Advertise on podcast: Yours For The Making with Robin Johnson

In this solo episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson answers three of the questions he gets asked most about building Johnson Bespoke: how the business grew, how he manages a team and clients, and how the company wins high value joinery projects. Robin shares how Johnson Bespoke expanded from himself and one employee to a team of 20 working across five workshops, with specialist facilities for CNC machining, veneer production and finishing. Robin explains the financial decisions behind that growth, including reinvesting profits, living frugally during the early years, pricing machinery into projects and eventually using asset finance to invest in major equipment such as a five axis CNC. Every significant investment is assessed against its operating costs, staffing requirements, production capacity and potential return. Key Topics Covered ✦ How Johnson Bespoke grew from two people to a team of 20 across five workshops ✦ Reinvesting business profits into machinery, facilities and people ✦ Using asset finance and financial modelling to fund business growth ✦ Bringing CNC machining, veneering and finishing under one roof ✦ Hiring specialists and building a business that can operate without the founder doing everything ✦ Managing architects, interior designers and private clients on high value projects ✦ Selling craftsmanship, reliability and service instead of competing on price ✦ Winning joinery work through referrals, targeted outreach, workshop tours, trade shows and video Check out Johnson Bespoke here: https://www.johnsonbespoke.co.uk/ Enjoying the show? Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world. Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson, founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop, this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love. Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms. Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts. Check out Yours For The Making in YouTube: / @yoursforthemakingpodcast Key Moments: 0:00 How Johnson Bespoke grew and why Robin specialised in joinery 02:30 Reinvesting every penny of profit back into the business 03:46 Pricing machinery into projects to fund organic growth 05:00 The sacrifices behind building an in house production business 07:14 Using asset finance to invest in a five axis CNC 09:00 Why quality, cost and timelines became three non negotiables 10:46 Solving production bottlenecks with a professional spray facility 14:26 Why Robin deliberately hires people who are better than him 15:30 Robin's vision for the future of Johnson Bespoke 17:58 Growing from two people to 20 across five workshops 19:00 Building a team that allows the founder to step away 22:07 Managing architects, designers and high value clients 26:06 Selling value instead of competing on price 29:48 Targeted outreach that helped Johnson Bespoke win work 37:06 Using podcasts and video to build trust and attract clients

Monique Lucas is the founder and presenter of The New Makers TV, a YouTube series dedicated to telling the stories of British makers, craftspeople and independent creative businesses. After working across interiors, homeware, textiles and content, Monique created The New Makers to give craftspeople a platform to show how their work is actually made and why it matters. In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson and Monique explore the changing world of British craft, the realities of running a maker led business and the growing desire for handmade products as AI and mass production accelerate. Monique shares why understanding materials and production can help people make more intentional purchasing decisions, while the conversation tackles greenwashing, sustainability, social media, influencer culture and the pressure on makers to become content creators. Monique also reveals how The New Makers grew from fewer than 100 views per episode to one video reaching 54,000 views, and why patience, conviction and enjoying the creative process matter when building an audience online. Key Topics Covered ✦ Why Monique Lucas created The New Makers TV to champion British makers and craftspeople ✦ The renewed interest in handmade products and endangered British crafts ✦ Why makers are expected to create, photograph, film and market their own work ✦ Understanding the true value and price of handmade products ✦ Greenwashing, sustainable materials and intentional consumption ✦ How social media can help independent makers build viable businesses ✦ The dangers of comparison, influencer culture and chasing algorithms ✦ Growing a YouTube series from fewer than 100 views to 54,000 views Watch The Makers TV here: https://www.youtube.com/@thenewmakerstv Enjoying the show? Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world. Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson, founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop, this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love. Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms. Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts. Check out Yours For The Making in YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUuzYPW_uJfM2B1XXRuZLUg Key Moments: 0:00 Introducing Monique Lucas and The New Makers TV 01:59 Why Monique created a platform for British makers 03:26 Building and self funding a YouTube series 04:40 How childhood shaped Monique’s connection to home and design 08:42 The growing pressure on makers to become content creators 10:49 Capturing the real stories and processes behind handmade work 14:20 Why AI could drive people back towards traditional craft 18:09 Why handmade products cost more and understanding their true value 23:40 Greenwashing and the problem with sustainability labels 29:07 Why creative careers rarely follow a straight path 34:27 The creative careers young people rarely hear about 37:15 How social media can turn craft into a viable career 41:40 The problems with influencer culture and unrealistic lifestyles 48:24 Escaping comparison and the pressure of the algorithm 51:59 How The New Makers grew from 100 views to 54,000 views

