Timeless Australian Craft: Inside Grazia & Co Studio in Highett

Tucked away in the industrial heart of Highett, at 1/10-14 Advantage Road, sits a quiet powerhouse of Australian design. Grazia & Co is a Melbourne-based furniture design and manufacturing company that has spent more than a decade refining a simple yet powerful idea: furniture made with authenticity, integrity and genuine care for both form and function.

Founded in 2013 by Grazia Materia, the studio emerged from a clear gap in the market. At a time when much of the industry was turning to imports, Materia wanted to create well-designed, locally made pieces that architects, interior designers and homeowners could rely on for quality and longevity. Her path to this point was deliberate. After studying interior design at RMIT in the mid-1990s, she spent a decade with Gordon Mather Industries, immersing herself in Australian manufacturing and developing a deep appreciation for the iconic Featherston range. A further decade of her own design work and importing followed, before she committed fully to sustainable, locally manufactured furniture that meets commercial Australian standards.

Today the company remains family-run and true to those early values. “There is no compromise in terms of the quality of our workmanship and the materials we use,” Materia has said. “The temptation to take short cuts and substitute inferior raw materials for cost savings is not reflective of our core values.” Every piece is manufactured in Melbourne, drawing on classic design principles and skilled local workmanship. The result is furniture that is built to last — pieces that serve both functional needs and aesthetic desires without sacrificing either.

A philosophy of simplicity and collaboration

Grazia & Co’s signature collections favour aesthetic simplicity paired with meticulous attention to detail and finish. Clean lines, considered proportions and thoughtful material choices define the range. The studio works primarily with architecture and design professionals, offering flexible production that allows for customisation and genuine collaboration. This ability to adapt and partner is central to the brand’s approach.

The company has also become a steward of Australia’s design heritage. In 2016 it launched the Featherston collection in collaboration with Mary Featherston and Gordon Mather Industries. Grant Featherston’s mid-century designs — celebrated for their unexpected forms and timeless elegance — are hand-crafted to original specifications and accompanied by certificates of authenticity. More recently, Grazia & Co has revived Clement Meadmore’s early furniture and lighting. Working closely with the Meadmore family and scholars, the studio has reissued the Corded range (chair, armchair, stool and recliner), the celebrated Leather Sling Chair Model 248 (part of MoMA’s permanent collection), and the Calyx lamps. Subtle updates — solid stainless steel frames, marine-grade Australian cord, and modern LED technology — make these pieces suitable for contemporary indoor and outdoor use while remaining faithful to Meadmore’s vision.

Contemporary collections sit comfortably alongside these icons. Signature pieces include the Diiva and Iva stools, the Rhonda chair with its ruched detailing, the Big Diiva and Harvey swivel chairs, the Reeno occasional chair, the Enzo armchair, and relaxed sofas such as the Harvey and Agent 86. Outdoor options and customisable finishes expand the possibilities for residential, hospitality and commercial projects.

Made in Melbourne, made to last

Local manufacturing is more than a marketing line at Grazia & Co. It underpins the company’s commitment to longevity and sustainability. By keeping production in Melbourne, the studio maintains control over quality, supports skilled local trades, and reduces the environmental impact associated with long-distance shipping. Flexible production capabilities mean clients can commission one-off pieces or larger runs, with the same attention to detail applied throughout.

The Highett studio and showroom operates by appointment only, Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm. Visiting is an opportunity to experience the pieces in person, discuss custom options, and understand the craftsmanship that goes into each item. A second showroom in Sydney (Alexandria) extends the reach, while agents in Perth, Canberra and New York help bring the collection to wider audiences.

A quiet force in Australian design

Grazia & Co occupies a distinctive place in Melbourne’s design landscape. It bridges mid-century Australian icons with contemporary work that feels both considered and usable. By prioritising local production, honest materials and collaborative relationships, the studio offers something increasingly rare: furniture that is beautiful, functional and made with integrity.

Whether specifying for a residential project, fitting out a hospitality space, or seeking a single statement piece, designers and clients who value authenticity find a natural partner in Highett.

Grazia & Co Studio & Showroom 1/10-14 Advantage Road Highett, Victoria 3190 Australia

Phone: +61 3 9555 5760 Email: info@graziaandco.com.au Website: graziaandco.com.au

Open by appointment only Monday to Friday, 9am–4pm