We are committed to the design and production of high quality, handmade, unique furniture, designed and built to provide an enduring appeal.
Our Story
January 2007, and having decided to leave an office career, George Harper, the founder of TIDE Design, was about to embark on a Diploma of Furniture Design and Making at the Box Hill Institute, Melbourne.
Whilst studying, weekends and evenings and any time in between was spent working in a small backyard shed, developing ideas, and producing chopping boards to be sold at local markets.
TIDE Design was soon to follow, and was established to market the handmade furniture that we are so passionate about creating and sharing. And since that time it has all been about developing our range and style.
We were, and continue to be, inspired by simplicity, attention to detail, quality design and manufacturing, and most importantly, individuality.
We’ve come a long way since those humble beginnings, but the guiding principles remain. Browse the catalogue and we’re confident you’ll be able to see what we’re on about.
Design Values
Individual Pieces for Individuals
We understand everyone is different. Because all TIDE furniture is made-to-order, it can be custom designed to your specific requirements in terms of materials, finish and dimensions.
A Lifetime of Satisfaction
Your satisfaction is our satisfaction. The TIDE design philosophy is one of longevity rather than the latest fad. From idea to concept to finished product, each TIDE piece of furniture is built with a view to being a special feature in your home for generations.
A Sustainable Option
At TIDE we aim to be part of the solution, not the problem. TIDE furniture is mostly made from top quality North American timbers that come from forests considered to be the best managed in the world. Each TIDE piece is designed and manufactured to last a lifetime, resulting in an environmentally friendly alternative to mass-produced and disposable furniture.
Commitment to Quality Products
Only the highest quality materials, hardware and finishes are used at TIDE, where every joint and component is meticulously checked and every detail carefully resolved.
Meet the Makers
The entire TIDE range is designed and made in our Huntingdale workshop by a small dedicated team who are passionate about making timber furniture of the highest standard.
George
Melbourne based since 1999, New Zealand born George left an office career in his mid-30’s to pursue a passion for designing and making timber furniture; he founded TIDE in 2007. While there is less time for furniture making these days, George is still primarily responsible for the design of every TIDE piece.
James
James joined TIDE as a fresh faced apprentice in 2012. Having honed his skills, James has gone on to become our most longstanding team member and his creative problem solving skills have proved to be a real asset to TIDE.
Sam
Sam completed a Furniture Design degree at RMIT in 2017. He soon discovered that high end furniture making in solid timber was most appealing, due to the tactile nature and varied characteristics of the material. He joined the TIDE team in 2019.
Karl
It seemed appropriate that Karl would join TIDE in early 2021 and put his hand to making high quality furniture – given he has a furniture degree and only lives 5 minutes around the corner! When he’s not making TIDE furniture Karl keeps his hands busy tinkering on his four-wheel drive.
Matt
Having worked in photography - and particularly action photography - Matt felt a penchant to work with his hands and joined TIDE as an apprentice in 2021 - a role that he has embraced with enthusiasm and drive. He's now also responsible of our excellent social media photography!
Zoe
Our newest team member, Zoe 'always just wanted to work with timber', and at the beginning of 2022 she came on board with TIDE as a first year apprentice. With an excellent eye for detail and a practical approach - we think she has certainly found her calling.