Bober Furniture is a Botany-based furniture and joinery studio specialising in locally handcrafted pieces for residential and commercial spaces. Owned and operated by second-generation furniture maker and designer Daniel Cester, Bober pride themselves on their superior craftsmanship and traditional woodworking methods.
We were introduced to Bober Furniture by stylist Megan Morton and instantly felt an affinity with Daniel’s passion for his trade. On the hunt for a furniture maker to collaborate with for a special custom project at Lang Road, meeting Daniel felt like striking gold. It’s always a joy to work with those who take a lot of pride in what they do, and Daniel’s eye for quality products designed to last a lifetime makes him a rare gem.
We caught up with the main man himself to discuss all things custom furniture and working with our studio.
Which three words best describe you?
Proactive, passionate, easy going.
What did you want to be growing up?
A professional motorbike rider.
What did you do to earn your first pay packet?
I worked in the kitchen of a pizza shop.
What's the best life lesson you have learnt along the way?
Be cool, don’t stress and worry about things you have no control of. If you can control it, achieve it, if you can’t control it, move on!
What does your average work day look like?
My day begins with a morning check up on the team, to see where they are at in the factory and on site. I like to ask if they need anything from me to help the job move forward before I start tackling the admin side of things in the office. After this, most days are spent working on designs and shop drawings and overseeing drawings that some of my team may be working on. In between working on drawings, I’m generally communicating with designers, builders and suppliers for projects we are collaborating on, discussing the details, timelines and finishes. Somewhere in there I try to fit in quoting for new jobs as well!
What's your proudest achievement?
My relationship with my wife Jasmyn.
Who inspires you?
My father.
What is your biggest vice?
Adrenaline . . . going too fast!
Do you follow trends or are you a trendsetter?
I’d like to think I’m a trendsetter!
What dream do you still want to fulfill?
We build amazing pieces and fitout some amazing homes, so one day I’d like to be able to do the same for my own family in my own dream home.
What goes into creating the perfect custom piece?
Time, care, emotion and precision. I like to treat every piece I create like it’s going into my own home.
What do you love most about working with AKD?
The interior architecture and designs the team dream up – they have great vision and I love turning them into reality. The communication between myself and the AKD team is seamless, which in turn helps make the design and manufacturing process an enjoyable and easy ride.