Tony Kenway is a furniture maker and designer based in the Byron Bay Hinterland in Northern New South Wales. What sets him apart in the world of contemporary furniture is his dedication to combining masterful craftsmanship with the natural beauty of Australia’s rare and exotic timbers.

A Career Built on Passion and Training

Kenway’s journey into furniture making began in the 1980s, following formal training as a cabinetmaker and shipwright. This dual background proved invaluable in shaping his approach to design. Rather than jumping straight into commercial production, he spent years refining his craft and developing his distinctive style. What started as a search for creative expression has evolved into a 30-year career working specifically with Australia’s subtropical timbers, a tradition that harkens back to the region’s forestry heritage.

Design Philosophy and Inspiration

The core of Kenway’s work revolves around creating pieces that are both beautiful and functional. His designs draw heavily from nature, particularly the coastal and marine environments surrounding his Byron Bay property. His furniture is often described as neo-classical and timeless, with clean lines and flowing forms that feel organic rather than rigid. Every piece reflects what he calls his priority: “to create elegance and harmony in my pieces, whilst melding functionality and comfort.”

What’s particularly notable about his chairs is their ergonomic quality. People who sit in his work frequently comment on how naturally the furniture seems to fit their bodies. This balance between aesthetic beauty and practical comfort doesn’t happen by accident. It comes from careful attention to proportion, design refinement, and a deep understanding of how people interact with furniture.

Recognition and Collections

Kenway’s work has achieved significant recognition both locally and internationally. His pieces are held in prestigious permanent collections including the Queensland Art Gallery and the William Morris Trust House in London. His furniture also appears in private collections across Australia, the USA, Japan, Germany, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, and the Middle East.

At major furniture shows, particularly the Philadelphia Furniture Show, his work has won multiple awards. He’s received the prestigious “Best Chair” award twice, in 2003 and 2006, and was named “Best New Artist” in 2004. His designs have also been featured in galleries across Sydney, London, Tokyo, and New York. These accolades reflect not just the quality of his work but his consistent ability to create pieces that resonate with collectors and design professionals alike.

Sustainability and Timber Selection

An important aspect of Kenway’s practice involves his commitment to sustainable forestry. Over his 30 years working with subtropical timbers, he’s developed a keen interest in sustainable forestry plantations specific to these species. He describes himself as “always excited by beautiful timber” and notes that “knowing how precious it is, makes me put that much more into it.” This mindset drives him to ensure every piece is crafted with full attention and respect for the material.

The volcanic soils of the North East NSW coast supported Australia’s largest subtropical forest historically, and a strong local tradition of furniture making flourished there. By choosing to work in the same region and using these timbers responsibly, Kenway helps preserve this cultural heritage while supporting contemporary craftsmanship.

Working at Scale

Despite his international reputation, Kenway maintains a focused approach to production. He works with his team on individual and commissioned pieces rather than mass production. This allows him to maintain quality standards and ensure that each piece receives the attention it deserves. From dining tables to rockers and chairs, every design carries the same commitment to excellence.

Today, his work continues to prove that furniture can be much more than functional objects. It can be art that people live with daily, improving both their homes and their lives.