Steel Road
CREATIVE WARRIOR SERIES
Meet Louise and Elliot, the dynamic duo behind Steel Road Custom Furniture. Founded in 2019, they specialise in completely custom based woodworking, based out of a very large tin shed in Yackandandah, VIC. Using a combination of traditional and modern cabinet making methods, they offer a wide range of services in the design, manufacture, delivery and installation of timber furnishing products for both commercial and residential interiors. Well known architects, designers and clients from across Australia and overseas are on their waitlist, so get in touch soon if you’re looking for custom furniture… it might be a wait, but good things take time.
They also own and operate Apparentt, offering stunning pre-made pieces of designer furniture and Steam Benders Australia, focused on the woodworking technique where strips of wood are steam heated using a steam box. The applied heat and moisture makes the wood pliable enough to easily bend into the shape you desire.
We have commissioned a few beautiful pieces of furniture by Steel Road for clients, each time they lovingly exceed our expectations. I sat down with Louise to learn more about them, their craft, what brought their adorable family to the High Country and what makes them tick.
How would you describe your creative or design aesthetic?
Beautiful, durable, timeless.
What part of the creative process is most exciting for you and why?
We love connecting with our clients, both residential and commercial and building relationships. After days, weeks or months working on a project, Elliot thrives on the moment it's completed and that sense of satisfaction.
Where do you find your inspiration?
Our Apparentt designs are inspired and influenced by Japanese woodworking, highly regarded for its ingenuity and it boasts some of the most incredibly complex and attractive woodworking joints. Traditional Japanese joinery clearly demonstrates a ‘makers hand’ and consequently, uncompromising quality. We work to instil these qualities in our own designs.
Describe a collaboration you are most proud of and why?
We pride ourselves on very happy customers. It could be a large scale commercial fit out or a small, simple project, if the customer’s expectations are exceeded, we can be proud of the work we have done and have succeeded. I'm proud of our consistency in delivering our high standard of product. The next level is when a customer returns and we make another piece for them.
Have you undertaken any type of training (formal or informal)?
Elliot studied at ANU (Australian National University) in Canberra, completing a Bachelor of Visual Arts and graduating with First Class Honours, Majoring in Wood / Furniture Design. He has been designing furniture professionally for over 15 years now. Louise has a Bachelor of Arts, but in Musical Theatre Performance from the University of Ballarat Arts Academy. From memory, she also worked in a circus, so she can juggle anything that comes her way - great skills for multi-tasking in business!
Tell us a little about your creative journey and what led you to live and work in our stunning region.
We decided to move somewhere regional in the lead—up to our commercial lease expiring in Richmond VIC. We moved from metro Melbourne in mid-2019 to Yackandandah and the decision was equal parts lifestyle and work. We wanted a well rounded life for our family and to find a good work life balance. We purchased a commercial property here which suited us perfectly and we fell in love with Yack as a town. The team has grown to more than a handful, and we’re always looking for skilled labour and apprentices to join our ever growing crew of wood lovers.
For young creatives starting out, what's the best piece of advice you would give them?
You don't need to have everything fully resolved or thought out to get started, just take the first step, then the next one after that and so on. I think the first step is always the hardest, it may be buying your domain name or similar but just go ahead and do it. We have found great satisfaction in following our passion and growing a business from scratch.
Britt White Studio often specifies Steel Road furniture, including on our Le Bain Project.
You’ll find all their amazing products at their website or call Louise on 0412 407 797 to get started on your dream wood project.