Interior designer Christian Bense joins Robin Johnson to explore how thoughtful interior design balances architecture, art, history and the personality of the people who live there. Christian shares his journey from South Africa to London, launching Christian Bense Interior Studio shortly before Covid and building a practice recognised by House & Garden. He explains why his studio avoids a fixed house style, how contemporary and traditional interiors can coexist, and why art, proportion, composition and architectural detail matter more than following trends. The conversation also explores designing period properties, creating interiors with longevity, managing residential projects from concept to completion and building a creative business without losing involvement in the work. Christian discusses plans for a furniture collection centred on timeless staple pieces, the thinking behind his interior design platform The Basic Principle, and the lessons learned from 14 years in the industry. Key Topics Covered ✦ Christian Bense’s journey from South Africa to becoming a London interior designer ✦ Building Christian Bense Interior Studio and gaining industry recognition ✦ Why the studio deliberately avoids a signature house style ✦ Combining traditional architecture with contemporary interior design ✦ Using art to create personal, characterful and layered homes ✦ Restoring character and respecting the history of period properties ✦ Designing timeless furniture instead of following interior trends ✦ Building a creative career while learning to enjoy the process Check out Christian Bense Studio via: https://www.christianbense.com/ Enjoying the show? Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world. Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson, founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop, this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love. Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms. Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts. Check out Yours For The Making in YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUuzYPW_uJfM2B1XXRuZLUg Key Moments: 00:00 Christian Bense’s 14 year journey in interior design 03:40 Leaving business studies to pursue interior design 06:15 The Somerset project that changed his approach to design 08:15 Why Christian Bense Studio has no house style 11:20 Designing homes around art and personal taste 14:20 How clients develop their own art collections 18:50 Why Christian wants to keep his studio relatively small 21:20 The level of involvement clients can expect 23:30 Why clients should question familiar contractor relationships 25:15 Why Christian prefers independent architects and interior designers 29:40 Why bespoke design requires more time and a different pricing model 33:25 Respecting the history of period and listed properties 41:45 Christian’s plans for timeless furniture and interior products 45:45 The Basic Principle and explaining why good interior design works 49:25 The advice Christian would give his 18 year old self

