quality > design
My specialty, if I have one, is designing with the client. I get a huge sense of satisfaction when I deliver a piece that is both beautiful and exactly suited to the needs of the person who will be using it.
But this doesn’t come easy, there is normally a great deal of interaction and back-and-forth before the design is ‘just right.’ Most clients start out with a vague idea of what they want. Usually they have a pretty clear idea about size, function, number of drawers, etc., but they rely on me for aesthetic guidance.
I often hear clients say, “I’m not exactly sure what I want it to look like, but I’ll know it when I see it.” This frustrates a lot of designer/craftsmen, but it absolutely exhilarates me. Maybe I see it as a fun challenge, but I truly embrace it. There is nothing more pleasing than when I finally ‘get it right’ after several tries, and see the look of joy and recognition in their eyes. “Yes, that’s exactly it!”
I do enjoy designing furniture immensely, and I don’t consider it a waste of time when it takes several tries. Most of my clients find it an enjoyable process as well, which makes me proud.
“A man who works with his hands is a laborer; a man who works with his hands and his brain is a craftsman; but a man who works with his hands and his brain and his heart is an artist.”
~ Charles Dickens
