About
With over 44 years' experience in the design, making, and consultation of high-quality bespoke furniture and joinery, I bring a depth of knowledge that only comes from decades in the trade.
My career includes 18 years in London and 26 years in Sydney, Australia, working across both domestic and commercial projects. During this time, I founded and operated Ovod Furniture Makers Pty Ltd, delivering custom furniture and joinery solutions to a wide range of clients.
Following the recent closure of my manufacturing business and as I move toward retirement, I have continued to receive requests from both long-standing and new clients seeking independent advice on furniture and joinery projects. Due to this growing demand, I have decided to offer my expertise as a dedicated furniture consultant to a wider client base.
Consulting Services
My services can include all or part of the following:
Design Consultation
Discussing furniture and joinery concepts, including layout, internal and external storage requirements, colours, finishes, and overall functionality.
Outline Drawings
Producing clear A4 outline drawings incorporating client requirements, construction details, and overall dimensions.
Materials & Fittings Specification
Preparing a detailed specification of all materials, finishes, and fittings to be used. This ensures:
- Consistent pricing across contractors
- No substitution of substandard fittings to reduce costs
- Consideration of environmentally sustainable products where appropriate
Client Site Review
Requesting photographs from the client of the proposed installation area to better understand spatial constraints and design integration.
All documentation is prepared under the client's name and can be forwarded directly to selected furniture makers, allowing them to provide accurate and comparable budget pricing, subject to a site survey.
Costs
Initial 30-minute phone consultation: Free of charge
Preparation of drawings and specifications: Fees are modest and dependent on project complexity, helping to avoid costly misunderstandings between all parties involved.
Summary
Projects that commence without clear drawings and specifications often result in significant discrepancies between contractor pricing. My role is to reduce this risk by providing clarity, transparency, and technical insight at the outset.
The final decision will always remain with the client, based on their understanding of costs, timelines, and personal rapport with the chosen contractor.