My Custom Furniture Maker Story

Working with my hands has always been my way of experiencing the world—a journey where beauty, authenticity, and transformation converge. As a child, I spent countless hours watching my father and Poppa work their magic in their humble sheds. In those quiet spaces, custom projects were born from purpose, patience, and an enduring passion for craft.

Fine furniture in New Zealand Lloyd Brooke Furniture
Arcana Shelving Walnut Detail Joinery

In early adulthood, my passion for handmade expanded into the realm of music and songwriting—an art that, like fine furniture, demands precision, rhythm, and the courage to embrace uncertainty. It was during this creative interlude that I learned to nurture a spark until it flourishes, just as I later would in my bespoke furniture. With a young family by my side, in 2008, I left Auckland for Melbourne in search of a bigger musical world only to find that my true calling lay in the tactile language of craft.

The turning point came when my growing family found themselves surrounded by the inevitable clutter of mass produced, disposable furniture. At that moment, an influential book,“News From Nowhere” by William Morris, reignited my dedication to the world of craft and custom pieces. I transformed an empty shed into a dedicated hand tool workshop, my sanctuary where every cut, every chisel stroke, was an act of rebellion against the impersonal world of flat pack designs. It was here that I discovered the intimacy and precision that only hand tools can offer, a process that is both meditative and deeply creative.

hand plane bespoke furniture maker
Vault Handcrafted Walnut Cabinet

Vanessa, my wife and best friend, recognized the depth of my passion. She encouraged me to take the leap of faith, to embrace the artistry of handmade furniture as a lifelong calling. That decision cemented my commitment to creating heirloom quality pieces that stand the test of time.

These days, I view my work through the intertwined lenses of a musician, a craftsman, and a philosopher. My inspiration is not born from mere images or current trends but from ideals—abstract visions of potential, transformation, and deeper meaning. Each piece carries the energy of its making, a story etched into its form that resonates long after it’s built. I seek out forgotten knowledge and traditional techniques, using them to push the boundaries of what can be achieved in a small, bespoke workshop.

I’m not looking for the tree to inform me. I’m looking for geometry and it’s sacredness to rebuild the tree. In a way, the tree was born out of geometry and a divine plan so I’m thinking about how they could reconnect.

My workshop is a place of healing and contemplation, where the swish of the hand plane and the crisp cut of a chisel become the language of quiet transformation. I’ve intentionally steered away from large machinery to preserve that personal, reflective connection with every piece I handcraft. This commitment allows me to build not just bespoke furniture, but objects that resonate with a deep, soulful authenticity.

Mastrer craftsman using hand plane on bespoke furniture
unique handmade fine furniture Lloyd Brooke Furniture

Since returning to New Zealand in 2020, I’ve rediscovered a profound connection to this land. New Zealand is a nation defined by its ingenuity and its unyielding love for quality—values that rise above the superficial branding of overseas mass production. Our geographical isolation grants us the space to breathe, to focus on what truly matters. In this meditative state of quiet creativity, I strive to capture the essence of our country in every piece I create.

I invite you, as a fellow lover of handmade craft and design, to join me on this journey. Imagine transforming your home into a sanctuary—a place where every piece tells a story of passion, heritage, and timeless quality. Whether you’re looking to enrich your home with a statement piece that tells a story or to become part of a community that values genuine craftsmanship, your vision is at the heart of my work.

Reach out today via email or phone, and let’s start creating a legacy that will enrich your home for generations to come.

5.0 26 reviews

  • Avatar Ziah Vc ★★★★★ 5 years ago
    Amazing and swift workmanship!
  • Avatar Daniel Heeps ★★★★★ 5 years ago
    Lloyd offered fantastic service, and an excellent ear and eye for my requirements. Very happy … More with the whole process.
  • Avatar Dave Winsborough ★★★★★ 3 years ago
    We have been delighted with our furniture, the pieces look beautiful, are very functional and … More all the details bring the pieces to life.