Dieter Ingles: from ship to shore

Dieter Ingles, Bahrkart in American cherry, shortlisted in The Object category for the 2024 INDE awards. Photo: Dieter Ingles

In the world of high-end furniture design, where craftsmanship meets creativity, Dieter Ingles of Dietzwood is carving out his own niche. This New Zealand-based designer-maker has navigated a unique path from the decks of luxury yachts to the workshop floor, where he now crafts bespoke pieces that showcase his passion for timber and design.

Ingles’ journey began in the prestigious halls of Alloy Yachts, a renowned super yacht builder in Auckland. ‘I got into this industry straight out of school’, he recalls. ‘I did an apprenticeship for a revered super yacht building company in New Zealand – it was really good and I learned a hell of a lot from people who had really high expectations.’

This apprenticeship was no ordinary training ground. Ingles was immersed in a world of precision and luxury, working on interiors that demanded the highest level of craftsmanship. ‘We got to experience every facet of super yacht building, in terms of cabinetry and fit-out and anything working with timber’, Ingles explains. This experience laid the foundation for his future endeavours, instilling in him a keen eye for detail and an appreciation for fine materials.

Gluing up American cherry for the Bahrkart. Photo: Dieter Ingles

After five years at Alloy Yachts, including stints on international warranty teams, Ingles took to the seas himself, working as crew on super yachts for two years. This experience broadened his horizons, exposing him to even larger vessels and different aspects of the industry.

Upon returning to New Zealand, Ingles found himself at a crossroads. The skills he had honed in the yacht industry were highly specialised, and translating them to land-based work proved challenging. He dabbled in kitchen and wardrobe manufacturing but found the work unfulfilling.

Creating the curved end for Bahrkart. Photo: Dieter Ingles

It was this longing for hands-on work with the best materials that led Ingles to furniture making. Inspired by craftspeople he saw on social media, he began to envision a future where he could combine his technical skills with his growing interest in design. ‘I couldn't find a job I wanted to do anywhere’, he explains, ‘so I essentially resigned myself to the fact of going, well, I'm going to have to create this for myself’.

This realisation led to the birth of Dietzwood, Ingles’ own furniture design and manufacturing business. Operating out of a converted stable on a family property, he began designing pieces that reflected his unique background and aesthetic sensibilities.

Central to Ingles’ work is his love for timber, particularly species he had used when fitting super yachts. "I prefer using American oak and ash for my furniture’, he notes, ‘but I'm also interested in experimenting with other timbers like cherry’. His recent experiment with American cherry for a bar cart highlights his exploratory approach to materials.

Bahrkart in cherry prior to finishing. Photo: Dieter Ingles

As Ingles continues to develop his craft and business, he faces challenges common to many small business owners in the design world. Balancing custom work with his desire to create his own designs is an ongoing process. ‘The work I'm doing now is still always the work that I set out to do, however, everything is part of a learning experience.’

Ingles remains committed to his vision of establishing himself as both a designer and a maker. He aspires to create furniture that is not only functional but also beautiful and beautifully made, reflecting his unique journey and perspective.

Looking to the future, Ingles is driven by high expectations for himself and his work. ‘I want to establish myself as a name, as a person, as a designer, not just a maker.’

Learn more about Dieter Ingles and Dietzwood

Story from American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) americanhardwood.org