Form is only the beginning…

Nigel Whitton is a qualified Shipwright / Boat builder and maker / designer of fine furniture. His love affair with wood and its tactile qualities started many years ago. Nigel left school at 16 and embarked on a journey to Australia with the intention of gaining a qualification in a woodworking related trade. He chose boat building and began his apprenticeship with a small family business building traditional small boats.

He qualified after four years and remained with the firm for a further two years, upon which the high seas beckoned. Four years working on two high profile super yachts followed where he maintained much of the timber work on board and worked as an engineer. His last employer then offered him and his partner management positions at his private estate (6,800 m2 house on 7 acres) in Florida which they did for two years before returning to New Zealand.

During 2007 Nigel completed the full nine month course at The Centre for Fine Woodworking, after which he started his own business – NW Designs.

In 2008 NW Designs was contracted by a Sydney based company to oversee the onsite building of the crew areas in a 30 meter catamaran owned by the Virgin group in Australia. This contract was for 8 months.

In 2009 Nigel was contracted to a 80 meter private  motor yacht for the upkeep of all onboard joinery and timber work which is currently cruising the Pacific rim.

Nigel lives with his wife and two dogs overlooking the beautiful Nelson bay, an inspirational location which only aids him in the creative process.