STEP 1 - DESIGN BRIEF & CONCEPT DESIGN
Some of my clients have a very clear vision of the piece they would like built, others have a basic concept in mind. Either is fine, as a starting point if you email me everything you have, whether that’s just a basic concept (please include approximate dimensions) or a detailed drawing and images of what you would like built. Based on this information I can give you an estimated cost. Moving forward you can select the materials you wish to be used and we can confirm the finer details.
STEP 2 - mATERIAL SELECTION
Once the concept design is established and you are happy with the estimated cost I will come and meet you and show you samples of different timber species. This is often the best time to also do an onsite measure if it is a fitted piece of furniture. I usually either use solid timber or a veneered plywood. The timber can either have a natural finish, a stain applied to change the colour or a paint finish. Timber species I commonly use include white oak, rimu, kauri, walnut, ash, sapele, macrocarpa, iroko and cedar. Clients have often supplied me with timber they wish to be used, which is either reclaimed or grown and milled on a family farm. If you do supply the timber I’ll need to check the moisture content in it to confirm it is sufficiently dry to build furniture from.
American white oak used for a dining table.
American black walnut used for a office desktop.
STEP 3 - DETAILED DESIGN
During detailed design we can confirm the finer details that often really make a difference in a finished piece. At this stage I will either do a hand drawing of the piece or if it is more complicated I will do a computer rendered 3D drawing of it. If you have a clear vision and associated images of the piece you would like built then a 3D drawing often isn’t necessary, a hand drawing confirming details and dimensions is more than sufficient. If you have basic concept in mind and are unsure of the details or if it’s a large and complicated piece then a 3D drawing is beneficial. At the completion of this stage I can also give you a final fixed price quote, although some work I do on an hourly rate.
A 3D computer rendering of a library and entertainment unit.
STEP 4 - CONSTRUCTION
For construction I usually take a 50% deposit with the balance due on completion. If it’s a larger piece I sometimes break it up into progress payments. My lead time for new work varies depending on my current commitments, I’ll give you a timeline when I send you a final quote. I’ll then keep you updated as your piece is built.
STEP 5 - INSTALLATION
If your piece is free standing you can either pick it up or I can deliver it to you. If it’s a built-in piece then I will come and install it. The installation process varies from a single day to multiple days depending on the size of the piece.
STEP 6 - ENJOY
The final step is to use and enjoy your new piece of furniture. Custom furniture always stands out in a room like a store brought piece never can. I enjoy building pieces of furniture that can be appreciated and used for many years.