Furniture Designer and Maker
Chris Davis is a versatile furniture designer and maker with over 30 years of experience. Known for his ability to seamlessly blend form and function, Chris takes on a variety of bespoke commissions for fitted and freestanding pieces that precisely match his clients’ needs and preferences.
Collaborate
Commission
Make
Working from the inside out, Chris considers how spaces feel, the meticulous organisation they demand and the profound impact they can have on the lives of those who inhabit them.
Each creation is a thoughtful manifestation of this philosophy, where form meets function in perfect harmony.
Chris begins each bespoke commission with a comprehensive consultation, delving into the client’s lifestyle, preferences and the specific requirements of the space. Whether it’s a custom coffee table or the reinstatement of a 160-year-old staircase, Chris listens carefully to the client’s vision, ensuring that every aspect of the project is considered.
Commissions
You’ll find a sample of Chris’ furniture commissions below. If you’d like to create something similar or something completely your own, get in touch.
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Cantilevered Staircase for Attic Conversion
Collaborating with an architectural consultant and an engineer, Chris conceptualised, crafted, and implemented a new staircase during an attic conversion project. The clients sought to mitigate the reduction of natural light on the ground floor caused by the cupola, while also achieving a seamless stylistic transition from the period features on the first floor to the more modern aesthetic of the attic space. The innovative approach involved strategically positioning the staircase away from the walls, creating a "floating" effect to facilitate the flow of daylight down the walls. To maintain a cohesive design, Scottish larch was chosen as the primary material, with its grain artfully aligned vertically along the entirety of the staircase.
This project was in collaboration with McColls Associates and Planning and Building Design.
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Internal Remodel
The client approached Chris with the task of revitalising and reconfiguring the interior of their bungalow. The objective was to establish a more accessible open-plan living space to accommodate their son, who relies on a wheelchair. Collaborating with an architectural consultant, builder, engineer, and the client, Chris orchestrated a comprehensive transformation. From conceptualisation to completion, Chris not only designed but also crafted and installed every aspect of the refurbishment, encompassing the kitchen, utility area, fitted storage solutions, wetroom and architectural joinery.
This project was in collaboration with Carlsson Properties, McColls Associates and Planning and Building Design.
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Shelving Unit with Cabinets
The client had compiled a selection of shelving unit examples from online furniture suppliers, yet none quite captured their vision. They sought a bespoke shelving solution tailored to a particular wall in their open-plan kitchen, seamlessly integrating both open and closed storage solutions. The overarching aesthetic had to draw inspiration from the 50s era. Despite budget constraints, Chris embarked on the creative process, initiating 3D modelling and design exploration. Through scrupulous experimentation with a variety of materials and fabrication techniques, Chris achieved the ideal synthesis for the envisioned furniture piece.
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Dining Table and Chairs in Birch Plywood
This particular project tasked Chris with creating a table and chair set characterised by a sleek, minimalistic aesthetic, prioritising the interplay of shapes and minimal detailing. Despite working within a constrained budget, he ingeniously devised a design using merely three sheets of birch plywood and straightforward machining processes to achieve the desired look. To further enhance the cost-effectiveness and sustainability of the project, surplus rubber flooring material from the client's house refurbishment was repurposed as an excellent seat covering.
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Yurt and Decking Area
Conceiving and constructing a versatile garden space suitable for all seasons became the focus after the removal of a kids' trampoline. Through thoughtful consultation, a design emerged featuring a new decking area adorned with raised beds crafted from Scottish larch. Inspired by the concept of a traditional Mongolian yurt, a structure was created to offer varying degrees of cover, protection and warmth during winter, while remaining easily removable and storable in the summer when the decking area transformed into a sun-drenched retreat. The yurt's "soft" shape seamlessly integrated with the garden's natural surroundings.
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Modular Shelving System
Chris conceived a modular shelving and cabinet storage system featuring American black walnut and lacquered MDF shelves. The unit boasts the convenience of effortless disassembly and reconfiguration, allowing it to be arranged in diverse combinations. Tailored to accommodate a client with a lifestyle characterised by frequent moves, the storage solution provides the essential flexibility to seamlessly function in various locations.
