I often get requests for
information from students who are completing projects for school
assignments. As my business has grown over the years I have
become busier and busier and unfortunately I am no longer able to
answer your individual questions for school projects.
I have however prepared this special student project information page, where I hope to give you some further background into my work and provide you with some of the information you are looking for.
I have however prepared this special student project information page, where I hope to give you some further background into my work and provide you with some of the information you are looking for.
Where was I born ?
I was born in Melbourne in 1970, and have lived there all my life.
Where was I educated ?
I was educated at Preshil in Kew, Melbourne, which is where I was first introduced to Woodwork in year 7. I spent more time doing woodwork than I should have and found this the most interesting subject at school.
www.preshil.vic.edu.au
How did I become interested in furniture and design?
My interest in furniture design was a natural progression from making small objects from wood at school. I enjoy not only the design process, but the actual crafting of an object which I have conceived.
What formal training do I have ?
I have no formal training as such, but did complete a course at the Melbourne School of Woodcraft in Fitzroy, Melbourne in 1989. I also worked for several furniture makers early in my career. I am self taught, with many hours spent reading books and magazines on woodwork and design. I found I learnt quickly as I went along by making mistakes.
How did I start my business ?
Starting my business was a somewhat unplanned path, but resulted out of the fact that these was simply nowhere to work in Melbourne where I felt the sort of work I was interested in was being done. At first I completed basic commissions for family and friends, however a clientele quickly developed who appreciated my work. I exhibited extensively to show what I could do and was soon booked up for 6 months with commissions. As the work increased I slowly built up my collection of tools and machinery, enabling me to become more efficient and to complete a larger range of designs and projects. Eventually after working as a sole trader for many years I incorporated to become ANTON GERNER FURNITURE PTY LTD and now employ several assistants to help with my work.
Where do I work ?
I work from a small, but highly efficient workshop in Hawthorn East, Melbourne. Situated by the railway line, off busy Auburn Road, my showroom is also attached to my workshop. The building is an old dairy, which even has the original old tiled floor and walls.
What tools and machinery do I have ?
I use a range of both hand and machine tools. The workshop is fully equipped with all the basic woodwork machinery, as well as some specialised machines such as an edgebander and vacuum veneer pressing equipment. Hand tools are used for many operations, where setting up a machine for a one off task is just not practical.
What timbers do I use ?
I use a huge range of timbers from around the world, in both solid and veneer. Indeed many of the rarer timber species I use are only available in veneer. The choice of which timber to use for each project depends on a number of factors. The clients budget, the availability in the required size and the desired colour or grain to suit a particular design. I like personally to combine different timbers in contrasting colour and grain, but this is not always possible as often a client will often request a timber to their liking, not mine. I have a personal preference for darker timbers such as Walnut, Blackwood and Ebony.
What inspires me in design ?
I tend to be inspired by things other than furniture. I often notice details in buildings and things in everyday life. I am inspired by any product that is made well, from cars to dinner plates - if they are made well and look good I am interested in them. I am often asked if I am inspired by a particular designer. Well not really, however I am very fond of all things Art Deco.
Do I follow a particular style or trend ?
No, however I do keep my eye on what's going on by reading the latest design magazines from Europe.
How do I develope my ideas ?
Many of my ideas are developed over a long period of time in my head. I have a huge database of designs which I want to complete and I often sketch my ideas on paper. Some designs are developed on paper easily, while others need full size prototypes to be made. I have a photographic memory for my ideas and designs and can naturally draw on these as needed.
How do I control quality ?
Simple - I am obsessed about it. No piece leaves the workshop until I am happy with it, even if that means it is running late. Daily I monitor the work completed by my assistants and constantly discuss the quality of the product we are producing. It is the quality of the furniture we produce that's sets us apart in the market place.
What constraints do I have when designing for a client ?
Many!
Clients often want me to design a piece for them in a particular style, using a certain type of wood, for an unrealistic price. It is my job to work within these constraints to come up with a design that suits their requirements. Sometimes this is very easy, but other times it is not always possible and a compromise has to be reached. I guess I now use my years of experience to work though these constraints to design a piece that both the client and I are happy with.
How do I cost my work ?
My work is costed like any other product in the market. There is the cost of materials, labour, workshop overheads, a profit margin and GST. When quoting I use my experience to estimate how long a piece will take to make and accurately calculate the cost of materials. The client is then given a formal quotation, which details the total cost, deposit required, balance due on delivery and the terms of the sale.
How does design effect the construction of a piece of furniture?
Over the years I have learnt that any design can be built, its just a matter of how long you want to spend on it. For my everyday commissions I have to design pieces which are straight forward to construct, as I have to work to a cost the client is prepared to pay.
In order to construct pieces which are going to last, certain design elements come into consideration. Traditional joints, which are very strong, can often be used as a design feature and can be incorporated into the overall look of a piece. For exhibition pieces however I often design more complex pieces, where time is not such a consideration.
Do I take work experience students?
For a number of years I had many students come into my workshop for work experience. I know many were inspired to pursue creative studies as a result, but unfortunately I am no longer able take students on work experience students as I am just too busy. However, you are able to visit my showroom, just please phone me personally to make an appointment to do so.
I hope the above answers most of your questions,
Anton Gerner