#Altendorf #Atthecuttingedge with Nick James Design
Meet a master craftsman who tells how commissioning a piece of furniture can be an exciting and rewarding process.
About Nick James Design
Nick James is a highly skilled craftsman. He’s an advocate of traditional woodworking techniques that are rare in contemporary practice. A machine can’t pick up a piece of wood, study the flow of the grain or make a decision about how to use it.
Nick born and bred in Newcastle, he has always enjoyed making things. At university, Nick experimented with lots of different materials but somehow he was always drawn back to wood. His favourite is oak – its feel, its smell and of course, its historical significance. His favourite piece to build is the dining table, As Nick says ‘It’s the most important piece of furniture in any home – everything happens around it – from children drawing their pictures to dinner parties and romantic meals.’ For Nick, every piece of his high quality furniture is destined to be an heirloom – passed down through the generations, becoming more cherished as time passes. His favourite tool is the pencil.
Commissioning a piece of furniture
Most of my work is made to commission and sold online. Nick reveals how commissioning a piece of furniture can be an exciting and rewarding process. His customers are involved at every stage.
#1 The Brief
The process usually begins with a meeting where all the important details are discussed such as the purpose of the piece, the style and the surroundings, the materials, the budget and deadline. A brief will then be drawn up and agreed.
#2 The Design
Nick will show you two or three designs in the form of hand sketches, perspective drawings or three dimensional computer models. This is just the start of the conversation. Nick then fine-tunes these for you to get the design exactly right.
#3 The Order
A measured drawing will be prepared ready for you to sign off. A deposit of 50% is now payable. Once this has been received work can begin. You are welcome to visit the workshop and see the piece as it develops. When it’s finished arrangements are made for delivery at which stage the balance of payment is due.
“Spending time amongst the trees is something which is valuable, enriching and restorative, and is often where I have my best ideas!”
Nick James
Designer and maker of fine furniture
Nick James meets HAND GUARD
Under the motto “ALTENDORF GROUP Experience Days” Nick James along with 4 other talented woodworkers from the UK visited our company headquarters in Minden, Germany.
Success Stories & Inspiration
Our customers know what counts.
Contact us.
Would you like to find out more, do you have specific questions or need advice on our machines? We will advise you individually – simply contact our experts.