profile

In the ten years since leaving Parnham College Simon Smith has built up an enviable reputation in the design and manufacture of bespoke, high quality contemporary furniture for both private and corporate clients at his studio in Acton.

Simon's work has been widely exhibited both at prestigious London venues such as The Royal Festival Hall, Phillips Auctioneers, Bonhams, Somerset House and "Collect" at the V&A, as well as many other venues throughout the country. Features have appeared in publications such as Homes and Antiques Magazine, The Guardian and the Evening Standard. Simon has been awarded three Guildmarks by the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers for excellence in design and craftsmanship.

Utilising traditional design methods and computer modelling techniques his focus is to produce beautifully designed and constructed pieces which perform their function superbly and which are a joy to own and use. Simon also intends his pieces to stimulate thought and heighten peoples' awareness of the conditions in which they live.

The design concepts are derived from careful consideration of the individual brief taking into account the client's aesthetic preferences and intended environment without compromising comfort, performance and durability. The resulting concepts represent solutions which are both innovative and appropriate which, when combined with the highest standards of craftsmanship and quality materials, culminate in the production of enduring and unique pieces.

Each brief is different so each piece tells its own story. Simon refuses to limit ideas and imagination by sticking to a dominant design style however generally he favours simplicity of form and well defined lines giving each piece a sharp, fresh presence.