KATHLEEN WILLS DESIGN: CUSTOM FURNITURE // BEHIND THE SCENES

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

CUSTOM FURNITURE // BEHIND THE SCENES

I'm often asked about the making of custom furniture, and thought it might be fun to take you behind the scenes for a look at what is involved!

The process usually begins with a client looking for a unique piece of furniture - something that can't be found in a store. This can be as simple as a desire for a particular size and material, or as complex as a 14-foot dining table with a steel base and a top of wide plank antique white oak. Perhaps a cabinet with enough drawers to fit a collection of 100 vintage cashmere sweaters? No, really...I did this!!!

An initial meeting is the beginning of a collaborative process that brings the vision into being. In the first conversation, I work to understand the client's ideas and wishes, the project's space and perimeters. Then it's to the drawing board to work on initial concept sketches and together with the client, review and refine the chosen direction until we collectively feel that the piece is 'perfect'.

Finally, using a computer-aided drafting (CAD) program called 'Archicad', we produce dimensioned drawings that include plans, sections and elevations. Once complete, the final drawings are handed over to master craftsmen who then order materials and begin construction. By this stage, every detail has been carefully considered: dimensions, wood species, joinery techniques, and finish.

This labor intensive process of creating one-of-a-kind furniture takes a good deal of time yet is an incredibly gratifying aspect of our product and interior design practice - seeing a vision come to life through creating locally made custom furniture that will last for generations.

I hope you enjoy the photos and that they entice you to make a studio and workshop visit one day soon!