Founders Fred Kimel and Phil Martin were working across software development, IT management and designing online platforms for the banking industry when they both felt a desire to change career paths. Fred found inspiration in the beauty of the antique furniture pieces he had been collecting, while Phil’s love of the handcrafted was sparked while renovating. Each gent began to individually pursue woodwork and custom-made furniture before they teamed up to create Handkrafted – an online marketplace connecting craftspeople and artisans with those in need of custom designs.

Customers can submit a brief to the website of what they would like made, and the Handkrafted team will suggest the best maker from their database for the job. These makers have been brought together under the Handkrafted banner thanks to their shared passion for quality, authenticity and sustainability. The website currently showcases makers from all around Australia, but will eventually expand to incorporate a global community. Handkrafted has launched with a focus on woodworkers, but the long-term vision will see the database comprise makers from a surfeit of fields. The current Queensland-based crop includes Nicholas Bailey and KUFA & Parquetry on the Sunshine Coast, Christopher Lyon at Currumbin, and guitar maker and luthier Luke Kallquist from Brisbane.

Image credit: Pixel Trade.