New school,

Furniture designer and maker Martin Johnston is continuing his family legacy in Byron Shire, working with craftsmanship techniques and machinery inherited from his father.

Byron Bay and its surrounds have changed over recent years as city dwellers have flocked to the coastal paradise for a sea change or tree change. But drive 25 minutes north to Billinudgel and the laidback utopia still exists in the hinterland and on the coast. It’s here that Martin Johnston grew up and now works and lives with his young family, designing and making furniture with great respect for history.

As the son of a well-respected local joiner, Marty grew up in and around the workshop of his father, Bruce, becoming familiar with machinery, tools and timber. He had a passion for being creative and developed a love for working with his hands, making skateboards and ramps with his friends.

Following an apprenticeship with Bruce after high school, Marty and his now-wife Casey travelled abroad and worked in England, where Marty made shop fittings for Urban Outfitters. Although he worked with less desirable materials, there was creative freedom in what he produced and the experience inspired Marty to start his own workshop. He and Casey moved back to Australia in 2010, ready to “chase the dream” as Marty describes. It was serendipitous timing as the popularity of Byron was really kicking off, and an influx of new residents to the area commissioned Marty to produce furniture and built-ins for their new permanent or holiday homes.