Neil cutting a timber joint by hand in his York workshop

How to commission bespoke furniture

From first idea
to final fit.

A straightforward, collaborative process—with one maker guiding your piece from the first conversation to your home.

See the process

A personal service

Clear decisions. No guesswork.

Commissioning furniture should feel considered, not complicated. You do not need to know the right timber, have perfect measurements or arrive with a finished drawing. I’ll guide the decisions in the right order and explain what matters along the way.

How it works

Five simple stages.

  1. Start with an idea

    Tell me about the room, what you need the piece to do and any ideas you already have. A photo and rough measurements are plenty to begin with.

    At this stageAn initial conversation to see if the project is a good fit.

  2. Measure and design

    I’ll understand the space properly, talk through materials and finishes, then develop the idea into a practical design that feels right for your home.

    At this stageA clear proposal with drawings, materials and an honest price.

  3. Refine the details

    We’ll review the proposal together and adjust the details before anything is made. You’ll know exactly what has been agreed and what happens next.

    At this stageAn approved design and a place in the workshop schedule.

  4. Made in York

    I make your piece from scratch in my workshop, selecting the timber, refining every joint and applying the finish by hand. I’ll keep you close to the build with updates.

    At this stageOne maker responsible for your commission from start to finish.

  5. Delivered and fitted

    I deliver the finished furniture, position or install it carefully and make sure everything works as it should before I leave.

    At this stageCare advice and a direct line to me if you ever need help.

Before we talk

A little context is all I need.

There is no formal brief to complete. If you can share some of the details below, we can make the first conversation useful straight away.

Tell me about your project

The space

A few photos and rough measurements help me understand the room.

How it should work

Tell me what the piece needs to store, display or solve.

The look

Share colours, timber, furniture or references you are drawn to.

Your timing

Let me know if there is a particular date you are working towards.

Bespoke walnut record storage cabinet with turntables and hi-fi equipment

Timing your commission

8–14 weeks

Made properly takes time.

This is the typical time from design approval to delivery. I’ll confirm a realistic schedule before you commit and keep you updated while your piece is in the workshop.

Timings vary with scale, material availability and the current workshop schedule.

Good to know

Common questions.

Do I need a finished design before I get in touch?

Not at all. Most commissions begin with a practical need, a photograph or a rough idea. I’ll ask the right questions and help shape it into a clear design.

Can you visit and measure the space?

Yes. For fitted furniture and projects where the room matters to the design, I can visit to measure and understand the setting before finalising the proposal.

How long does a commission take?

A typical commission takes around 8–14 weeks from design approval to delivery. The exact timing depends on the scale of the piece, timber availability and the current workshop schedule.

Do you work outside Yorkshire?

Yes. I deliver commissions across the UK and ship freestanding pieces worldwide. For fitted work, location and installation can be discussed during our first conversation.

Can I visit the workshop while my piece is being made?

Yes. Workshop visits are welcome by appointment, and I can show you how your furniture is taking shape. If you cannot visit, I will keep you updated with photographs.

Take a look inside the workshop
Where can I see examples of finished commissions?

The Projects collection includes kitchens, fitted interiors and one-off furniture made for real homes and businesses.

Explore recent projects

Ready when you are.

Tell me what you
have in mind.

Start your project