How We Work
Hensby takes on bespoke furniture commissions for private clients and interior professionals.
Each piece is designed and made in our London workshop through a collaborative process, with careful attention to materials, construction and detail.
We work on one-off pieces, adapted versions of existing designs, and selected site-specific work where the project suits the workshop’s approach.
WHAT WE MAKE
We make furniture for private homes, interior projects and commercial spaces.
Typical commissions include dining tables, desks, sideboards, cabinets, console tables, freestanding storage, benches and individual pieces designed for a particular room or setting.
We may also take on selected site-specific work, particularly where the project calls for careful material selection, considered detailing and a more furniture-led approach than standard joinery.
Some commissions begin with a clear brief or existing design. Others start more loosely, with a room, material, reference image or practical requirement. In either case, the aim is to develop a piece that is beautiful, made to the highest standard, and well suited to its setting.
INITIAL ENQUIRY
The first step is to send over a few details about the piece you have in mind. This might include the type of furniture, approximate dimensions, preferred materials, project location, timescale and any drawings, references or photographs that may be useful.
At this stage, the brief does not need to be fully resolved. A short description is usually enough to begin a conversation.
CONVERSATION
Once we have an outline of the project, we can discuss the requirements in more detail. This can happen by email, phone, video call or by arranging a visit to the workshop.
For interior designers and architects, we can work from drawings, schedules, mood boards, material palettes or a wider project brief.
DESIGN AND PRICING
After our initial conversation, we outline the likely project budget and agree how much design work is needed. Commissions can follow one of three routes.
Technical Design
For a resolved design supplied by you or your designer. We develop the drawings and construction details needed to make the piece.
Design Development
For a clear brief or an agreed design direction. We develop one design, resolving its proportions, dimensions, materials and finish.
Design Exploration
For a more open brief. The agreed scope can include research and up to three initial concepts, followed by further development of one selected direction. Workshop trials can form part of the agreed scope where materials, finishes or details need testing.
Technical design within the agreed scope is included in the Design Development and Design Exploration fees.
The scope, fee and included revisions are agreed before design work begins. The design fee is paid upfront. Our Pricing Guide gives indicative starting fees; each project is quoted individually.
CONFIRMING THE COMMISSION
Once the design is approved, we confirm the making price and schedule before you commit to manufacture. A deposit then books the commission into the workshop, with the remaining balance due before delivery.
The design fee and making payments are separate stages within the overall commission budget.
MAKING
We make the piece in our London workshop, following the agreed design, materials and finish.
Lead times vary depending on the scale and complexity of the piece and the workshop schedule. We confirm the timing in your quotation. If the project has a fixed deadline, please mention this in your initial enquiry.
DELIVERY AND INSTALLATION
Delivery is quoted individually according to the location and requirements of the piece. Where installation is needed, we agree its scope and cost in advance.
International delivery is quoted individually. Collection from the workshop is available on request.