In Conversation with Tait

Outdoor spaces have become such an important extension of the way we live, entertain and unwind. Why do you think thoughtful outdoor design adds so much value and enjoyment to everyday living? 

Connection with the outdoors plays an important role in enhancing wellbeing, particularly in Australia where the milder climate allows people to spend more of the year outside. 

We believe thoughtful outdoor design transforms these spaces into places that feel inviting and enjoyable, whether it’s a compact balcony designed for a quiet morning coffee or a larger courtyard created for entertaining family and friends. 

Tait has built a strong reputation for Australian-made furniture that balances durability with design sophistication. How has the company evolved over the years while staying true to this philosophy? 

When we founded the business, it was born from a gap in the market for robust, well-designed outdoor furniture capable of withstanding Australia’s harsh climate. More than 30 years later, that philosophy remains unchanged. 

Every piece is still made to order locally at our Thomastown headquarters, where advanced manufacturing technology works alongside expert craftsmanship to ensure exceptional quality and precision. Hand assembly and hand-finishing continue to play a vital role in the process, reinforcing the timeless nature of each collection. 

Sustainability and longevity remain central to Tait’s approach. Why is designing furniture intended to last, evolve and be refurbished so important to the brand today? 

For us, sustainability begins with creating furniture designed to endure. Rejecting fast furniture and short-lived trends, we focus on collections that can be loved, maintained and passed down through generations. 

Using durable metals, sustainable timbers and high-performance outdoor materials, each piece is purpose-designed for refurbishment and repair. Combined with local manufacturing and a made-to-order approach, this allows us to maintain a more considered and circular way of producing furniture. 

The Swing Collection feels incredibly refined in both form and engineering. How did the original concept for the collection come to life between Tait and Adam Goodrum? 

We have collaborated with designer Adam Goodrum for almost two decades, producing collections including Volley and Voom, now featured across homes, hospitality venues and major public institutions including the National Gallery of Victoria. 

Originally introduced in 2023, the Swing Chair quickly became one of our most celebrated pieces. The newly expanded Swing Collection continues this evolution, built around the defining gesture of a continuous stainless-steel tube flowing seamlessly around the form in one uninterrupted line. 

The Swing Collection pairs sculptural simplicity with a strong sense of comfort and functionality. How did you balance visual refinement with the practicalities of everyday outdoor living? 

Adam approached the collection with a sense of visual lightness, allowing each piece to complement surrounding architecture and landscape without dominating the space. While refined in form, functionality remained equally important throughout the design process. 

The expanded Swing Collection now includes a Lounger, Barstool, Dining Table, Café Table, Side Table and Chaise Lounge, designed to suit a wide range of outdoor settings from private courtyards and gardens to rooftop bars and poolside spaces. 

 
Learn More: https://madebytait.com.au/