About

After obtaining a degree in Product Design at the Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, I attended the Glasgow College of Building and Printing to study Furniture Making.  During college I gained further experience by working part time in a furniture making workshop.  I set up GM furniture design at ‘Woodschool’ in 2004, and became a member and director of ‘Real Wood Studios’ in 2009 which grew out of Woodschool (www.realwoodstudios.com).  I have since produced a vast range of commissioned pieces from jewellery boxes to bespoke kitchens and reception desks for both private and corporate clients, whilst continuing to develop unusual and contemporary speculative furniture for the Real Wood Studios showroom and events throughout Scotland.

Designs generally consist of simple forms, using clean lines and sweeping curves and often combine two contrasting timbers to produce eye-catching furniture which will be a focal point in any room.  I only use native hardwoods, in particular Elm, Oak, Ash and Sycamore, all locally and sustainably sourced.  The carefully selected timber is well seasoned before being kiln dried and brought down to about 10% moisture content, so the furniture can easily acclimatise to the centrally heated home.  Each piece is finished with several coats of a hard-wax oil to give a matt and natural look, bringing out the grain in the wood, whilst allowing it to breathe.  This hardwearing finish is easy to apply, so the furniture can be maintained and replenished by the owner when it leaves the workshop.