Our story

We are an Australia-based furniture design and manufacturing company that was founded in 1992 by husband and wife duo, Gordon and Susan Tait. At the time, sheet metal craftsman Gordon and creative textile designer Susan noticed a lack of well-designed, high-quality outdoor products reflective of Australia’s outdoor lifestyle and capable of withstanding the country’s harsh elements.

30 years on and we have established a reputation as one of the leading contemporary design houses for outdoor living in Australia. Our design philosophy is based on our manufacturing heritage, prioritising quality and craftsmanship in each piece.

Led by Susan and Gordon, our team consists of passionate designers and craftspeople refining and prototyping ideas from our local Melbourne factory and a team of dedicated sales and industry professionals who work in our elevated retail spaces in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.

Our Philosophy

The Tait design philosophy is shaped by a strong manufacturing heritage, steeped in quality and craftsmanship. Each piece begins with an idea, a concept that is then refined and prototyped by Tait’s team of passionate craftspeople in their Melbourne factory. Testament to thirty years of designing and making, Tait’s products demonstrate resolved sophistication in each facet of their design and manufacture. Surmounting this philosophy, the Tait ‘Makers Mark’ appears on each product, symbolising the quality and history of the piece, whilst revealing its authenticity.

Sustainability

Tait offset 25 tonnes of C02 per year - that's equivalent to saving 631 trees or driving 98,000kms.

Tait are committed to achieving best practice sustainability measures throughout all areas of their business.

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Understanding who, where and how products are made, the ethical and environmental impacts involved, and how raw materials are sourced is part of a growing consciousness toward responsible consumerism. Tait is focused on continually improving our sustainability outcomes, offering transparency across our operations while producing beautiful, high-performing, authentic design made to last.

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Tait diverts almost 1 tonne of soft plastics per year from landfill

It’s our ethos to make products that both withstand the harsh Australian climate and endure for decades to come. We design our products to be easily refurbished – extending their life once again. When they do come to the end of their life, their components may be recycled. Due to their long product life cycle, our products incur less impact on landfill, while using less resources.

Meet Our Designers

Adam Goodrum

Charles Wilson

Justin Hutchinson

Adam Cornish

Trent Jansen

Ross Gardam

Nancy Ji

Tait Design Studio

Authentic Design Alliance (ADA)

As designers and manufacturers of authentic Australian Made outdoor furniture, Tait are proud Gold Member sponsors and supporters of the AUTHENTIC DESIGN ALLIANCE®. Tait, together with the ADA® and a rank of leading Australian suppliers of original design, have banded together to join the fight against design theft in Australia, promoting the value and importance of investing in authentic Australian design.

Regional Architecture Association (RAA)

As a founding technical member, Tait are proud to join Regional Architecture Association (RAA), a network of regional practitioners supporting one another to collectively strengthen the practice of architecture, advocate for a better built environment and connect members to communities, industry and decision makers.

Testimonials

Script Skincare - Winner | Australian Interior Design Awards 2020 | Retail Design

I initially heard about Tait from my peers within the industry and I chose Tait for this project as all of the products are made locally in Melbourne. Tait also provides a high-quality finish on their products.

We chose the Seam Stool for the Script Skincare project on account of its relevant/suitable design and reasonable lead time compared to many overseas options.

Overall my experience with Tait was very positive. They were incredibly helpful, going so far as to produce custom colour finish for the project!

Kymberley Gim - Director

Hecker Guthrie

Premium Australian Made Outdoor Furniture

Judd Residence

Outdoor furniture needs to be tough to survive in harsh Australian conditions and Tait outdoor items are the only ones I’ve ever owned that actually retain their quality over time despite bright sun and scorching temperatures. Likewise, they withstand rain and frost with no wear and tear- they are pretty much bullet-proof! Add to that original, stunning design, and you have a match made in Aussie outdoor heaven.

For our latest project, we chose Trace armchairs and Sunlounges in Mokum South Beach outdoor velvet. The Trace range caught my eye as soon as it launched. I think it’s the best looking outdoor range of furniture I’ve ever seen. The velvet fabric is so lush and sophisticated. I cannot believe, and outdoor velvet fabric even exists, let alone works! I also chose the Linear dining table for its customisable size and finishes and the Tidal dining chairs for their elegance.

I’ve always really enjoyed working with Tait over the years. Their service and craftsmanship are second to none, and I love supporting Australian design and manufacturing here in the city I love. My Tait pieces are exceptional, and my guests always ooh and ahh over their beauty and quality.