Questions people ask

Every piece is designed for its space, so there isn't a price list, but as a guide an alcove or AV unit usually starts from around £X, a spare room office or understairs fit-out from around £Y, and a folding bed from around £Z. If you share a rough budget on the video call, I'll tell you straight away whether it's realistic for what you have in mind.

The visit and the design are where most of the thinking happens, and they take real time: measuring, modelling in 3D, working out materials and costing. Charging for them means I can do that properly for every client rather than rushing it. The visit fee comes off the design fee if you go ahead, and the design fee is credited against the final price.

A visit fee, then a design fee once you're happy with the first idea. When the visual design is signed off, a 50% deposit confirms the job, starts detail design and ordering materials. The remaining 50% is due before installation.

From deposit to fitting is usually 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the size of the job and the materials but this would be confirmed at time of project go ahead. Fitting itself usually takes a day for understairs storage and two to four days for a larger project.

Yes. I design, manage the making and fit everything myself, so the person you talk to on the first call is the person who turns up to fit it. Panels are cut by a specialist CNC panel shop to exact tolerances, then finished and assembled in my workshop.

I'm based in Staines-upon-Thames, Surrey and work within about 15 miles going into Berkshire, Hampshire: Richmond, Twickenham, Teddington, Kingston, Windsor, Weybridge, Woking and South West London. If you're outside that but like something you've seen, please get in touch anyway.

Yes. I design AV units around your actual kit, with cable runs and ventilation built in, so everything works and nothing is on show.

Usually, yes. A folding bed with a desk or shelving around it gives you a working room most of the year and a proper bed when people come to stay.

Not at all, it's very common. Any design keeps safe, clear quick access to meters and consumer units and leaves the ventilation they need. I'll check the details on the visit.

Very little. Panels arrive cut and finished, so there's minimal cutting in your house, usually just the parts that need scribing to fit. I lay protection over floors and door frames, use a dust extractor, and clean down before I leave.

Only the area being fitted. I'll let you know exactly what needs clearing before the fitting day.

Usually, yes. Furniture is fixed in ways that can be removed later, and everything is joined with knock-down fittings rather than glue. For listed buildings you may need consent for fixings, which we can talk through.

It's stronger and more stable than MDF, it holds screws better, and it's lower in formaldehyde. I think the layered edge also looks good left on show, but can be hidden if needed. Where a particular colour or finish suits the room better, I use high-quality faced or sprayed boards instead.

Every piece is guaranteed for 5 years against faults in workmanship and to perform as designed. Normal wear and tear is not covered. Hinges and runners carry their manufacturers' guarantees, and I come back for a check after a few weeks once everything has been used.

Often, yes. Because everything is joined with knock-down fittings, freestanding and some fitted pieces can be taken apart and reassembled. Our folding bed has already moved house with us once. I'll tell you on the visit what's realistic for your piece.