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Built-In Wardrobe in Elm and Birch Plywood
Given the constraints of a limited budget for this project, a significant portion of time and resources was dedicated to meticulously designing and crafting the doors, emphasising precise scribing details. The choice of a high-quality English elm veneer, pre-lipped in solid elm with recessed handle detailing, added a touch of elegance. The internal cabinetry, though straightforward, prioritised functionality, constructed from standard sheet materials with internal drawers made of birch ply.
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Three Beds
A collection of beds crafted from the client's surplus timber and repurposed materials, enriched by extensive input and requests from three teenagers, resulting in a personalised and meaningful touch to each design.
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Dining Table in Sycamore
Crafted to accommodate the constraints of a narrow galley kitchen with bench seating, where navigating around table legs presented a challenge. The design seamlessly integrates function and form, with angled legs and a tabletop facilitating easy movement. The incorporation of a substantial 10mm thick stainless steel stretcher not only adds necessary weight but also anchors the slender legs securely. The steel material complements the polished concrete floor, creating a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing ensemble.
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Reception Table
Twenty-five free-standing posts, fashioned from eight-inch square green oak, were strategically employed to create an engaging feature within the reception space. Their random heights allow for endless reconfiguration, serving as both a functional and aesthetic element, reminiscent of a coffee table. To add a touch of elegance, each post is crowned with a copper disc patternated using a copper nitrate solution and meticulously sealed for lasting visual appeal.
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Staircase for Attic Conversion in Oak and Steel
With a distinct design vision, the client envisioned a contemporary fusion of oak and black steel for their attic conversion. Given the constrained footprint of the stairwell in this unique attic space, maximising storage was paramount. Chris adeptly constructed the substructure off-site during the building phase and then assembled it in the workshop. Collaborating closely with the client, he fine-tuned design details for handrails and balustrades before the final installation, ensuring a seamless integration of aesthetics and functionality.
This project was in collaboration with Fergus O'Hare Property.
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Chest of Drawers in Wych Elm
Crafted from Wych Elm, these Chest of Drawers exhibit the masterful touch of Chris, who skilfully integrated dovetail construction into their design. This deliberate craftsmanship not only enhances the drawers' structural integrity but also introduces an element of refinement, reflecting a dedication to meticulous artistry.
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Personalised Grappa Presentation Box
A client brought in a small section of Scottish ripple sycamore into the workshop, seeking a special 80th birthday gift. This particular timber had originated from a tree felled on their farm a few years prior. Upon learning of the recipient's affinity for Grappa, it was mutually decided that crafting a presentation box would be the ideal and meaningful choice.
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Theatrical Kitchen
Inspiration for the renovation of this kitchen and dining room stemmed from a successful playwright, who possessed a shed filled with exquisite timber and other materials acquired during his travels. Chris, drawing from this eclectic collection, meticulously designed and constructed the entire kitchen, infusing the spaces with a theatrical ambiance sought by the client.
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Low Table in Slate, Copper and Solid Maple
This sculptural creation provided Chris with an opportunity to delve back into forms and materials reminiscent of his days as a fine art student, exploring the intriguing intersection of form and function. The table cleverly conceals hidden drawers underneath, seamlessly blending artistic expression with practical utility.
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Bespoke Kitchen for Grade A Listed Building
Navigating the constraints imposed by a Grade A listing, Chris collaborated closely with the cliet to craft a modern and functional kitchen space that seamlessly bridged the gap between the old and the new.
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160-Year-Old Staircase Rebuild
Undertaking the removal and reinstatement of a 160-year-old staircase from a farmhouse during its reconstruction posed a multifaceted challenge. The scope of the project encompassed finalising the design, resolving the manufacturing intricacies and overseeing the installation. This involved ingeniously utilising the original stair structure by overlaying it with oak treads and risers, integrating steel spindles and a handrail for a modern touch. A seamless collaboration between Chris and the client facilitated a comprehensive completion of interior design throughout the refurbished farmhouse.
