine Woodworkers Group. This project was one of the most intricate, traditional fine woodworking challenges in his career.
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As Garan further ventured into the world of wood, he nurtured a growing passion for guitar making. He collaborated with Gerard Gilet repairing stringed instruments and making acoustic guitars. This period of six years expanded his knowledge and added to an already impressive skill set.
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Designer Woodworks was born...
Garan's journey eventually led him to settle in Kyogle. With unwavering determination, he single-handedly built a hardwood home for his growing family while working at the local timber mill. As his family grew he boldly started his own business, Designer Woodworks in the small country town of Kyogle.
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Over time Designer Woodworks carved a niche as specialists in Australian timber joinery completing numerous luxury homes in the region.
Today the focus has shifted towards creating functional fine furniture from a diverse range of Australian timbers.
Meet the Team
Meet the team at Designer Woodworks - skilled artisans with a shared love for woodworking and a commitment to their craft.
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Founder & Master Woodworker
Garan Hale
With 45 years of experience Garan has established himself as a truly experienced woodworker. His expertise extends across a diverse range of woodworking disciplines. His journey began in the intricate world of fine furniture and guitar making where he developed meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to quality. Over the years, Garan has honed his skills in various woodworking realms, including traditional cabinet making, building hardwood homes, and for 25 years has supplied architectural joinery for luxury homes throughout Northern NSW.
From salvaging and milling fallen logs to replanting cabinet timber trees, Garan is passionate about and actively involved in ensuring rare timbers survive.
Garan’s furniture designs combine creativity and functionality with artistic flair, showcasing his deep appreciation of the intrinsic beauty of wood.
Apprentice
Henry McErlean
Henry, our dedicated 4th year apprentice, is a passionate craftsman who embarked on his woodworking journey from a young age. With a keen eye for detail, his enthusiasm for woodworking extends beyond basic projects, as he thrives on the challenges presented by complex joinery techniques. Henry is not only a skilled individual but also an outstanding team member. As he continues to evolve as a woodworker, his commitment to excellence and passion for the art ensure that he is well on his way to becoming a prominent figure in the world of fine woodworking.
Horticulturist
Bianca Van Leeuwen
Meet Bianca, a skilled horticulturist whose love for nature resonates deeply with Designer Woodworks' ethos. In addition to her diverse responsibilities in detailing, finishing, and administration within the workshop, Bianca is a dedicated bush regenerator, a collector of native seeds and is passionately committed to restoring timber trees and wildlife habitats for future generations. Guided by the belief that "the best time to plant a tree was yesterday," she lives by the principle that “the true meaning of life is to plant trees under whose shade one does not expect to sit” (Yahjungun)
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