Business Details
27 Years
experience
Bespoke Furniture Design & Craftsmanship in Edinburgh
Stuart McKinven Furniture is a specialist in bespoke furniture design and craftsmanship, established by Stuart McKinven following his 1999 graduation from Glasgow College of Building and Printing with an HND in Furniture Design and Manufacture. Our approach combines traditional woodworking skills with contemporary design principles, prioritising the use of sustainably sourced Scottish hardwoods. With over two decades of experience, we have completed commissions for both private and commercial clients across the UK, including notable projects for St Mary's Cathedral Glasgow and Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. Our work has been recognised through awards such as the John Logie Baird Innovation Award and Bank of Scotland Small Business Award.Each piece is developed collaboratively with clients, ensuring designs are tailored to specific spatial requirements and personal preferences. The manufacturing process emphasises hand-crafted techniques, from steam bending elm for continuous arm rockers to repurposing salvaged timber for unique recycled pieces. Our portfolio demonstrates how material selection and construction methods influence the evolution of design concepts into functional art. Clients benefit from our commitment to creating furniture that harmonises their vision with our technical expertise. We maintain transparency throughout the commissioning process, offering flexible communication options to accommodate client preferences.
Services
Bespoke Furniture Design
Hardwood Furniture Manufacture
Custom Woodwork
Recycled Timber Furniture
Contemporary Furniture Creation
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- We offer 25 years of specialist furniture-making experience since 1999
- Our designs utilise sustainably sourced Scottish hardwoods and recycled materials
- Award-winning craftsmanship including John Logie Baird Innovation Award
- Collaborative design process tailored to individual client requirements
- Proven track record with prestigious commercial and public sector clients
Services
Bespoke Furniture Design
We create unique furniture pieces tailored to client specifications through collaborative design consultations. Our process begins with understanding spatial requirements and aesthetic preferences before developing detailed drawings or models. Clients receive expert guidance on material selection, including sustainably sourced Scottish hardwoods and reclaimed timber options. Each design balances functionality with artistic expression, ensuring furniture that perfectly matches both practical needs and personal style.
Hardwood Furniture Manufacture
Our craftsmanship specialises in transforming premium hardwoods into enduring furniture pieces using traditional techniques. From steam bending elm for continuous arm rockers to hand-cut dovetail joints in oak boxes, we maximise each timber's natural characteristics. The manufacturing process combines hand tools with modern methods to achieve precise, durable constructions that highlight the inherent beauty of the materials while maintaining structural integrity.
Custom Woodwork
We produce made-to-measure wooden items beyond standard furniture, including decorative elements and functional installations. Our expertise extends to creating unique pieces that integrate with architectural spaces or serve specific purposes. By understanding material properties and construction techniques, we deliver woodwork solutions that combine artistic vision with practical application, ensuring each piece complements its intended environment.
Recycled Timber Furniture
We transform salvaged wood into distinctive furniture pieces that preserve material history while reducing environmental impact. Our process involves assessing reclaimed timber's structural potential and incorporating it into designs that celebrate natural imperfections. This approach extends to repurposing hardware from discarded items, creating fully recycled furniture that maintains functionality while telling a story through its materials.
Contemporary Furniture Creation
We develop innovative furniture that merges traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics. Inspired by natural forms and architectural elements, our contemporary pieces challenge conventional design boundaries. The process involves experimenting with material combinations and construction techniques to create functional art that maintains comfort and usability while making a distinctive visual statement.
People
Stuart McKinven
Furniture Maker and Designer
Graduated in 1999 with HND in Furniture Design, established his business with Princes Trust support. Combines traditional skills with contemporary design, creating bespoke pieces from Scottish hardwoods for UK clients.
Questions
What distinguishes bespoke furniture from standard pieces?
Bespoke furniture is custom-designed to your specific requirements, offering unique dimensions, material choices, and design elements tailored to your space and preferences.
What types of wood do you use in your creations?
We primarily use sustainably sourced Scottish hardwoods like oak and elm, with expertise in repurposing salvaged timber for unique recycled furniture pieces.
How does the commissioning process work?
We begin with detailed consultations to understand your needs, followed by design development with drawings or models before manufacturing starts upon approval.
Can you create furniture from existing design concepts?
Yes, we can interpret and develop your existing ideas into functional pieces while offering expert guidance on material selection and construction feasibility.
Do you work with commercial clients?
We have extensive experience delivering custom furniture for commercial spaces, including churches, healthcare facilities, and national parks across the UK.
What awards have your designs received?
Our work has been recognised with awards including the John Logie Baird Innovation Award and Bank of Scotland Small Business Award for exceptional craftsmanship.