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Various
Chris regularly collaborates with Oli Debenham of Bodan Workshops, crafting a diverse array of furniture. These endeavours span from crafting unique, custom pieces to undertaking extensive refurbishments, covering the full spectrum of furniture design and production.
As a member of the collaborative “Unit 5” furniture makers at Albion Business Centre, Chris benefits from a state-of-the-art machine shop. Equipped with a large flat bed CNC, veneer and laminating presses, digitally controlled dimension saws and timber processing machines, the facility ensures efficient and precise material processing. Chris trained as a cabinet maker so traditional bench tools are always to hand.
Chris specialises not only in timber, but also in various materials like metal, glass, aluminium and composite sheets. This versatility enables the creation of bespoke furniture, kitchens, staircases, small batches and commercial fit-outs, showcasing innovation and quality across a range of materials and applications.
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“With Chris’ skills, support and vision we now have a home we would never have dreamed of. We had a set of very specific circumstances relating to accessibility needs and had limited space to achieve this. We love where we live so moving wasn’t an option. Chris was instrumental in creating a vision for what was possible. Our home has been completely renovated - it is a new home in the original shell. Chris took the time to really understand our needs, ideas and what we liked and interpreted these in his designs for all of our living spaces including the lounge, hallway, kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms and utility room. His expertise was also invaluable in finding solutions to constraints. For example, we needed to reroute our utilities (gas and electric) and Chris helped to ensure this was done in a way that did not compromise the space. At every stage, Chris checked in with us on the budget and costs, so we had no surprises as we moved forward. Chris helped coordinate and liaise with architect technicians, engineers, builders and trades to ensure the structural elements and build would support the creative vision. Chris designed, built and installed our kitchen, bedroom storage, and bespoke features like our beautiful bifold doors to the lounge and stair bannister. Every detail was discussed with us at length, and what was delivered was beyond our expectations. The combination of Chris’ understanding, knowledge, experience and professionalism means we have a home we love that meets the needs of all the family.”
Rachel and Anoop
Joppa, Edinburgh -
"Everybody who enters our house comments on the design of the extension, which maximises the space available and the views. Although modern, the addition sympathetically marries new with old. Chris was largely instrumental in the design and ideas, which contribute to its success. The job, despite logistical difficulties, was completed on time and within budget. The internal fitments, handmade by Chris, are sympathetic and fit perfectly. The renovation of the eighteenth-century staircase is a masterpiece of innovation and craftsmanship. Chris’ empathy with our ideas and fulfilment of our needs was extraordinary. He was a pleasure to work with.”
L and S Barclay
Kinloch Rannoch, Perthshire -
"When I needed a stair built as part of an attic conversion I knew I wanted something special rather than purely functional. Chris somehow achieved that and more, building a floating stair that cleverly keeps light flowing down the stairwell from the cupola, and doesn’t jar with the traditional feel of the house. I’d totally recommend Chris for his experience, design skills and most importantly, his attention to detail throughout the process."
Kate
Duddingston, Edinburgh -
"Chris has helped us with several renovation and transformation projects: he redesigned our bathroom and kitchen, building bespoke kitchen cupboards and shelving units that use space optimally and make strong visual statements. Chris listened carefully to understand our needs and wants, and generated clever ideas to suit our budget. As a designer and craftsman, he is imaginative and skilled. As a collaborator, he is empathic, practical and reliable. Chris has helped us create living spaces that we could not have imagined without him, and yet which feel fully our own."
R McIntosh
Portobello, Edinburgh -
"My home has limited space for storage. I wanted a bespoke shelving unit for our lounge that would provide storage and one that would fit in with the design of our open-plan living space without being intrusive. Chris worked with us on the design and produced a number of options exploring different ideas, finishes and budgets, to get to the final design. Chris checked in with us during the build of the shelving unit to make sure we were happy with every aspect. The cost estimate Chris provided was in line with the final price. Chris designed, built and fitted the unit. I am delighted with the result and now have a beautiful piece of furniture that fits in perfectly with my home and is regularly remarked on by guests!"
Rachel
Joppa, Edinburgh