Established in 2014, Philbe Design is leading the way in contemporary, high-end furniture design and making in New Zealand. Led by founder Philip Horner, our Auckland workshop is the base for our talented furniture makers. The team brings passion and creativity, with the highest levels of craftsmanship and detail to each and every piece.
We specialise in designing and crafting bespoke furniture for private homes, executive offices, boardrooms, retail stores, casino suites and super-yachts. We also produce furniture for some of New Zealand’s leading designers and architects.
We work collaboratively with our clients, from start to finish, ensuring they walk away with a one-off custom piece that can be passed down the generations.
We believe it’s important to combine the best of traditional craftsmanship alongside modern woodworking technology, to create unique and elegant contemporary furniture.
If you are interested in joining the Philbe Design team, click here to get in touch
The Team
Phil Horner - Creative Director & Founder
From classical guitars and concert hall pipe organs to super yacht cabinetry and one off timber furniture - Phil Horner’s path to making beautiful and individual furniture is one less travelled.
Phil was schooled in woodcraft through a rigorous furniture maker’s apprenticeship in his hometown of Greystones, Co. Wicklow. Five years of traditional Irish tutelage later and Phil was equipped with the built-to-last techniques of a master furniture craftsman. Keeping up with the fast paced world of modern design, Phil combines his classical foundation with an innovative and creative approach.
Although all his pieces are durable, sustainable and undeniably beautiful, Phil’s true specialty is working collaboratively with all his clients. He translates each individual’s requirements and style into unique pieces of functional furniture.
Matt Fuscic - Production Manager
With over 20 years of experience in the field, Matt is an expert carpenter who brings his dedication to quality craftsmanship to the Philbe Design team every day. His workplace roles have ranged from creating super yacht cabinetry to managing high end, bespoke kitchen and bathroom fit-outs. Since completing his National Apprenticeship as a Joinery Craftsperson in 2007 and part of his National Certificate in Carpentry later, he has now combined the information he learnt with years of practical application to become the accomplished craftsperson he is today.
Matt’s quiet confidence and technical expertise means that he turns each and every design into a flawless finished product. The architectural idiom, ‘God is in the detail’ is embodied in Matt, as he shows a perfectionism towards his work that results in pieces of furniture that are truly consummate.
Guillaume Angibert - Designer & Furniture Maker
Guillaume forms the vital French contingent of Philbe Design. With an unusual pathway to carpentry, Guillaume originally studied Event Management, gaining a Masters degree and working successfully in London for five years. However, unsatisfied, he decided to take the plunge and pursue his true passion. In his hometown in Cholet, France, he finished a traditional woodworking course and soon put his new capabilities to use by working in a range of high end furniture companies, giving him the meticulous and thorough professional skills necessary to be such an important part of the Philbe Design team.
Ever an adventurer, Guillaume moved to New Zealand. Only a couple of weeks after landing in Aotearoa, he met Phil and it quickly became apparent that he would be a fantastic new addition to the company. Bringing with him a true sense of aesthetic style, Guillaume has an eye for design as well as a constant drive to improve his craft.
Isaac Trebilco - Furniture Maker
A skilled artist, designer, and craftsperson, Isaac joined Philbe Design at the end of 2021. After completing a Bachelor of Graphic Design at AUT, Isaac spent five years in the publishing industry, and several more travelling, before deciding to act on a long-held passion for woodworking and furniture-making.
Having worked for a number of companies prior to joining Philbe Design, Isaac brings extensive industry experience and a unique blend of skills to the team. Forever pushing boundaries, Isaac enjoys combining fine woodworking with modern technology and his knowledge of CNC processes and 3D modelling helps keep Philbe Design at the cutting edge of the design industry.
When he’s not in the workshop, Isaac spends his time playing football and indulging his artistic side as an accomplished painter of fine oil portraits.
Chris McCallum - Media
Chris handles all things media at Philbe Design. From the very first photos and website 10 years ago, to crafting the video content seen on social media. He’s been around since start and somehow managed to talk himself into a job.
When not capturing the craftsmanship at Philbe Design, he is seen hanging out of helicopters and flying high end photographic drones at his other ‘real’ job, or just lying on the couch, ignoring his children.