Robin Johnson sits down with woodwork artist Olly Fathers to explore how traditional marquetry, wood veneer and painstaking hand cutting become contemporary geometric art. Olly shares his path from studying fine art and working as an art technician to developing a full time studio practice with his wife, Emma. He explains how years spent installing major artworks, experimenting with woodworking and making art alongside freelance jobs shaped the artist he is today. The conversation goes deep into Olly's creative process, including his use of bog oak dating to around 2500 BC, traditional marquetry techniques, geometric patterns, optical illusion, natural wood grain and heat shading. He reveals the extraordinary planning behind A Drop in Time, including 452 individually cut sections and an approach that turned the remaining veneer into additional artworks with almost zero waste. Olly also opens up about pricing art, imposter syndrome, the risks of becoming fashionable too quickly and why he prefers a slow, steady creative career. He and Robin discuss the realities behind the art world, selling directly to collectors, working with galleries and interior designers, balancing creativity with business and why continually pushing into creative discomfort keeps the work developing. Key Topics Covered ✦ How Olly Fathers developed his distinctive wood veneer and marquetry practice ✦ Moving from fine art and art installation into a full time creative career ✦ Creating geometric art through grain, colour, movement and optical illusion ✦ Making A Drop in Time from 4500 year old bog oak and 452 hand cut sections ✦ Turning veneer offcuts into new artworks and reducing material waste ✦ Pricing artwork, imposter syndrome and the business realities facing artists ✦ Why creative discomfort, experimentation and patience drive better work ✦ Selling art through collectors, consultants, galleries, interior designers and social media Check out Olly’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ollyfathers/?hl=en Enjoying the show? Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world. Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson, founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop, this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love. Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms. Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts. Check out Yours For The Making in YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUuzYPW_uJfM2B1XXRuZLUg Key Moments: 00:00 Discovering Olly Fathers and his unusual approach to wood veneer art 04:21 Studying fine art and finding a love for making 07:33 Installing Picasso and Monet and learning inside the art world 09:34 Turning a one bedroom flat into a creative studio during Covid 13:09 What art school fails to teach about making a living as an artist 15:25 Pricing artwork, imposter syndrome and valuing creative work 17:17 How sudden success and inflated prices can damage an artist's career 20:06 Bauhaus, minimal art and the influences behind Olly's geometric work 23:03 Months of planning behind A Drop in Time 24:34 Creating art from bog oak dating to around 2500 BC 25:45 Hand cutting 452 individual veneer sections 26:53 How precision cutting created additional artworks with almost zero waste 30:41 Using traditional heat shading to transform wood veneer 44:32 Selling art directly through Instagram, collectors and consultants 52:43 The 4500 year story behind A Drop in Time

What makes a building work for the people who actually use it? Robin Johnson sits down with Michael Westlake and Alex Taylor of Supervene Architects to explore architecture, masterplanning and the realities of designing places that have to work for generations. From the seven year route to becoming an architect to navigating budgets, planning, construction problems and the Building Safety Act, Michael and Alex reveal how much of architecture happens beyond the drawing board. The conversation explores housing density, walkable neighbourhoods, urban regeneration and why good masterplanning depends on the spaces and connections between buildings. Michael and Alex discuss the regeneration of Aire Park in Leeds, the preservation of historic buildings, Sugar House Island, modern methods of construction and homes designed for dramatically better energy performance. They also examine AI in architecture, the future of cities and why technology works best as a tool for designers rather than a replacement for human judgement. Key Topics Covered ✦ Why becoming a qualified architect takes at least seven years and why practical experience matters ✦ How budgets, constraints and construction problems can produce better architecture ✦ The Building Safety Act, Building Safety Regulator and challenges facing UK development ✦ Housing density, walkable neighbourhoods and building around existing infrastructure ✦ Masterplanning, urban regeneration, Aire Park and preserving architectural heritage ✦ Modern methods of construction and the potential for highly energy efficient homes ✦ Why buildings should be designed to adapt to different uses over generations ✦ AI in architecture, future cities and why designers still need human judgement Check out their website: https://www.supervenearchitects.com/ Enjoying the show? Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world. Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson, founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop, this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love. Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms. Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts. Check out Yours For The Making in YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUuzYPW_uJfM2B1XXRuZLUg Key Moments: 00:00 Why qualifying as an architect takes at least seven years 05:02 What architecture school cannot teach you about real buildings 08:47 Why relationships matter throughout the construction industry 15:28 Creating workplaces where people care about what they build 16:51 How mistakes and constraints make better designers 18:12 Why honest conversations about budgets need to happen early 22:37 How the Building Safety Act is affecting UK development 31:29 When regulation turns viable projects into difficult projects 33:45 Why good housing density can create better communities 39:28 Building homes around existing transport infrastructure 43:44 Inside the regeneration and masterplanning of Aire Park in Leeds 50:25 The architects reveal the projects they would love to design 53:09 Homes with exceptional energy performance built in days 59:02 What today's architecture will leave behind for future generations 01:06:57 AI, architects and the future of design

