Photo by Azuree Holloway for Homecooked magazine
It Starts with a Conversation
The first step is for us to sit down together for an initial conversation about what you have in mind for your project. Usually this takes about an hour and could be at a local cafe, my shop, or even your home. This gives us the opportunity to discuss what you’re looking for, the size and scope of the project, the style(s) that appeal to you, what features you’re interested in, and most importantly how you see yourself living with the piece. Since every piece I build is custom designed to fit your lifestyle, this is your chance to go over everything that’s important to you. We can look at pictures of similar pieces that inspire you or that just capture the aesthetic that you’re looking for. One thing to note though is that, although I’m happy to take inspiration from any source, I will never copy another craftsman’s work.
Designing Your Piece
At the end of our get together, if we feel like we’re on the same page and you decide that you’d like to move on to the design phase, I’ll ask for a design fee. This is what gets me going designing your special creation and building it virtually using a specialized software called Sketchup. After I have a preliminary design I can either email you concept drawings of the project or we can meet up again to discuss them in person. Either way this is your opportunity to tweak the design or choose the options you’d prefer. We can go back and forth with tweaks or changes multiple times until we’ve perfected the design.
From Contract to Craftsmanship
Once we’ve come up with something that meets your satisfaction, I can use that information to provide you with a formal bid for the project. If you’re not comfortable with the bid then the design is yours to do with as you like. I can provide you with all the files and associated drawings so you can take them to another maker if that’s your preference. However, if you like the bid and want to move forward with the project then your design fee rolls over into the bid as a credit towards the final payment.
After you’ve decided that you’d like to move forward with the project, I’ll provide you with a contract spelling out the details of the project specifying the price, design, materials, finish and any other pertinent details. Once the contract is signed I’ll collect an initial deposit, typically 50% of the build price, and from there it’s off to the races. Building your special creation won’t be quick, after all quality handwork take time, but I’ll keep you updated throughout the process as things progress and of course you’re always welcome to stop by and check things out for yourself.
Delivery & Final Details
When at long last the day arrives and your project is done, I’ll let you know and that will be the time when you’re welcome to give it a final inspection to make sure that it meets your every expectation. If everything is as you dreamed it would be then I’ll ask for the second deposit, typically 45% of the build price. Once you’re satisfied with the piece we’ll set up the delivery details and I’ll collect the balance due for the build after it’s safely installed. After that, all that’s left is for you to enjoy your custom creation and bask in the glow of the newest addition to your home.
