It’s a fair question. And I’ve broken this down into a few areas below, including Price, Relationship with Manufacturers, Design and Consultancy, Experience and Testimonials; but should you also have any additional questions, please feel free to get in touch
Consulting
I want pricing to be fair, honest and up front, and I can tailor both the design and timing to your budget. The first hour consultation is free, to discuss your requirement and assess the project, from which I will give you a quotation on the design and manufacture costs. Simple.
By working directly with a designer, I can help you get more bang for your buck. I understand what adds money and time to manufacturing and how best to achieve stunning details, creative designs and bespoke fitted items in the most economically way, saving money in the long run. And if you want something more elegant, refined and with a little bling, I can do that too.
To give you an idea, my hourly rate is £45 per hour and depending on the size of your project, initial design can take from about 2-5 hours.
I've worked with various manufacturers over a number of years, so you can be sure you not only have a craftsman that you can trust, but also avoid the cowboys, making sure your finish item is not a flop. Once more, I know what each manufacturers strengths are so can easily find you the best one for both your requirements and your budget.
By coming to a designer, I can also obtain quotes from various manufacturers giving you more choice on your chosen direction. If you go direct to a manufacturer, they own the designs until you’ve paid for the project, so you cannot take the design with you with if you want competitive price, plus they also either charge you for a design fee or hide it within the final cost. By coming to me, you own the designs, so you can also take it with you should you want to find or use your own maker. You can also meet with the manufacturer before going ahead, see their work and discuss the project in more detail, or leave it to me, giving you as much or as little control as you feel comfortable.
I also work closely with some interior designers, should you also need help finding more economical, non-bespoke items, and off-the-shelf items, so it can be your one-stop-shop for fitting out your home or office.
My job satisfaction comes from delivering a beautiful and functional design to a happy client. Furniture is my passion and I want to achieve the best design and manufacturer for your needs. I’m here to help you as much, or as little, as you need.
Have a particular idea in mind? No problem, I can help refine and visualise your requirements to best achieve what you have in your mind. Don’t know where to start? I can help swiftly narrow down design styles, make suggestions of finishes, details, function and aesthetics, with mood boards, sketches and 3D visuals, to get you the design you didn’t even know you wanted.
You can be reassured I have experience in all areas of the design process, from initial idea generation, detailed drawings, 3D renderings, liaising with manufactures and clients, to overseeing production and install. I’ve worked with all manner of materials, processes and styles of design. I have decades of experiences in bespoke furniture design for both residential and commercial sectors and I’ve designed for major international brands to small start-ups, neighbours to celebrities and royalty.
But don’t just take my word for it! Check out some testimonials:
When we needed our flat fitted out with various items of bespoke furniture, we got John in to see what he could do. From our first meeting it was clear he was very sensitive to our needs and requirements, while also building on what we had in mind with details and improvements.
Being on a budget, he helped us to find some amazing craftsmen, at a price almost half of some competitors. He guided us through the various possible design direction and we were reassured at every step. The final items of furniture all exceeded our expectations, with great attention to detail we will enjoy for many years to come.
It was a pleasure to work with John and would recommend him to anyone who needs custom furniture.
John possess a calm and considered approach in both his personal manor and his product design. John seamlessly navigated the design through a complex layering of experts and opinions achieving a beautiful time less piece which I’m very proud of. He was a great asset in meetings in front of the board of directors. John managed the job from the initial rough design drawings through to the committed items. I’m for one are very grateful for his expertise and quiet charm. I wouldn’t hesitate and look forward greatly to working with John again.
John is a perfectionist and has a great passion for his work. His experience and attention to detail is clearly apparent from the projects we have worked on together. We’ve worked on small and large scale projects and regardless of the size there is always a levelled air of professionality and warmth. He’s a pleasure to work with and I look forward to working with him on future projects.