How to Commission

Commission a piece from a skilled craftsperson

Accredited Members of SWA offer an engaging and rewarding collaboration between you and the maker.

Discussing and refining your requirements with someone who is passionate and committed to their work is a journey much greater than the realisation of a physical object.

The result is a piece of art that you will interact with for the rest of your life.

Accredited Members of SWA demonstrate artistic design skills. They possess an extensive knowledge of materials, finishes, form and techniques.

The commissioning a piece from a skilled craftsperson process starts with the development of a brief.
Discussions, followed by:

  • drawings
  • timber samples
  • possibly even models help you visualise the piece

Once a design is agreed, you will receive a quote confirming the design details, the cost and a time-frame for completion.

Working with a SWA Accredited Member results in a handmade item in timber of lasting quality and value.

To Commission a piece from a skilled craftsperson you are welcome to reach out directly to a specific maker though our Directory of  Makers, or you can use the contact form below to make a general inquiry.

If you post a general inquiry, please include:

  • your contact details
  • your location
  • a written brief
  • any sketches or ideas you have
  • a budget guide-line

Commissioning contemporary fine woodwork from a professional master craftsman requires a high level of commitment from both the client and the maker. Our makers respond best to a clear brief. When you submit your request, our system will only allow the first three responses to go through to you. If you do not find a solution that you are satisfied with, you can re-submit the brief and a second round of responses will follow. The complexity of the piece will have the biggest impact on price. Although material costs will play a part, labour is by far the biggest component of a piece. Price differences between proposals almost always centres around the relative complexity of the design solution.