British session drummer and producer George Macdonald, known as G-Mac, joins Robin Johnson for a deeply personal conversation about life as a professional musician, leaving Kid Kapichi, creative identity, meditation, mental health, flow state and starting again. George traces his journey from discovering drums as a teenager in Hastings to touring the world, playing major venues and building a career through years of gigs, recording and sacrifice. George opens up about the difficult decision to leave Kid Kapichi while the band was still growing, explaining how his musical direction and personal identity had gradually moved elsewhere. He reflects on the strange experience of achieving success while feeling increasingly disconnected from the person he was presenting to the world. Robin and George also explore creativity, social media, the pressure to perform, manifestation, overthinking and creative flow. George explains why some of the strongest creative work happens when artists stop forcing ideas and become completely absorbed in the present moment. Key Topics Covered ✦ How Hastings shaped George Macdonald as a drummer and musician ✦ The years of sacrifice behind Kid Kapichi's eventual success ✦ Why George chose to leave Kid Kapichi while the band was growing ✦ Losing his musical identity and dealing with anxiety after leaving ✦ Travelling through Nepal, India and Thailand and discovering Vipassana meditation ✦ Creativity, presence, flow state, manifestation and overthinking ✦ Social media, constant craving and the pressure to perform for other people ✦ George and Ben Beetham's plans to create an immersive new music project Check out George’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/macdonald_george/?hl=en Enjoying the show? Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world. Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson, founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop, this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love. Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms. Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts. Check out Yours For The Making in YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUuzYPW_uJfM2B1XXRuZLUg Key Moments: 00:00 George Macdonald on discovering drums and beginning his musical journey 03:15 How Hastings created a thriving community of musicians and live music 08:53 Musical intuition, improvisation and learning through playing with others 11:39 The years of sacrifice before Kid Kapichi began gaining momentum 15:19 Why George and Kid Kapichi started moving in different creative directions 17:28 Success, ego and feeling disconnected from his identity 20:34 The difficult aftermath of leaving the band 21:16 Anxiety, uncertainty and deciding to leave Britain for six months 24:27 Ten days of Vipassana meditation and how the practice changed him 26:58 The emotional moment George experienced in the Himalayas 33:29 Why social media keeps people craving the next thing 34:14 The pressure George felt to constantly perform and entertain 39:58 The exhausting reality of maintaining a public persona 48:34 Manifestation, creativity and allowing ideas to emerge naturally 54:51 George and Ben Beetham reveal plans to create music together again

Interior designer Nicky Percival joins Robin Johnson to explore what professional interior design really involves, from transforming Georgian country houses and period properties to managing builders, architects, budgets and complex renovation schedules. Drawing on more than 35 years of design experience, including theatre design and television at the BBC, Nicky explains how she creates homes that feel natural, lived in and personal. Her approach combines antiques, vintage pieces, bespoke furniture and contemporary design while responding to the architecture and personality of each home. Nicky shares how she draws ideas from clients who often struggle to visualise what they want, mediates between couples and tradespeople, and turns creative concepts into functional spaces. She explains why ergonomics, layout and practical usability come before decorative details, and why around 80% of an interior design project is spent making the design happen. Key Topics Covered ✦ Nicky Percival's journey from interior design to theatre, BBC television and residential interiors ✦ Designing Georgian houses and period properties ✦ Creating natural, lived in interiors ✦ Managing architects, builders and tradespeople ✦ Why 80% of interior design is execution ✦ Using AI for photorealistic interior design renders ✦ Renovation budgets and contingency planning ✦ Traditional craftsmanship and modern technology Check out Nicky Percival Design: https://www.nickypercival.co.uk/ Enjoying the show? Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world. Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson, founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop, this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love. Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms. Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts. Check out Yours For The Making in YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUuzYPW_uJfM2B1XXRuZLUg Key Moments: 00:00 Nicky's career in interior design, theatre and BBC television 04:03 How theatre and television influenced her residential design work 06:00 Why Nicky avoids having a signature interior design style 09:41 Bringing a client's personality into their home 11:32 Mediating between couples and discovering what clients really want 14:35 Working with architects, builders, plumbers and other trades 20:13 The logistics behind successful home renovation projects 22:44 Why 80% of interior design is making the design happen 28:32 Creating an experience through interior design 30:48 Why functionality and ergonomics come first 33:53 What clients are paying an experienced interior designer for 38:09 CNC technology, traditional joinery and modern craftsmanship 40:22 How Nicky uses AI for photorealistic interior design renders 46:46 Managing renovation decision fatigue and client expectations 51:45 Why renovation projects need a 10% to 20% contingency

