Design / Process

SFMA members have a connection with wood. They see beauty in its purest form, and their love of this ancient material enables them to visualise how it can be sculpted into a useful piece of furniture for the modern world. Inspiration can come from the wood itself or its natural surroundings: hills, mountains, fields, rivers and lochs.

Members may be commissioned to design and create a unique piece of furniture, or they may design and make a piece on a speculative basis to showcase their particular skills, design preferences and interests. The length of the design process will be driven by the creativity and complexity of the piece, and the techniques used to craft the product determine its time for completion. The journey from tree to table is a unique process - that is the real beauty of it

The design process starts with a chat. Finding out who the customer is, what their requirements are, and the purpose of the piece they are looking for is an important first step to ensure our members are aligned with the customer’s thinking. This can happen face-to-face, by phone or via digital channels such as Skype. SFMA members are committed to providing the very best quality product, and will take time to learn what the specific need is.

This conversation may result in draft sketches, design drawings and scale models to reflect what the finished piece might look like. Often, however, it is left up to our members to interpret the customer’s requirements through their unique artistry and craftsmanship.

SFMA members represent an eclectic group of individuals each with their own style. They offer something unusual – not only practical, beautiful and cleverly designed, but also a piece of furniture that is unique and truly Scottish.

There is probably a maker near you.