about usmission statement
Roseadora strives to create lasting beauty by valuing client collaboration, design process, craftsmanship & balance within the environment.
about us
Roseadora is a designer-maker company specialising in the craft of timber furniture design & making.
Services include
- extensive consultation with client
- custom design for context
- detailed concept/specification drawings &/or quoting consultations
- expert selection of timber, veneer & hardware materials
- comprehensive construction, installation & finishes
- care instructions & long-term follow-up
- referrals to recommended industry associates & trades
Timber Furniture
- Tables – dining, boardroom, desks, coffee, hall & other occasional tables
- Bookcases – stand-alone, fitted & commercial/retail
- Buffets
- Bedroom Suites – bed-head/bases & bed side tables
- kitchens and cabinets – kitchen, bathroom, wardrobes, office with feature doors, shelving & hardware
- Other furniture – doors/entrances, windows, seating, cot, picture frames, light stands, outdoor furniture & more
- Yoga props – tresslar, halasana benches, blocks, etc.
business vision
Approach opportunities and challenges with an open spirit of adventure
Respect the design process of each project, allowing due consideration to the existing site, client needs and available resources
Refine the production process to achieve carbon neutrality by using salvaged, recycled and organic materials
Shape ideas by collaborating with colleagues and clients
Cultivate a multi-disciplinary team that have a shared commitment to a quality process and finish
Pursue knowledge and employ innovative technologies to continuously upgrade standards and practices
Extend and expand the range of experience to include people, materials and techniques from different regions – nationally and internationally
Create unique pieces that have a story and a beauty that will last generations
Develop shared knowledge of techniques & practices with staff, clients & industry colleagues.
maker – designer
Director / Principal Furniture Designer-Maker
John D. Waters
Over 25 years ago, I began as a trades’ assistant in cabinet making. The range of roles I assumed over this period equipped me in all areas of the furniture making craft, including: a range of materials preparation, assembly, spraying, installation, etc. Soon after, I began to work professionally with a range of furniture makers in various styles and capacities, including notable Victorian furniture producers Bruce Grisold (Ramone’s Fine Furniture), Mark Tuckey (Ancient Modes), Thomas Gannon & Charels Sandford. I further consolidated my 'hands-on' experience by attending specialist courses at Melbourne School of Woodcraft, Coles School of Woodcraft and RMIT.
In addition to this experience, I worked at the Victorian Wood Design Centre workshop (Meat Market, North Melbourne) for 5 years. The ‘open studio’ nature of the workshop exposed me to a vast array of independent woodworkers from all over Victoria, Australia & international woodworkers. Furthermore, I was responsible for coordinating day-to-day operations of the workshop, actively participating as a VWA Committee member (Secretary); & involved in a number of exhibitions, through my association with the VWA.
Over the past 10 years, I have developed a client base solely by custom designing and making furniture. The range of commissions varies from private residential, institutional to corporate. This word-of-mouth mode of ‘bespoke’ work has spread with the recent presentation of the 2008 Victorian Premiers Design Award. This mark of distinction has encouraged me to broaden my scope to include regional and international propositions.
This reputation as a premium quality designer and maker of timber furniture is highly regarded by colleagues, clients and suppliers in the industry. From this foundation, Roseadora has grown with the establishment of a dynamic workshop base in Melbourne, where engagement with other furniture makers is actively fostered through collaboration &/or contracting. In this workshop context, rigorous design approaches are undertaken, testing of new materials & methods, & extended into an ever diversifying of projects. Most recently this has include custom design, construction & installation of kitchen, commercial & institutional fit-outs. Such projects present valuable opportunities to develop skills & knowledge as a premium furniture designer-maker, especially by working with affiliated professionals, e.g. architects, interior designers, project managers & trades.
Design inspirations are drawn from the character of the raw materials, existing site attributes & client’s specifications. Other sources of design include Art Deco and Japanese furniture styles, architecture, literature, films, and music. Extensive national & international travel experiences further inform the design process.
Roseadora primarily works with recycled and salvaged Australian timbers & veneers. Other materials are also incorporated, including glass, metals & generally eco-friendly manufactured boards. Carefully considered & selected adhesives, finishes & polishes are continuously applied to reduce high-carbon emitting outputs. Ultimately, Roseadora, aims to become a carbon-neutral operation. Research of local & international business practices within manufacturing & crafts production is closely monitored.
From here, Roseadora aims to deliver high-end quality timber furniture for a wide range of clients & contexts – showcasing the clients appreciation of the finest design & making in Australia of its time.