Frequently asked questions

Fill out the form on our website or drop us an email with a bit about your project, and we'll send over a few questions to understand what you have in mind. Once we've heard back, you'll have a call with one of our senior designers. There's no charge for that. If it feels like a good fit for both of us, we'll move into Stage 1 and kick things off properly.

We offer an initial call with one of our senior designers to make sure we're a good match for each other, and your project. That's free. For a more comprehensive consultation on design, look and feel, we’d suggest we get started with Stage 1 (our ideas phase). It’s the best way to ensure we provide you with thought-through concepts and solutions. The good news: we only take 50% upfront, so you can get a real feel for the process before committing to the full thing.

Just a quick note about which rooms or areas you're looking to work on, what kind of project it is (refresh, renovation, extension, etc.), whether you own the property and if it's listed or in a conservation area, whether you have an architect or plans already, your rough budget ballpark, and when you're hoping to start. Photos are brilliant if you have them, but don't stress if not.

You'll hear from us within 2 working days. We aim to get back to everyone quickly so we can get a proper conversation going.

We break it into three stages. Stage 1 (Ideas) is about exploring the concept and possible directions. We'll do site visits, create mood boards and 3D visuals, and nail down the fundamental design decisions. Stage 2 (Decisions) zooms in on the detailed design, locking in all the specifications, scope of works, and final budget. Stage 3 (Procurement & Install) is where we source everything, manage the build, and get it all installed with quality checked throughout.

We’re used to working around our clients’ busy schedules. We also know how important it is to keep projects running smoothly - without rushing things. Because of that, project schedules can often come down to you. We’ll map out a timeline that suits you and your project, but our standard guideline for the design stages is: Stage 1 usually takes 4–5 weeks, Stage 2 takes another 4–5 weeks, then we book the actual build works to align with the longest lead items.

Our bespoke joinery is usually 8–10 weeks, so start to finish you're looking at around 4-6 months. It's very much project-dependent though.

In Stages 1 and 2, you'll typically have 3–4 meetings with your designer each stage, depending on how much value engineering or refinement needs to happen.

Yes. Your designer is also your project manager, so it's the same person from day one to the end. While our joinery, procurement and build experts will be ever-present throughout the project - your lead designer is your main point of contact. You’re not being passed between different people. You build a relationship with one person who understands your project inside out. It's one of our favourite things about how we work.

We like to be on site around twice a week when we're managing the build. Between visits, we're in constant communication with the builders and working through things with them. So you've got both the on-site presence and the behind-the-scenes coordination at your disposal.

Whatever works for you - email or WhatsApp, just let us know your preference. We'll keep you in the loop on progress, any decisions that need making, and anything that comes up.

We really prefer to take projects all the way through from design to installation, especially when joinery is involved. We can control the quality, ensure everything's executed as designed, and give you that single point of contact throughout. That said, we understand not everyone wants the full service, so if design-only is what you're after, we're happy to discuss it on a case-by-case basis.

While we’re sometimes able to expedite manufacturing, we always advise that an 8-10 week lead time is comfortable. This is calculated from the point of drawing and cost approval, to the arrival of the goods on site. Installation time depends on the complexity of the pieces and the site conditions, but we'll give you a realistic timeline during the design phase.

We do interior design, bespoke joinery design (which we manufacture and install as well), procurement, and project management. So we can take you from concept through to the finished space. We coordinate with architects and builders, and manage the whole thing so you've got one point of contact.

In our view, the sooner the better. Even if you’re considering undertaking comprehensive architectural changes, it makes sense to start with the bigger picture concepts first. What do you want the space to feel like when you’re inside it? Are there any key design features we want to ensure are factored in from the start? We’re able to put together a concept-brief and ideas deck for a prospective architect, so they have a clear idea of the space before they commence their detailed design. This also ensures a unified vision, across all touch points.

Absolutely. If you've already got an architect, we'll work alongside them. We're clear on who does what, and we make sure everyone's talking to everyone else. If you don't have one and the project needs one, we'll advise early on and can discuss bringing someone in.

If we think your project needs an architect and you don't have one, we'll advise you early on. We've worked with several architects over the years and are happy to recommend people we trust. It really depends on the type of project and what you're looking for, so we can discuss options with you and suggest whoever we think would be the best fit.

We prefer to use our own builders because it creates a really seamless experience. Everyone's on the same team and problems get solved as one unit. But if you've got someone you really want to work with, we're happy to have that conversation. It's just worth flagging upfront.

Yes, though they typically need an architect involved for the structural and planning side. We work with architects on extensions, handling the general layout, interior design, and joinery, and then project-managing the whole thing.

It's custom-made furniture and fitted pieces designed and built specifically for your space. Unlike off-the-shelf options, it's tailored to your exact needs. Fitted wardrobes, bespoke kitchens, custom shelving, that kind of thing. Because it's made to measure, it fits perfectly and can be designed to match your aesthetic exactly.

