Michael Gerstl was a Viennese designer who emigrated to Australia in 1947 to set up Gerstl, a cabinetmaking business with many European immigrant clients. Commissions for hotel groups saw it grow to over 3,500 clients and expanded premises. Remembered for use of exotic, detailed timber veneers, the range of their work was, in reality, broad, reflecting the variety of architects and clients the company served.