Our success is built on the really personal design service we offer and we hope the following will give you a good idea of the process (the what, when, where, how) of commissioning with us and the best way to begin your journey.
COMMISSIONING
We are experienced in listening, interpreting and transforming your own ideas into beautiful, functional furniture. kitchens and interior structures. We do not charge for an initial estimate so if you would like to chat about your project then do give us a call on 01524 781215, email us info@hout-design.co.uk or go to the Contact Page.
Contacting Us
We are happy to be contacted by phone, mail, web and in person at our workshop. Please leave a message should you get the answer machine and we will call you back. Emails will be responded to within 2 working days. We will ask for a brief idea of what you are planning, your expectations with regard to timing and budget, for any plans/drawings/specifics that be useful at this stage and contact your details. We can then make an appointment for you to come to the workshop/studio to discuss your project further (if necessary for us to see the space at this stage the meeting may take place at site).
Meeting Clients
We love to meet our clients in person, whether you come to the office or (where appropriate) we come to you, it is a great opportunity to better understand your project, your style, the way you live and intend to use the furniture as well as to gain insight into your uniqueness and idiosyncrasies. It is a time to share any collated images of related things you like (so please bring them along if you have them), ideas that interest you and discuss options, possibilities and potential timescales.
Design Detail
Following the client meeting we will do preliminary design sketches and give you a corresponding estimate. Should this be agreed in principal we will request a deposit, work on detailed designs, and begin the selection of relevant materials (timbers, paint shades, hardware, fabrics etc). We do work to budget and any changes to this would only be made with your agreement so once the plans and quote are finalised there are no surprise extras.
Create
Most of our timber is grown and harvested in Cumbria from sustainable forests and we personally select the timber for each project either from our own store or from our supplier. Often all the timber for a project comes from one traceable tree. A client is welcome to accompany us during the selection should they wish to.
Construction of the furniture will then begin in the workshop. For fitted structures like wardrobes the basic components (eg wooden drawer units) are made in the workshop and the structure is assembled at site. This ensures a precise fit otherwise impossible in the older local properties of Cumbria, Yorkshire and Lancashire where the majority of our fitted work exists. Clients are welcome to come and see their piece or project taking shape, we can also send images at critical and interesting stages so you feel a part of the creative process.
Fitting
Once construction is complete, delivery and fitting (as appropriate) will be carried out by us. For Kitchens and larger projects this can include plumbing and electricity and can take up to two weeks though we aim to cause as little disruption to you as possible.
Service
We provide information on how to look after your kitchen or furniture and keep it in great condition. We are sure you will be very happy with your acquisition however, as with all solid wooden products there may, on occasion, be some minor movement in the wood as it settles into your home and its new ambient environment. Please contact us if you have any concerns, we are happy to advise or come to make minor adjustments should this be necessary. We also offer a polishing service (for our products) to clients living within a 30 mile radius of the workshop – please call or email us for details.
WE WOULD LOVE TO WORK WITH YOU
