Design in Wood

Richard Burnley and Paul Steel have been working together at Design in Wood since 1991.

They make imaginatively designed distinctive pieces of contemporary furniture and fitted cabinetwork.

The workshop, situated in an 18th century former coach house in Thirsk, North Yorkshire, was started in 1983 by Andrew James, an architect and furniture designer. Richard worked as an architect for 10 years before studying at the London College of Furniture and becoming a furniture designer maker in 1989. Paul is largely self taught, and had his own workshop making and restoring furniture and joinery.

We were both attracted to Design in Wood by its design led approach, the small, well equipped workshop being well suited to a wide variety of work.

Most of our work is commissioned, but a significant number of speculative pieces made for exhibitions and galleries have served to inspire the bespoke work. All our furniture is handmade, primarily from temperate hardwoods, with other materials such as metals, stone, plastics and leather serving to complement the wood.

Designs evolve through dialogue with the client, informed by viewing our past work in the showroom or website, and guided by our experience in materials, form and proportion.

We employ both traditional and contemporary techniques as appropriate, and enjoy finding innovative solutions in design and manufacture.