CURTWOOD | ABOUT

Our expertise lies in crafting bespoke furniture and tailored joinery services for residential and commercial projects.
We take pride in creating exquisite, one-of-a-kind pieces and beautiful residential cabinetry using traditional craftmanship and top-notch materials and hardware. The collaborative process between client and maker is an intimate creative journey, ensuring the creation of purposeful pieces that transcend conventional boundaries.

LEON

Co-founder, Creative Director, Craftsman

There was no question that Leon would grow up to become a designer and craftsman. Raised in the natural oasis of Dangar Island, by a family of passionate designers and makers, the attributes of critical thinking, form and function and preservation are at his roots.

Leon's passion for making and designing started at a young age and has continued to develop over the years. After leaving high school, Leon completed an Advanced Diploma in Industrial Design at Sydney Design Centre. Once putting his design skills into practice, he was motivated to further develop his hand skills. He went onto to study Fine Furniture Fabrication and learn traditional making skills at the Sturt School of Wood and later completed his cabinetmaking certificate at NSW TAFE.

He is an experiential designer, with human interaction, feeling and connection at the heart of his design decisions. Leon's mission was to create synergy between traditional handcrafted artistry and good design in your home and with that, Curtwood Studios was born. Servicing the east coast of Australia, Leon is devoted to creating a meaningful business that puts the client and the planet first. Curtwood clients can trust that each Curtwood piece is not taking from but adding to a more beautiful and sustainable world.

Education & Achievements

AdvDip Industrial Design

Cert IV Fine Furniture Fabrication & Design

Cert III Cabinet Making

2021 Australia Design Centre Winner 'Emerging Designer Of The Year'

2021 Australian Wood Review Commended Award 'Maker Of The Year'

2022 Interiors Australia + Denfair Exhibiting Finalist for 'Australian Next Top Designer'

2022 Sydney Design Week - New Australalian Design x Powerhouse Museum Exhibitor

2022 Design Canberra - Craft ACT Exhibitor

LAURA

Co-founder, Creative Director, General Manager

Laura’s story began with the daily challenges of running a family business, balanced with evenings surrounded by musicians, designers and creatives. With this, Laura learnt both an appreciation of the creative arts and sustainable business practices.

Laura began her career in the financial services industry, learning best operational practices, managing stakeholders, projects and building client centric workflows. However, as Laura grew in her roles she was unable to ignore the lack of connection for the products and her yearn for a creative outlet. At this cross road, Curtwood Studios was born.

With a degree in Finance, a love for design and a passion for building businesses with integrity, Laura ensures Curtwood is as much a celebration of quality sustainable furniture as it is of creating a home.

In creating Curtwood, Leon and Laura understand the beautiful combination that exceptional design and handcrafted wood furniture can bring to your home. Laura has a passion for building meaningful business with a client centric approach and carefully considered operations to ensure a seamless client experience.

Education

Bachelor of Business, Finance & Marketing

University of Technology, Sydney

The intersection between carefully considered design & superb craft

We design and make furniture and architectural joinery from sustainable and locally sourced materials, using heritage techniques coupled with cutting edge technologies. With Curtwood craftsmanship we help evoke conversation, connection, comfort and memories. Whether you desire a long table for longer conversation or a functional yet beautiful kitchen that is the heart of your home. We create a home you want to be in.

We take an idea, and we research, develop, design and refine. We then craft the concept using traditional methods with first-class hand tools and machinery. We take the time to balance detail and effortless beauty through carefully considered form, function and aesthetic.

We endeavour to share the appreciation for the history of the craft and beauty held in handmade pieces. We believe that good design and beautiful spaces transform the way we live. Curtwood is the kind of handcrafted pieces our grandparents prised, like that dining room table we enjoyed Sunday roasts upon. Furniture and joinery that is loved and that lasts the test of time.

Sustainability is at the heart of good design

We believe sustainability is central to great design, and so responsible sourcing forms an essential chapter in the Curtwood story. Our timber selections are carefully considered and FSC approved; our timbers are beautiful but not flawless, robust yet incredibly smooth to the touch.

Utilising local suppliers to support our fellow small businesses while reducing our carbon footprint. Supporting and promoting the slow furniture movement with high-quality pieces made to last a lifetime. Our customers can feel confident knowing we have not made any compromises

Our approach is simple. We combine our meticulous concept design processes with research and development to ensure efficient and sustainable production. Once our designs move into the crafting phase, we use accurate machining processes focused on minimising waste, saving energy, and reducing our carbon footprint.

However, no machine can replace a craftsman’s skill. That’s why we adapt to make each piece truly special. From hand planing for the perfect shape to using fine hand tools for adding unique details – as both master designers and craftsmen – we thrive on knowing that each Curtwood piece will last and be loved for generations.

A BOUTIQUE DESIGN & MAKER STUDIO

LEON

Co-founder, Creative Director, Craftsman

LAURA

Co-founder, Creative Director, General Manager