Martin is a newbie in the woodworking scene. Having always enjoyed using wood for projects at home, he decided to do a course and learn the basics properly, and since then has been re-arranging his workshop on an almost weekly basis in an attempt to fit his projects around those pesky kids bikes.

Martin’s day job involves taking software products to market, which makes him well-suited to helping launch BenchSpace. He enjoys the challenge of figuring out what people want from BenchSpace and then designing our memberships and courses for them.

Ted got into woodworking when he responded to an advertisement for a kit to make his own “Martin” guitar. Building the kit into a guitar began a journey into the world of musical instruments and woodworking tools. Ted has been working with wood in his own workshop in Karori for the past 20 years.

Ted finds the gradual process of learning how to use tools and gaining skill highly satisfying, and using those skills to create something beautiful is extremely fulfilling. He sees BenchSpace as a place where people can learn a skill, practice their craft, share their expertise, and enjoy the company of others who enjoy creating with their hands.

Luca is a furniture maker and architectural designer. She studied architecture in Dublin before moving to Wellington and later retrained as a furniture maker at UCOL, Palmerston North. She now divides her time making custom furniture from her workshop in Brooklyn and contracting as a design professional.

Accessibility and inclusivity are Luca’s key motivations for getting involved in BenchSpace. A proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community, Luca is excited to create a safe woodwork space for queer and transgender people, women and others who may not have had access to a workshop or simply not been encouraged to learn.

Trish works in events and activation planning. She studied fashion and textiles in Limerick, Ireland and Galashiels, Scotland, followed by stints working in the fashion industry in Ireland, UK and Australia before moving to Aoteaoroa in 2009.

Trish worked for several years at the Mt Vic Hub where she was instrumental in helping BenchSpace get off the ground. She’s a passionate advocate for community projects and cycleways around Wellington. Trish is also a budding spoon carver and a skilled crafter - passionate about mending, slowing down fashion, reducing waste of all kinds and bringing people together to make good things happen in our communities.

John has decades of teaching experience across a broad range of subjects, at various levels from intermediate school to university, and in different countries including the USA, Saudi Arabia and Czechoslovakia.

From balsa gliders through to guitars and violins, John has always loved making things and teaching others how to make. He is currently finishing his 21st violin. John teaches at BenchSpace, drawing on his vast experience as a volunteer and teacher working with people of all ages, making a difference in the community and learning about people, cultures and craft.