John commenced training as a cabinet-maker and soon after moved into timber furniture making. By completing a full-time course in fine furniture making at Coles School of Woodcraft, John continued to build upon his design and construction skills by gaining experience across the industry. Over a 15-year period, he has worked with traditional and contemporary furniture-makers, including Ramons Fine Furniture, Thomas Gannon, Mark Tuckey and Charles Sandford. Through his participation with the Victorian Woodworkers Association, John developed in-depth knowledge and wide network of colleagues and resources.
In 2000, John ventured into his own business, Roseadora. Specialising in custom design/making of contemporary furniture, the repertoire included: boardroom tables for law offices (Robinson Gill Lawyers, Klaus Mueller); architectural collaborations for residential/commercial fit-outs (Co-Lab Architects); stand-alone commissions for institutions (City of Melbourne, Royal Children’s Hospital, University of Melbourne); and numerous private residential projects of varying scales (exterior and interior building features). John’s commitment to detail in design conception and follow through with handcrafted skills was acknowledged in awarding the 2008 Victorian Premier’s Design Award for the ‘Trinity Buffet’, and ABAF Springboard Program.
In 2009, John travelled with Alastair to the USA, attending the American Furniture Makers Conference, and visiting the workshops of George Nakashima and Wharton Esherick. Whilst there, he undertook a one-on-one course for a week with Peter Galbert to make the Windsor chair. Continuously expanding his interests, skills and knowledge, John has competed a workshop with Silas Kopf (USA) in marquetry/parquetry veneer(2012); Certificate IV Building (2013); and employment in a joinery company (2015). Currently, John is building a traditional Scottish yacht, ‘Arctic Turn‘ designed by Iian Oughtred.