Master joiner Tom has spent more than 20 years developing the precision, problem solving and traditional skills behind bespoke joinery. In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson speaks with Tom Cottington about his journey from furniture restoration and demanding apprenticeships to complex architectural joinery at Johnson Bespoke. Tom shares lessons from restoring period furniture, learning traditional techniques and making costly mistakes that ultimately shaped his approach to craftsmanship. They explore the precision behind staircases, doors, windows and furniture, the difference between carpentry and joinery, and the growing competition from mass produced CNC products. It is a practical look at the skill, experience and resilience required to build bespoke work properly. Key Topics Covered ✦ Tom Cottington’s journey into bespoke joinery ✦ Traditional furniture making and antique restoration ✦ What a demanding apprenticeship actually teaches ✦ Why problem solving is central to joinery ✦ The precision required to build staircases ✦ The difference between joinery and carpentry ✦ Traditional craftsmanship versus CNC production ✦ Why handmade joinery costs more ✦ Learning from mistakes and criticism ✦ The satisfaction of making complex work from start to finish Check out Johnson Bespoke: https://www.johnsonbespoke.co.uk/ Enjoying the show? Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world. Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson, founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop, this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love. Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms. Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts. Check out Yours For The Making in YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUuzYPW_uJfM2B1XXRuZLUg Key Moments: 00:00 Tom’s early obsession with making things 01:04 Furniture making, restoration and apprenticeships 07:47 The mistake that ruined a set of window sashes 12:14 Why joinery is 50 percent problem solving 18:25 Spending months learning to sand properly 19:41 Learning to build staircases 22:34 Why joiners mark timber with a knife 26:02 The three skills every complete joiner needs 27:26 Joinery versus carpentry explained 37:58 Competing with mass produced CNC joinery 41:30 Why Tom enjoys difficult projects 48:34 The appeal of complex bespoke work 55:57 Tom’s advice after 20 years in joinery

After 24 years in fashion, Sophie changed direction and built Côte de Folk from scratch, eventually earning recognition from House and Garden. In this episode of Yours for the Making, Sophie Rowell joins Robin Johnson to discuss career reinvention, renovating period properties, working with architects and craftspeople, and designing homes around how people actually live. She also shares why renovation budgets need contingency, why she avoids photorealistic AI renders, and how trust creates space for original design. Sophie also reveals the thinking behind Le Dot fabric, her playful fabric collection bringing colour, curves and personality into interiors. Key Topics Covered ✦ Sophie Rowell's career change from fashion to interior design ✦ Building Côte de Folk from the first client to House and Garden recognition ✦ The three year transformation of The Red House ✦ Collaboration between designers, architects and craftspeople ✦ Why every renovation budget needs contingency ✦ Interior designers versus architects and where their roles differ ✦ Making existing spaces work harder instead of simply making them bigger ✦ Creating original interiors without copying Pinterest and magazines ✦ Why Sophie avoids photorealistic AI renders ✦ Building a small interior design studio around flexibility and collaboration ✦ Creating Le Dot fabric collection and bringing playfulness into interiors Check out Sophie Rowell in Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cotedefolk/ Check out Côte de Folk: https://www.cotedefolk.com/ Enjoying the show? Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world. Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson, founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop, this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love. Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms. Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts. Check out Yours For The Making in YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUuzYPW_uJfM2B1XXRuZLUg Key Moments: 00:00 Sophie Rowell's 24 year career in fashion 01:48 The life change that pushed Sophie towards interior design 04:13 Landing her first client three weeks before her deadline 05:45 The Red House project that transformed her career 12:39 Why collaboration drives Côte de Folk's design process 20:27 Why renovation projects need contingency 30:10 Architects versus interior designers 32:33 Why bigger homes do not always work better 38:21 How Sophie develops an interior around the people living there 40:58 Why trust creates better design 43:45 Why Sophie refuses photorealistic AI renders 55:09 Why Sophie abandoned her goal of building a larger team 57:04 Creating Le Dot fabric collection 1:00:42 Sophie's advice to her 18 year old self

