Working with artisans who care about their craft

We all love the convenience of on-demand culture: a life lived by app. From what we eat or wear to how we shop or travel, it simply makes life far easier. But that inevitably means that so much of what we buy is mass-produced and lacks individuality, and when it comes to how we design and furnish our homes, we often want something more personal. 

That’s where artisans come in, craftspeople who have honed their skill over years – and possibly learnt it from generations before them. They are artists of their craft who prize time and effort over convenience, and who feel passionate about what they do, in order to create a statement piece that is unique.  

As a high-end design studio, we focus on providing finishes that will stand the test of time, not just in terms of durability but in the sense of taste too. Such pieces crafted by artisans don’t follow trends that are here today and gone tomorrow; they are timeless. For each project, we try to source local artisans who understand the complexity of materials and how best to showcase them within the interiors of the homes we design. 

There are artisans who specialise in fields you may never even have thought of such as straw marquetry, resin lacquers or hand-blown glass. This level of dedication to one type of craft ensures the highest-quality finish and a high level of intricacy in the production of the piece. 

Their work doesn’t stand in isolation, though. They work with the designer to bring the whole home to life, which is especially important when it involves a bespoke statement piece such as a chandelier. Most of our designs have a high level of detail and the artisan needs to understand the whole vision and to bring creative flair to the design. 

Finding the right artisan is crucial too. There are acclaimed bodies who represent local artisans in the UK, and bodies such as The Guild of Master Craftsmen endorse artisans who have worked on heritage buildings and are masters at their chosen profession. 

Sustainability now plays an increasingly big role in the way we live, and we prefer to work with artists who care about sustainability and play their part in protecting the environment. That includes using materials that are sourced and manufactured responsibly, such as those we use frequently in polish plaster and veneers. Working with local artisans also helps to minimise the carbon footprint in each project, right from the logistics stage. 

Speed and convenience are fine in many areas of daily life. But as the best artisans show, some things are worth spending time and effort on, and worth waiting for.