About - Property | Construction

1966

The beginning of it all

Tony Schiavello saw the opportunity to start his business securing a labour only subcontract project to install toilet partitions at 15 William Street Melbourne. Inviting his younger brother Joe and friend Tony Cipollone to join him, Tony later registered the partnership TT& G.

1967

Mark I Partition

The first partitioning system is created. MK1 is a series of demountable office partitions that can be manufactured with various finishes, framings and colours to suit client needs.

1968

Schiavello Bros Pty Ltd Incorporated

In June 1968 Tony incorporates Schiavello Bros Vic Pty Ltd with his brother Joe.

1968

Victorian Insurance Project

Schiavello finalises a large-scale office partition project for Victoria Insurance, located on the corner of Market Street and Flinders Lane in Melbourne. The need for larger operational facilities leads Schiavello to new premises in Airport West.

1971

8,000 voting booths

In preparation for the federal election that saw Gough Whitlam’s Labour Party come into power, Schiavello produces and supplies over 8,000 voting booths nationwide for the Australian Electoral Office.

1972

A Search for Inspiration

Seeking opportunities to develop the business, Tony and a young, eight-and-a-half-year-old Peter Schiavello travelled to Germany to attend the world-leading machinery trade fair Ligna, followed by a design exhibition in Milan.

1977

New Premises

Schiavello moves to a new factory of 5,000 m2 on Tullamarine Park Rd, Tullamarine where they would be based for the next 28 years.

1978

Office furniture

The introduction of Series 35, Series 45 and Series 90—a collection of foldable desks that allowed for easier transportation—is the beginning of Schiavello’s office furniture product range.

1979

La Trobe Street

Schiavello purchases and opens its first showroom on La Trobe Street, Melbourne.

1982

The Original Ergonomic Desk

Schiavello designs and manufactures its first series of ergonomic, height-adjustable keyboard platforms, commissioned by the Federal Government. The Primatic Ergonomic Desk is launched a year later, one of the first ergonomic desks in the world to offer a user height-adjustable main worktop. The Primatic 1800-9 desk is a great success across the Australian market.

1984

New Showroom

Schiavello purchase 31 to 49 Queens bridge Street, Southbank and opens a new showroom to display its growing range of furniture.

1985

Interstat Workstation Launch

As the popularity of computers in the workplace rose, Schiavello launches its first workstation Interstat—a versatile evolution of the MK10 partitioning system, combining the company’s partitioning and furniture expertise.

1986

Schiavello Exhibits at Orgatec

Schiavello travels to Cologne in Germany to exhibit Interstat at the world-leading furniture fair Orgatec. It would become the first of many exhibitions for Schiavello.

1987

Interstate Expansion

Expanding interstate, Schiavello opens offices in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, and within four years the Queensland and Western Australia offices open. South Australia followed in 1993, giving Schiavello national coverage for construction and furniture operations.

1988

Schiavello Goes International

Schiavello employs a Middle East export manager Chris Cally and a year later wins our first international project for export against 10 international contenders. We installed Interstat workstations for BAPCO in Bahrain to the value of $1 million.

1989

Details Magazine was Launched

In-house publication Details Magazine begins production, showcasing the top projects and products delivered throughout the years.

1989

Interpower is Developed

Schiavello develops its original electrical soft wiring system, Interpower. It was the first modular wiring system designed and produced in Australia to use moveable socket outlets, junction boxes and data modules.

1990

Schiavello wins the Ethnic Business Award

Telecast live on SBS, Tony Schiavello wins the National Australia Bank Ethnic Business Award which acknowledges high achievers from within Australia’s migrant business community.

1991

KPMG Partnership begins

One of many long-lasting client relationships is formed when Schiavello carries out high-end partition and joinery work for KPMG Peat Marwick at KPMG House, Melbourne.

1992

World Bank Contract

Schiavello’s international presence grows significantly after winning the prestigious World Bank contract. One of the largest projects for Logico, in excess of 20,000 adjustable desks are supplied at the Washington D.C. head office, in addition to conference and meeting room furniture.

1993

Clayton UTZ

Encompassing 10,000 sqm across nine floors, Schiavello carries out one of its largest interior fitout construction projects as head contractor at Clayton UTZ, Sydney.

1993

Sesto Desking system

The Sesto desking system enters the workstation market offering a multi-tasking work setting with a world-first worktop height adjustability design.

1995

Unimet

Schiavello launches its first metal tile panel system, Unimet, which evolves into the popular Ultimet: a more sophisticated multi-functional stackable panel that allows a range of accessories and design flexibility.

1995

Newtech Workstation

The Newtech height-adjustable workstation is awarded for ‘Excellence in Design and Manufacture of Systems Furniture’ at the Australian Furniture Fair in November 1995.

1995

Hot Desk

In collaboration with RMIT’s Centre for Design, Schiavello creates the ‘Hot Desk’ concept, Australia’s first mobile workplace program incorporating sit-to-stand adjustment, and flat screen technology.

