Here at PJW WoodWorks creating a piece of furniture to your requirements can be as simple or involved as you wish to make it. You, as a client may want to have considerable influence in the design, perhaps to echo a particular style or you may admire our our originality, design or craftsmanship and leave us to create something special for you, either way we are happy to oblige.

After making the initial contact via email or face to face at an event, the first step in the commissioning process is to arrange a meeting to discuss the proposed project. This meeting can take place at your home, on the proposed site of the project or at our workshop. Similarly we can carry this out via email or other means should you so wish. Here we will discuss details about your project, the purpose of the piece, surroundings, dimensions, timber choice and finishes. We will also discuss budget parameters and timescales.

After clarifying the brief we will then begin the design phase, which depending on the complexity of the project will take several weeks. We will produce a set of pen and pencil drawings (we’re old school here at PJW!) and also should it be required scale models for your consideration. A design fee may be charged, usually based on the scale and intricacy of the piece, which would be deducted from the total cost should you decide to proceed with the project. All designs whether produced or not will remain the intellectual property of PJW WoodWorks.

After the design and drawings have been revised and finalised a deposit of 50% will be required with the balance upon receipt of delivery. From receiving the deposit we will begin sourcing and ordering timber and materials and get them into the warmth of the workshop.

You will be regularly updated with progress reports along the way and we of course, welcome your visiting us at the appropriate stages of of construction. For many clients getting an insight into the different processes involved during the making is a hugely rewarding experience that adds greatly to the value and appreciation of the finished piece.

To clarify, the steps involved for commissioning are as follows:-

1. Initial contact.

2. Arriving at a design brief

3. Design procedure :- Following up the brief

   Preliminary sketches & proposals

   Terms, fees, estimates

   Design development - working drawings, models and mock ups.

   50% Deposit

4. Workshop procedure:- Ordering materials

   Preparing templates and cutting lists

   Cutting out materials and beginning the construction phase.

   Keeping you informed of progress, possible meetings & consultations during construction.

5. Delivery, site fixing and final payment.

We hope you have enjoyed our guide on how to commission a piece of furniture or in fact any woodworking project you may have in mind and as always we welcome your thoughts and ideas.