FORMER Baimbridge College student, Andrew (Andy) Ward, now of Melbourne has been awarded the overall Australian winner of Maker of the Year 2024 for his exquisite craftsmanship, a Barkly Table made from Tasmanian Oak.

This year, Maker of the Year was presented by Carbatec.

The competition which featured several woodwork sections received 373 entries altogether from every continent of the world – submissions came from 26 countries in total.

Now a professional carpenter, furniture maker and designer, Andrew grew up in Hamilton and is the son of locals, Heather and Doug Ward.

Andrew’s mother, Heather said, “We’re just incredibly proud of him (Andrew) and that he has won this … prestigious award!”

 Andrew said it was surreal to have won the award, “(It was) very unexpected … but a very proud moment,” he said.

One of the judges, London-based interior designer, Brodie Neill said, “Andrew Ward’s Barkly Table is beautifully proportioned and detailed. 

“Every component is made from carefully considered timber that allows each element to come together in unison. 

“Though configured from larger sections, the junctions that join them provide a lightness that gives the overall table an elegant presence.”

Another judge, Australian gallery director, Sally Dan-Cuthbert said, “Andrew Ward’s Barkly Table is a refined, unique response to the architecture in which it sits, and the functional requirements of a dining table.

“Reimagining the lazy Susan is both an ingenious and fun addition, which together with the warm tones of the timber, centres the table as a space for sharing and connection.”

Andrew said his zealousness for woodwork was evident from an early age.

“I was always drawn to working with my hands, helping my mum and dad with renovations around the house and also with high school woodwork – I just loved it,” he said.

After school, he moved to Melbourne where he began working as a workshop manager at a ski shop.

Although his new job was slightly off the woodwork track, Andrew said grinding and waxing the bases of skis and snowboards to a high polish (a very manual and hand tool-based role) greatly assisted him gain further hand skill fluency.

After doing further work at the ski fields in Hokkaido, Japan, he decided to return to Melbourne and complete a carpentry apprenticeship.

Andrew has since worked as a carpenter and built furniture for his own small business.

“The furniture stuff has always been a big passion project of mine and I’ve been able to build furniture for houses I’ve made.

“It’s grown organically over time and people saw how passionate I was,” he said.

“There’s a lot of hidden hours in making furniture and it’s a tough way to make a living –Most workers will do something else.

“I love building (houses) as well – I get to work with a lot of solid timber.”

Andrew, who has specialised in custom-made projects said, “I get a general idea of what timber or sort of (wood) species they (the customer) prefer and an example of what furniture they like.

“Then I put my own spin on it or add some function or detail and go from there.”

Andrew’s father, Doug said, “As one of his parents, we’re very proud of his (Andrew’s) achievements and for starting up his own business.

“He’s  been working really, really hard and has put a lot of effort into his small business – he deserves everything he achieves.

“We look forward to seeing what he does in the future.”

When not working with wood, Andrew enjoys spending time with his two-year-old daughter, Lola and partner, Eliane.