What does it take to turn a tired country hotel into a destination people genuinely want to return to? In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with Chris King, founder of Crafted, to explore the transformation of PowderMills in Battle, East Sussex. Set around a seven acre lake on the site of a former gunpowder mill, Crafted brings together boutique hospitality, bold interior design, British craftsmanship, wellness, food and community. Chris shares the thinking behind the hotel’s transformation, from trusting bold design decisions and commissioning local craftspeople to creating a lakeside sauna, cold water swimming area, padel courts, pottery workshops and spaces designed for social connection. They discuss the realities of building a new hospitality brand from scratch, supporting British makers, sourcing food locally, creating memorable guest experiences and making major investment decisions when there is no guarantee they will work. Chris also explains why Crafted is being built as a social catalyst. With remote work and changing lifestyles leaving many people increasingly isolated, the aim is to create opportunities for guests and members to meet, try new things and build genuine connections. It is a conversation about hospitality, craftsmanship, entrepreneurship and what happens when every detail of a physical space is considered through the eyes of the person who will actually use it. Key Topics Covered ✦ Transforming PowderMills into Crafted ✦ Building a distinctive boutique hotel brand ✦ Bold interior design and taking creative risks ✦ Working with British craftspeople and local makers ✦ Reclaimed timber, handmade ceramics and bespoke furniture ✦ Sauna, cold water swimming and padel ✦ Designing hospitality around guest experience ✦ Local food, organic growing and sustainability ✦ Building community through shared experiences ✦ Social connection and social health ✦ Starting a hospitality brand from zero ✦ Reversible and irreversible business decisions Check out Chris King in LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckroaming/ Check out Crafted at PowderMills: https://www.staycrafted.com/ Enjoying the show? Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world. Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love. Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms. Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts. Check out Yours For The Making in YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUuzYPW_uJfM2B1XXRuZLUg Key Moments: 00:00 Introducing Chris King and Crafted 07:00 Why PowderMills was the right location 13:10 Bold interiors and trusting the designer 16:53 Bringing local craftsmanship into the hotel 20:00 Creating the lakeside sauna and swim experience 26:30 Can this hospitality model make money? 31:09 British craftsmanship competing on price 38:30 Designing a frictionless guest journey 43:34 Why Chris designs for himself 46:30 Taking risks and testing new ideas 50:37 Why padel is here to stay 58:27 Creating a social catalyst outside London 1:02:34 Why social health matters 1:05:30 Chris King’s advice to his younger self

What separates true bespoke joinery from furniture that has simply been made to measure? In this solo Q&A episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson answers the questions he receives most often about bespoke joinery, cabinet making, luxury interiors and running a successful joinery business. Robin explains how every detail is considered in bespoke projects, why traditional craftsmanship still matters alongside CNC technology, how materials are selected for luxury homes and hospitality projects, and what clients should look for when choosing a bespoke furniture maker. He also shares how Johnson Bespoke has grown from two people to a team of twenty while protecting traditional woodworking skills through apprentice training and craftsmanship. Key Topics Covered ✦ What bespoke joinery really means ✦ Bespoke joinery compared with made to measure furniture ✦ Traditional woodworking and CNC machining ✦ Luxury cabinet making ✦ Material selection for bespoke furniture ✦ Solid timber, veneers and premium finishes ✦ Luxury residential and hospitality interiors ✦ How to choose materials that last ✦ Pricing bespoke joinery honestly ✦ Managing client expectations ✦ Growing a joinery business ✦ Training apprentices in traditional woodworking Enjoying the show? Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world. Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love. Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms. Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts. Key Moments: 00:00 What makes joinery truly bespoke 02:57 Traditional skills or modern machinery 06:30 Choosing materials for luxury projects 15:30 What luxury means in bespoke joinery 21:19 Solving complex design challenges 24:43 Honest pricing and client expectations 28:10 Growing a joinery business without losing craftsmanship 29:56 Training apprentices and protecting traditional skills

