Custom-made furniture designer Mike Mason, owner of Mike Made This, talks about developing new ranges and interesting pieces he’s made in the past.
How do you go about developing a new product in your range?
I use a combination of sketch-up and CAD to perfect the 3D visual, then I sit with my two head carpenters and steel fabricator to discuss the manufacturing process.
Tell us about your collaborations with designers?
It’s a collaborative process to find the best way to manufacture a product that ensures stability and longevity, and that remains as close as possible to the designer’s idea.
Talk us through what it takes to have a large and thriving local manufacturing business that’s known for its quality?
We strive to always stick to a deadline and to keep the client up to date during the process. We also use the best quality materials available and, should a problem arise, we deal with it immediately and find a solution.
Name an interesting piece you’ve made for a client?
I once custom-made a bar counter from the engine cowl of a Boeing 747.
Are there any materials that are particularly sought-after at the moment?
French oak with knots and cracks is very popular. We’re also seeing a demand for combinations of wood and steel, with the steel looking repurposed and industrial, and the wood sealed but looking “raw”.
For more information, visit mikemadethis.co.za.
