You voted! People's Choice winners for Maker of the Year

10 December 2025

Congratulations to the People's Choice Winners for Maker of the Year 2025, presented by Carbatec!

Voting was on the Wood Review Facebook page where the three categories of shortlisted entries were presented. The entry in each category with the most likes/reactions receives a one year subscription to Australian Wood Review. Voting closed Monday, December 8. Here are your winners!

FURNITURE CATEGORY, PEOPLE'S CHOICE WINNER

Daniel Horne for Golden Horizon. Made from blackbutt, Golden Horizon is a piece born out of the desire to simultaneously frame a beautiful artwork whilst concealing a television. It's inspired by the way morning sun catches light on the surface of the ocean and has waterfall ends, push to open waveform drawer fronts, and a secret TV lift concealment base. Designed to be assembled on site, it can be carried into high-rise apartments with limited access. Dimensions - 3000 x 495 x 915mm. My hope with this piece is to capture the warmth and inspiration you might feel as a new day emerges on an open ocean horizon. Photo: Cathy Taylor

ART & OBJECTS CATEGORY, PEOPLE'S CHOICE WINNER

Geoffray Arnould for Mister, a mirror frame inspired by the Belle Époque. "The Art Nouveau ornaments are carved from maple and set against a wenge background. These two woods offer a marked contrast, just as the overall effect of the motifs and the mirror frame blends past and present in perfect balance. The mirror, topped with delicate ginkgo biloba leaves—decorative elements of the Art Nouveau movement—invites us to contemplate ourselves through the ages." Photo: Geoffray Arnould

TERTIARY STUDENT PEOPLE'S CHOICE WINNER

Kennedy Playford, Sturt School for Wood for Columnar Cabinet. "This cabinet features a base inspired by columnar jointing, a geological structure where closely spaced fractures, called joints, create a regular array of polygonal prisms or columns. It includes two individual cabinets on the left and right, with a drawer box in the middle. The cabinets are crafted from 500mm wide silky oak slabs and are mitred throughout for a seamless look." Photo: Ashley Mackevicius

SECONDARY STUDENT PEOPLE'S CHOICE WINNER

Edward Selig, The Kings School, NSW for Carved Laminate bent Walnut Chair. "My project is a walnut strip bent study chair that blends modern elegance with ergonomic design. Functioning as a mix of study and lounge chair, it provides lasting comfort and support. Crafted with careful craftsmanship, the design incorporates a laminating techniques and other refined joint work, achieving a high level of joinery and a timeless appeal."

Maker of the Year 2026 opens for entry in March next year. To receive our fortnightly free news updates sign up at this link