1997

ISO 14001

Schiavello becomes industry trail-blazers and implements the Environmental Management System ISO 14001 accreditation.

1998

Crown Melbourne

Schiavello carries out extensive high-end interior construction and joinery for the opening of Crown Melbourne, leading to a long-standing relationship with ongoing projects, including major hotel refurbishments in 2007.

2002

Omvivo is Established

Luxury bathroom ware company Omvivo is established and quickly becomes recognised as an innovative design house and manufacturer of timeless bathroom products.

2003

Future Ways of Working Forum

A precursor to further workplace research and knowledge, Schiavello hosts its first facilitated Future Ways of Working Forum. This leads to the commencement of the company’s research into organisational psychology.

2005

Heritage Glass

A new addition to the Schiavello Group of companies, Heritage Glass has been an established building facade specialist since 1983. At the forefront of façade craftsmanship in Melbourne, Heritage specialises in bespoke commercial solutions that unite architectural design with enduring performance for commercial, civil, and residential building projects.

2005

Bench Commissioned for NGV

Renowned Italian architect and designer Mario Bellini commissions Schiavello to manufacture a bench for the re-opening of the National Gallery of Victoria.

2005

Tullamarine HQ Opens

Victorian Premier Steve Bracks officially opens Schiavello’s new head office in Tullamarine; a purpose built, 70,000sqm factory and office space which consolidates the company’s divisions in one location. The company rebrands to coincide. Schiavello is recognised with the 2005 Victorian Master Builder of the Year Award for the Group’s new HQ. Tony Schiavello is also inducted into the Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame.

2007

Glassworks

Schiavello establishes Glassworks as a 100 percent Australian owned glass processing operation that integrates highly automated machinery and technology in a 20,000sqm production facility. Glassworks specialises in producing and supplying performance-driven glass and IGU solutions, toughened and laminated glass, and custom decorative glass.

2007

Atlantic Group Partnership

Schiavello partners with catering and event specialists Atlantic Group, opening seafood restaurant The Atlantic at Crown Melbourne together in 2011.

2007

The Cheese Grater

Schiavello’s interest in property development escalates. Completed in 2011, The Artist, also known as The Cheese Grater, a multi residential property in Fitzroy, Melbourne, is developed in joint venture with PDG.

2009

Change in Leadership

A new generation leads the way for the company’s future as Peter Schiavello is appointed Managing Director of Schiavello Group.

2009

Climate Workplace Program

Climate is Schiavello’s revolutionary malleable workplace program that enables organisations, teams and individuals to shape the work environment to suit their specific needs.

2013

Krossi Workstation launched

Schiavello enhances health and wellbeing in the workplace with the release of Krossi, a pioneering sit-stand desk developed and produced in Australia.

2014

Cleveland Clinic

Cleveland Clinic in Abu Dhabi represents the most significant healthcare project in Schiavello’s history, involving the production of over 100 sea containers full of furniture and products for clinical and public spaces within the hospital.

2015

Harbin Bank, China

Schiavello completes its largest ever project in China. Over 5,500 pieces of furniture are supplied at the new 31 storey Harbin Bank headquarters. More than 60% of manufacturing takes place on Australian soil.

2015

Prima Tower & Abode 318

Schiavello’s passion for creating quality and inspiring living environments continues. Prima Tower and Abode318 in Melbourne are developed in joint venture with PDG and define urban living at its best. Prima Tower becomes an architectural landmark.

2016

Schiavello Celebrates a Milestone of 50 Years in Business

Schiavello celebrates a major milestone of 50 years in business.

2018

Focus Quiet Room Collection

After years of precise engineering and testing, Schiavello develops a piece of interior architecture with industry-leading acoustics, highly customisable finishes and a modular set-up. The Focus Quiet Room collection create a place of tranquillity and balance in the workspace.

2020

M-City Monash

Construction of M-City began in 2018, following a turning of the sod ceremony, and was completed in mid-2020. This mixed-use development is one of the largest ever privately undertaken outside of the Melbourne CBD. It provides a range of residential offerings, the international Parkroyal hotel, convenience retail, dining and entertainment options, premium office spaces, medical centre, health and wellbeing offerings, and childcare all within the fast-growing region.

2020

Nura Space

Our unified workplace management platform Nura Space was developed and launched. Used by global enterprises and covering both the Private and Public sectors, Nura Space brings together powerful features like desk, locker, car space and room booking, zoning/neighbourhoods, live occupancy insights, mobile check-in, visitor management, and Block and Stack/scenario planning; to create a connected, responsive environment.

2023

Chicago Showroom is Established

Schiavello opens a showroom space at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago, USA. Committing to a stronger presence in US market. Participating in NeoCon, Schiavello Furniture is recognised at the Best of NeoCon 2023 Awards, across an impressive five categories. This marks a wonderful start to the brand’s presence at the leading commercial interior design event.