The DouglasBuilt Process

At DouglasBuilt, we believe that the best furniture tells a story. Every piece is crafted with intention, from the first conversation to the final delivery. Here’s how we transform your vision into a handcrafted heirloom:

01 Consultation

We listen first.

Our projects begin with understanding your vision. Whether it’s a statement piece or something more functional, this step is about aligning your ideas with our expertise. Together, we’ll explore styles, discuss your needs, and create a shared vision for the final piece.

Design & Concept

From imagination to blueprint.

With your input, we develop designs that balance form, function, and aesthetics. This is where the magic starts to take shape on paper making sure that our ideas align and that we are speaking the same language.

Material Selection

The soul of your piece.

Selecting the right wood is crucial to both durability and beauty. You’ll be guided through options like walnut, oak, afrormosia, or ash, each with its own character. Walnut epitomises timeless luxury, oak has that classic feel, ash provides an accessible yet striking option, and for that African touch, iroko and afrormosia offer durability and a rich, local flavour. Each timber brings its own story to the design, ensuring your piece is as unique as the wood it’s crafted from.

Where skill meets soul.

Crafting

This is the heart of the process - every joint, cut, and polish is done by hand in Stu's studio in Franschhoek. Working on collections that are artworks themselves, there are no shortcuts. Time-tested techniques ensure your piece is both beautiful and built to last.

Completion & Delivery

For a lifetime of enjoyment.

Your finished piece is delivered with care, ready to become a part of your home. We’ll also provide guidance on maintaining your furniture to preserve its integrity and beauty for years to come.

Have a question or idea? Let us know, and we’ll get back to you.