Behind Workshop73 is designer and creator Mark Lever. A self-described journeyman; his previous incarnations include sous chef for a Michelin-starred restaurant in Britain, running a ski-lodge, successful advertising photographer, and travelling the world as an award-winning commercials director. 

His irrepressible creativity is now channeled into designing and making beautiful homewares, furniture and lighting from his workshop in rural Matakana. Working primarily with wood and steel, Mark has no formal training with either medium but he sees this as an advantage. “It allows me to think differently and do some things with wood and steel that are a bit out of left field. I’m fundamentally curious and a quick learner.”