NeJ Stevenson
Interior Focus
photo
NEJ Stevensons
Project Photography
A designer that does not
question your specification is
doing you a disservice. Make
sure that you have prepared
a list of what you require;
function, ideal size and position
in the room. A sketch, however
poor, is useful as are images
that express a style, colour or
feel. It is the designer’s job to
extract as much information
as possible from you during a
lengthy discussion.
Design
Separate the cost of
manufacture from the design
fees and be prepared to invest
properly in the design process.
You cannot short-circuit the
design procedure if you truly
want something that meets
your needs and desires.
Designs can be presented
in many different ways; the
main ones are sketches,
watercolours, computer
renderings an d models.
Budget
Bespoke furniture is expensive,
particularly if you want
something that is truly unique.
It is essential that you have
a sensible discussion about
cost at the earliest stage.
Adapting a design at a later
stage to minimise or maximise
expenditure will cause a
number of problems, therefore
it is far better to understand
all the parameters surrounding
costs before starting.
Approval
Do not sign-off a design
without truly understanding
it. 3D drawings and models
will make technical sketches
easier to understand. If you are
concerned about any element
of your design, get the designer
to explain and sketch. If you
are still unsure it might be
necessary to invest in a mockup.
Workshop visits
Most craftsmen will encourage
visits to see the piece taking
shape and you will gain a
greater understanding of just
how much goes into making a
one-off piece. You might even
be able to help. Certainly the
experience of seeing the birth
and development of your piece
will enhance your enjoyment.
www.nejstevenson.co.uk
Things You Should Know When Invsetigating In Bespoke Furniture:
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A bespoke piece of furniture is a prototype, it will be the first one of its type and can sometimes present small flaws; this can be
avoided by building prototyping into the budget.
It is extremely unlikely that you will be able to purchase any piece of craftsmen built custom furniture for less than £1,000. The
costs of running workshops are high and very few craftsmen who are running professional businesses will be operating at less
than £35 per hour.
Quite often it is assumed that material is a major cost-effecting factor. Whilst there are significant differences between timbers,
it is quite a small percentage of the actual bill and really a false economy to use cheaper materials, culminating in having
something less pleasing to the eye for minimal savings.
There are no rich craftsmen; it is a vocation not a career and most undercharge for what they do, working many additional
hours without charge.
Once your design has been approved, you will have a very happy craftsman and possibly a new friend, keen to show you what
they can do. Be mindful when making changes – they are extremely costly in time and potentially materials.
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