To find out more:
The simplest way to find out more about my furniture is to
call. I pick up the phone myself, I'll answer your questions, and
that's that. No sales pressure, hopefully no phone tag. I
find e-mail quite handy but I feel furniture design is a two
way communication process which works best in person or over
the phone.
Timing:
8 - 16 weeks is a general range. Sometimes single smaller
pieces can be slipped in with other projects sooner. I prefer
not to rush- if I'm trying to make something that will last
for several generations, it helps not to have to try and have
it ready "by Christmas".
Ordering "stock" items:
I offer two lines of furniture. The classic Mission line has panelled sides and visible rails
between and below the drawers. The more streamlined "New Shaker" pieces have smooth one piece sides,
no visible rails, and bevelled tops with a curved front edge. New Shaker pieces are often 5% less
expensive than Mission, and I have done many with walnut legs and tops around and cherry sides,
doors and drawer fronts
I have cutting lists and drawings for all these pieces, but
I make every one from scratch to include each customer's preferences.
Once you choose which pieces you are interested in, the next
step is to discuss construction details- wood species, adding
tenon pins or corbels, grain matching and preference, choice
of finish, time frame and overall budget. I can send you a
quote via email.
Adding Changes:
It is very easy for me to make small modifications, a little
higher, add a drawer, use a thicker top, etc. Generally speaking,
a 5% cost increase will cover these kind of changes. I enjoy making
them, so each client of mine can have something unique - something
just for them. Prices for standard additions such as through tenons
can be found in Construction.
Ordering Custom items:
I also have a number of custom pieces on the site which I
have kept the drawings for. I can reproduce these pieces,
or modify them. Sometimes these custom pieces grew out of
spectacular wood finds that I may not still have access to.
The prices shown reflect the wood I used, so they are best
seen as a ball park. Depending on the wood chosen, the prices
of custom pieces can be very flexible.
As well, I design entirely new pieces with clients. This is
a collaboration, where people know intuitively what they want,
and I interpret those aspirations into a solid form. Sometimes
we start from pictures, sketches, snippets of poetry, memories
It is important to set a budget range, and a time frame.
It
will add at least $480 to design a unique piece of furniture. This covers
3 hours to discuss options, 3 hours for a drawing and cutting list, and 2
hours of adjustments in the shop. Custom pieces are essentially "prototypes"
and generally cost at least 20% more to construct than comparable
"stock" pieces, as I must work more slowly- the
design process doesn't stop until the finish goes on. Sometimes
the wood costs cannot be totally predicted until the wood
is actually purchased. With small projects or extremely complex
large projects, I prefer to work on a time and materials basis.
After an initial discussion or two, once a budget range is established,
I will usually send a sketch and a quote to clients. After receiving
a deposit, I then produce the drawings, which are faxed for approval,
and any samples of wood or leather etc., are mailed.
Kitchens and the rooms around them:
I
do the consultation and drawings for $60 per hour. When the design
is finished, the customer owns the drawings and is free to have
someone else actually build the kitchen, or contract with me to
follow the project through. I can do some general contracting
in a kitchen to ensure that floors, tile work, range hoods, lighting
etc., are done to accomplish the goals of the design.
Furniture design is the heart of my work.
From the shape and form, through the function, to the way I handle
the trees to get the most out of the colour and grain of the boards
- my goal is to build a useful piece of furniture that is a work
of art. It might hold your socks or your cookie sheets, but I
want it to hold your attention too - to be something in your house
you look forward coming home to. To inspire everyone who sees
it. To remind you of our time working together to create it.
Thank you
Ben Barclay
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