Journal
Meet the Makers – Sam
Our meet the maker series continues with Sam – the newest addition to the TIDE line up…
Sam, who grew up in Shepparton for his first five years before moving to Kew East, Melbourne, is the latest addition to the TIDE team, joining us in early 2019.
As a youngster, Sam was undecided what he wanted to be/do, however, he always knew it would be a physical, hands-on job.
He studied woodwork and product design at school before going on to work part-time with his uncle, building bespoke furniture, alongside studying Furniture Design at RMIT.
American Oak is Sam's preferred timber to work with due it's strength and character.
Sam chose to pursue furniture design as it combined the practical aspect of making a product, with the freedom and creativity of design – along with the sense of achievement from making something with your hands.
The skills he developed throughout his two-year course saw him awarded the Best Craftsman prize for the signature furniture piece he designed and built for his final assessment.
Another aspect that Sam enjoys about being a furniture maker is the problem solving and unique challenges presented by every piece of furniture and the timbers he works with.
If you purchase a Polly Hall Table it's likely been made by Sam as this is his specialty!
His preferred timber is American Oak because he likes the challenges it presents being such a dense/hard timber, with its attractive figure/grain structure and colour.
Sam’s favourite TIDE piece of furniture to make is the Brixton Chair due to all the shaping work that goes into every component.
He also enjoys any custom job, with the unique challenges that come with making something completely new.
