Karl Champley has built plenty of multi-million dollar homes in Australia and Los Angeles, but creating designer furniture for Ellen DeGeneres was not his plan.

The master builder from Sydney has been recruited by the comedienne to be in her hit new TV project, Ellen’s Design Challenge on America’s popular HGTV network.

It’s a high-profile reality TV competition airing in the US involving six designers each paired with a master carpenter to create furniture.

• Stan, Presto and Quickflix: which one is best?
· John Oliver slams US institutions in one killer hit
· ‘Better Call Saul’ breaks records on TV debut

Australian builder Karl Champley has paired up with Ellen DeGeneres. Photo: AAP

DeGeneres and Australian wife Portia de Rossi are well-known for their love of designer homes and furniture.

Champley, who moved to Los Angeles in 2001, and has starred in US home improvement TV shows DIY to the Rescue and Wasted Spaces and has a weekly American radio show, was paired with Brooklyn designer Katie Stout.

“At first I was a little hesitant about being part of the show because I’m a master builder who builds an entire home,” Champley said.

“I’ve built pieces of furniture before, but furniture building is a trade and art form in itself and to do it in front of TV cameras on a tight, high-pressure schedule was a little nerve-wracking.

“But, Katie was great to work with and Ellen, who is truly passionate about furniture design, was just an amazingly positive force on the set.”

DeGeneres’ production company is shopping the show to potential Australian and New Zealand TV networks.

– AAP