In the world of luxury home enhancements, few features combine functionality and opulence as a bespoke home lift. At the forefront of this niche industry is First Class Lifts, a Perth-based company renowned for its commitment to quality, safety, and personalised design.

Working with some of the best luxury custom builders in WA such as Spadaccini Homes, Maek and many more, we threw an interview at First Class Lifts owner Wayde Twomey to give us some insight into the world of high end home elevators.

In this interview we cover the serious side of luxury residential lifts, from design trends to future proofing but we also have some fun along the way! From unexpected lift locations to the quirkiest items people have tried (and failed) to fit inside a lift, this conversation is both insightful and entertaining!

Wayde, give me a rundown of the company, what’s your story? How does a person fall into the lift industry to grow into such a successful company such as First Class Lifts?

After working in the lift industry for nearly 15 years I saw a niche in the market and decided to start my own company. I love meeting and talking with new people and a lot of our jobs are helping them in their everyday lives which is a very rewarding feeling. 😊

You obviously work with some of the best builders and architects, what considerations should architects keep in mind when incorporating a lift into their design plans?

They should consider the size of the lift and it should fit a wheelchair.

Has the demand for home lifts changed over the years, what trends have you noticed?

We have definitely seen an increase in demand due to a number of factors, one of these is the aging population and another is that land sizes are decreasing which causes people to build up instead of out.

What drives individuals to invest in a home lift, beyond convenience?

It adds value to their home, opens up the market to more people when selling and it’s almost an expected addition to a luxury home in this day and age. And every person I speak to wants to be able to take their shopping up a lift rather than a set of stairs!

Are there any materials or finishes that are particularly popular among luxury homeowners right now?

Polished stainless steel has always been high in demand. We are now also seeing an increase in customers selecting interior colours that compliment other finishes in their homes.

What’s the range of customisation options available to clients to make their lift truly unique?

With a huge range of RAL colours the colour customisation we offer is almost unlimited. Also with touch screen technology the screens can be used for all different purposes.

What’s the biggest mistake people make when considering a lift, and how can it be avoided?

The biggest mistake that people make is waiting for an unfortunate circumstance to happen to install a lift rather than future proofing their home.

Is there some kind of maintenance that is required for luxury home lifts, and how do you ensure long-term reliability?

Yes lifts should be serviced at a minimum of once a year however we recommend every 6 months the same as you would service your car. This would ensure your lift runs at it’s best.

How do you manage installation in architecturally complex homes or heritage-listed properties?

Each job comes with its own difficulties that we would need to overcome. We work with the entire team including architects, builders etc to make sure our lifts are exactly what is required. We love a challenge!

What are the latest innovations in lift design that architects and homeowners should know about?

Our biggest innovation on our high end lifts is the speed corresponding to the head room and pit. With new technology we are able to achieve things that weren’t possible previously.

How do your lifts integrate with smart home systems to enhance convenience and usability?

One of our options is to link your lift to the home WIFI. This can help us to diagnose faults and allows the customer to change lights and call the lift remotely.

What do you see as the future of home lifts?

It’ll be a given that a multi storey homes will include a lift.

 

 

On a lighter note…

Have you ever installed a lift in a surprising or unexpected location?

We installed a very small lift into an old pantry. Goes to show we can customise any job.

What item or items have you’ve seen someone try to move in a lift and get stuck?

I’ve seen many couches get stuck in lifts. People using cords within the lift and then forgetting something is plugged in.

If you could install a lift in a billionaires yacht or a luxury treehouse which one would it be and why?

Luxury treehouse for sure. We have done maintenance on yachts and cruise ships and the work isn’t as glamorous as you think!

Do you ever get requests for lifts with unexpected extras, like a champagne fridge?

No not yet but with the way technology is going you never know what we’ll do in the future.

Obviously it wouldn’t be one of yours, but if you were stuck in a lift with 2 famous people who would they be and why?

Ed Sheeran and Jimmy Carr – so we have some music and laughs to get us through the wait.

Can you ride in a lift without assessing everything about it? What do you assess?

No. Door alignment, smoothness of the ride, finishes and who’s servicing it.

What’s the one thing that absolutely does not belong in a luxury lift, besides bad music?

Overhanging lights on the walls. We begged a customer not to put them on as many people have hit their heads on them since they were installed.

If you were designing a lift for your own dream home, what’s one feature you’d insist on?

Personally I wouldn’t be as worried about the features more about the reliability of the lift.

Thanks Wayde!

As luxury home design continues to evolve, so too does the role of residential lifts offering not just convenience but functionality, style, and innovation. First Class Lifts are experts at delivering custom lift solutions that cater to both practical needs and high-end aesthetics. Whether it’s future-proofing a home, integrating smart technology, or simply avoiding the hassle of carrying groceries up the stairs, a lift is fast becoming an essential feature in multi-storey luxury homes. And if this interview has taught us anything, it’s that while the business of home elevators is serious, there’s always room for a little fun along the way.

W firstclasslifts.com.au
P 0403 620 210
E wayde@firstclasslifts.com.au