WOOD FOR THE AGES
Built on decades of hands-on experience, East Wood Design reflects a considered approach to furniture making and woodwork that values the natural beauty and endurance of timber.
East Wood Design is a bespoke furniture and fine woodworking studio founded on a deep respect for craftsmanship, material honesty, and longevity. The business creates custom-designed furniture and high-end wooden products that celebrate the natural character of timber and the quiet confidence of well- made objects.
Founder Adam Ward spent more than three decades working as a carpenter, specialising in the restoration of heritage villas throughout Devonport, Ponsonby, and Grey Lynn. It was during this time that he developed a strong appreciation for native timbers and traditional construction methods – materials and techniques that reward patience and care.
After ten years living and working on Waiheke Island, a relocation to Mangawhai four years ago marked a turning point. What began as a long-held interest evolved into a vocational shift, allowing a greater focus on designing and making original furniture pieces alongside finely crafted wooden products.
Today, Adam works with a broad range of timbers sourced from New Zealand and around the world, including White Oak, Ash, Black Walnut, and Beech. Each species is chosen for its structural integrity and visual depth, with grain and variation embraced rather than concealed. Clients are often struck by the richness of Walnut and Oak in particular – materials that reveal more character the longer they are lived with. At the heart of East Wood Design is a commitment to creating objects that endure.
In contrast to a culture of disposable, mass-produced goods, the studio aims to produce pieces that will outlast their original owners, both physically and aesthetically. Thoughtful design, careful material selection, and uncompromising build quality ensure each piece is made to be reused and passed on. With a growing base of returning clients and commissions travelling throughout New Zealand and as far as Malta, Amsterdam, England, and the United States, East Wood Design continues to expand its scope – driven by curiosity, craftsmanship, and a belief in making fewer things, made well.