5 MINUTES WITH...

Hugh McCarthy

The Melbourne designer and maker believes furniture should be useful and sturdy, and serve you well into the future.

What inspired you to start HR McCarthy Furniture & Joinery?

I was providing a service to friends, architects and interior designers who needed custom woodwork or something unique that couldn’t be bought off the shelf.

You’ve spent time in Japan. Has that influenced your work?

Japan has an incredible tradition of craftsmanship. The Japanese designs that influence my practice are lightweight and easy to move around, making them ideal for small spaces. The no-fuss way Australians style their homes also influences me. I aim to create practical furniture that can be lived with for many years. As a maker,

I must consider proportion, decorative value, comfort and structural integrity.

How do you source your materials?

All the timber comes from suppliers who only source from sustainably managed forests and plantations. I personally make everything I design, from hand-picking the timber to delivering the product.

What’s your proudest professional achievement?

After years of making custom pieces for other people, it was nice to finally make time to create my own range.