The Brief Version:
A Bit more Detail:
Every client is unique.
Every client is unique. And thank god for that! They are unique in a number ways but with respect to building furniture, they bring their own thoughts, feelings and experiences to the table with them. There are functional needs (i.e. a table on which to serve a meal). There are also personal connections to styles, colors, forms, woods, etc. There are various lifestyles that not only influence all the above but also impact how involved they get in the creation of their furniture.
Some get more involved in the process than others.
Some want to be very involved in every step of the production. Others just want "a table that looks like that one. Let me know when it's finished." And I'm happy to work anywhere along that spectrum.
In general, the process involves:
But the process of bringing a piece of furniture to life generally proceeds through the following steps:
Design / Fabrication / Finish / Delivery
Design / Fabrication / Finish / Delivery
Generally, Design starts a discussion about the piece and where it will initially live.
Generally, Design starts with a physical or photo tour of where the piece will initially live and a discussion about the piece.
We'll discuss general purpose, style, level of formality and any number of other factors that may be important to creating just the right piece.
We'll discuss general purpose, style, level of formality and any number of other factors that may be important to creating just the right piece.
Typically we'll pass a few drawings and ideas back and forth to get things started.
Generally, after the initial discussion and tour, I will produce a handful of concept sketches (3 to 5 maybe 7 or more general form studies and maybe some key details) just to get in the right ball park. Once a general form is determined, then I'll start to flesh out some details and variations within that form.
At this point, typically the client is saying "I like this one and not so much this one." Or, "Can we combine this part of this one with that part of that one?" Or, "...the feel of this one with the structure of that one"
At this point, typically the client is saying "I like this one and not so much this one." Or, "Can we combine this part of this one with that part of that one?" Or, "...the feel of this one with the structure of that one"
This can take a couple of hours to a number of weeks.
This portion can get done in a day or two. Or, it can go on for weeks depending on the level involvement and specificity with which the client wants to participate.
Once we are comfortable that we are on the same page, we'll move into fabrication.
Once we are comfortable that we are on the same page, we'll move into fabrication.
During Fabrication, the design may go through further refinements.
The defined edges between Design and Fabrication and between Fabrication and Finish can get a little blurred. And to be honest, this is a good thing. Sometimes I may apply finish to some complicated parts before I assemble them. Sometimes in the fabrication of a part, a refinement in the design may present itself. Depending on the nature of the piece this could be an opportunity not to be missed.
During fabrication, I can keep you as updated as you'd like.
As the fabrication process unfolds, I can keep you updated by phone, or email, or website "in-progress" blog, or not at all. Again, everyone is different. Some clients want to loosely describe what they are looking for and then wait to see the final product. Others want to be involved with every detail. Most are somewhere in between.
I absolutely love what I do, so I don't mind sharing and collaborating all the way through a project. I am equally happy just getting to business and getting it done.
I absolutely love what I do, so I don't mind sharing and collaborating all the way through a project. I am equally happy just getting to business and getting it done.
Delivery of the final piece can range from personal delivery to crating and shipping to just about anywhere.
Once the piece is finished we will have worked out the details for delivery. I am in North Carolina and I have personally delivered as far as Kansas City and can crate and ship a piece to just about anywhere.
I can also provide documentation about your piece for conservation purposes.
I will also provide documentation about your piece including construction method, care and maintenance and a word or two about it's design.
The care and maintenance and design notes are primarily for you. The construction notes include the type of glue and finish materials that were used as well as any joinery secrets that may not be obvious from the outside. These are included in case your piece should need conservation and I am for some reason not available to care for it.
Your piece is built provide generations of enjoyment. I hope through the process we build a strong enough relationship that you will call upon me if your piece should ever need any care (refinishing, repair, what have you). But just in case your grandkids have a need to have a repair done, this will save the conservator a good deal of heartache. ...and might just be interesting for you as well!
The care and maintenance and design notes are primarily for you. The construction notes include the type of glue and finish materials that were used as well as any joinery secrets that may not be obvious from the outside. These are included in case your piece should need conservation and I am for some reason not available to care for it.
Your piece is built provide generations of enjoyment. I hope through the process we build a strong enough relationship that you will call upon me if your piece should ever need any care (refinishing, repair, what have you). But just in case your grandkids have a need to have a repair done, this will save the conservator a good deal of heartache. ...and might just be interesting for you as well!
Developing custom furniture is a rewarding experience. Where shall we begin?
Developing custom furniture is a rewarding experience. Where shall we begin?