We work with whatever feels right for the project. As joinery specialists, we have a particular love for beautiful woods and sustainable finishes. It's where our heart is. But we're flexible and will explore whatever direction makes sense for your space and budget.

We try to approach each project with the client in mind, so we're happy to be led by your style and vision. We love contemporary spaces with a vintage edge, and we're good at steering projects to bring out the best in both your vision and the space. But ultimately, if you're into something different, we'll make it as good as it can be.

Very. While we love to steer and get the best out of your vision and the space, we'll never go ahead with something you're not on board with. It's very much client-led. We get your approval at each step so there's no need to start from scratch halfway through.

Yes. In Stage 1 (Ideas), we'll create detailed presentations with mood boards, scheme boards, 3D visuals, and initial spec suggestions so you can really see what we're thinking. That way you can give feedback early and we can adjust direction if needed.

Before we even get to the construction phase, we make sure everything is locked down. By the end of Stage 2, we've got detailed drawings, elevations, full specifications, and a clear build scope so there's no ambiguity about what's being built or how. Once the build starts, the designer stays involved throughout and works closely with the builders to make sure everything's executed exactly as designed. We're on site regularly, we're in constant communication, and if anything needs adjusting or clarifying, we work it out together. The key is that level of preparation upfront combined with that close collaboration during the build, so the design doesn't get lost or compromised along the way.

Across the industry, costs can vary greatly, and it can be hard to understand costs up front. To help keep things simple, we charge per room for design fees rather than as a percentage of build cost. For a breakdown of our fees, just get in touch.

The design stage includes creating mood boards, floor plans, 3D visuals, full specifications for everything from finishes to lighting to plumbing layouts, and detailed costings for materials and build works. If bespoke joinery design is part of the plan, that's quoted separately.

Yes. If you're designing multiple rooms, there are volume discounts on design and joinery fees. The more you do, the bigger the discount. Enquire and we can send over our process guide for the exact breakdown.

Joinery design is per room to allow us to view the space holistically. We include detailed 3D visuals, elevation drawings, and samples. Manufacturing and installation are quoted once the design is approved. If you end up placing a joinery order with us, the design fee is fully refundable against that, so there's no risk in exploring it.

That varies massively depending on the spec you choose. We give you detailed budget breakdowns during Stage 2 so you know exactly what you're spending on what. No surprises. For typical ranges and how we structure that, enquire and we can send you our process guide which will give you the details.

Stage 1 and 2 fees are each split 50/50 - half upfront, half when the stage is complete. That way you can get a real feel for the process and the relationship before fully committing. Stage 3 is quoted once the scope is fully locked down.

For the most part, yes. We handle planning and building regulation applications as part of the service. There's a small additional fee for the BC and planning submissions. Early on, we'll advise if we think we need to bring in a structural engineer or architect for anything more complex.

Yes, we've done projects that require planning approval for listed status. The key thing is allowing enough time for all the approvals to come through before starting any work on site. We can guide you through that process.

London's full of leasehold, so we've done loads of these. It's really about getting in there early with whoever needs to approve changes (freeholder, managing agent, etc.) and getting them on board. We can manage all of that for you. We know how it works.

We're happy to talk about it. The thing is, we tend to focus on projects where someone's the freeholder or leaseholder with permission to do the work. So basically, you've got the authority to make the decisions. If that's you, great. Let's chat.

Some changes are fine. If you decide you want slightly different tiles or a tweak to the layout, we can usually work with that. But if you suddenly want to redesign whole rooms or change the scope massively, that would mean additional design fees. We'll talk through it and make sure you understand the impact before we proceed.

Because we stagger the stage fees (50% upfront, 50% on completion of each stage), you can back out after Stage 1 or Stage 2 without being locked in too deep. We'd discuss it, but essentially you're not committed beyond the stage you're in. We'd rather you feel comfortable.

We're very detailed in our budgets so by the time we finish Stage 2, you know exactly how much the project will be. That's locked in. Anything unforeseen (a wall that needs reinforcing, unexpected asbestos, that kind of thing) gets discussed and resolved as we go, but we take responsibility for the original scope once it's been signed off. We don't spring surprises on you.

Most of our projects are London-based, but we've worked around the UK and we're always happy to discuss projects further afield. If you're outside London, just get in touch and we can have a chat about whether it's a good fit.

If we're working outside London, yes, there would be travel costs involved. We'll discuss that with you upfront so you know what to expect.

Yes. We're fully insured and can provide details if you need them.

We offer a 3-year warranty on joinery. At the end of the project, we do a comprehensive snagging stage to iron out any minor issues before handover. We're also really thorough with samples and design decisions before we get to the build stage, so we try to avoid having to redo things.

We've got a 1-year warranty on build works, so if something goes wrong with the joinery or build in that time, we'll fix it. And if it's something smaller, it is usually caught during the snagging stage at the end. We're comprehensive about getting it right before you move in.