How does someone leave a career as a patent attorney to become a furniture maker? In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with furniture designer and maker Theo Silkstone to explore his unconventional journey from studying Material Science at Oxford to building sculptural furniture inspired by nature. Theo shares how renovating a cottage during lockdown changed the direction of his life, why a fallen oak tree became the catalyst for a new career and how traditional cabinet making at Rycotewood shaped his approach to craftsmanship. They discuss furniture design, woodworking, cabinet making, sculptural furniture, creative careers, sustainable timber, material science, AI in furniture design, marketing for makers and the realities of running a creative business. Key Topics Covered ✦ Theo's journey from Oxford to furniture making ✦ Leaving a career in patent law ✦ How a fallen oak tree changed everything ✦ Learning cabinet making at Rycotewood ✦ Designing sculptural furniture ✦ Functional art and furniture design ✦ Working with oak, ash, metal and Jesmonite ✦ Building bespoke hi fi cabinets ✦ Marketing for furniture makers ✦ Using AI during the design process ✦ Setting up a new workshop ✦ Building a creative community Enjoying the show? Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world. Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love. Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms. Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts. Key Moments: 00:00 From patent attorney to furniture maker 04:27 Learning cabinet making at Rycotewood 06:03 Designing sculptural furniture 10:21 Why marketing matters for makers 12:00 Working with oak, ash and Jesmonite 15:06 Material science meets woodworking 23:30 Why old furniture is a timber goldmine 31:33 Learning from other crafts 40:56 AI and the future of creative work 54:48 Building a new workshop 56:08 Advice to his younger self

Gareth Neal joins Robin Johnson to discuss his career as a furniture maker and designer, his approach to sculptural furniture and the realities of building a creative career around craft, art and design. Gareth shares how an influential teacher encouraged him to study furniture design and craftsmanship, how life in Hackney Wick shaped his work and how pieces including the Anne Table, George Chest of Drawers and Brodgar Chair helped establish his reputation internationally. The conversation explores art furniture, studio furniture, contemporary craft, traditional woodworking, furniture design, creative communities and the changing art market. Gareth explains why mistakes matter, how overlooked materials and processes can generate new ideas and why makers need opportunities, deadlines and pressure to push their work forward. He also reflects on exhibiting in Milan, selling work internationally, navigating gentrification, working with galleries and creating furniture that sits between practical design and collectible art. Gareth offers direct advice for young designers, craftspeople and artists on self belief, education, risk taking and saying yes when opportunity appears. Key Topics Covered Gareth Neal’s career in furniture design and craftsmanshipThe meaning of sculptural furniture and art furnitureThe relationship between art, craft and functional designStudying furniture design at High WycombeThe teacher who changed Gareth’s careerTraditional woodworking and contemporary furniture designThe influence of George Nakashima and Wendell CastleHow galleries shape the collectible design marketWorking with local materials and specialist craftspeopleHow mistakes generate new creative ideasWhy makers need deadlines and public opportunitiesCreative education and choosing the right courseSelf promotion for artists and craftspeopleWhy young creatives should take more risksThe BMW opportunity Gareth regrets turning down Enjoying the show? Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world. Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love. Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms. Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts. Key Moments: 00:00 Gareth Neal on rebuilding his home, workshop and creative career 06:33 What sculptural furniture means and where craft meets art 20:04 The teacher who pushed Gareth towards furniture design 28:30 The Milan exhibition that changed his career 30:47 Life inside Hackney Wick’s creative scene 38:29 The Brodgar Chair and its place in the V and A 51:25 Gareth’s people, process and place approach 54:57 Why deadlines force creative work to happen 56:24 How mistakes create better ideas 01:03:14 Advice for young makers and designers 01:05:00 The BMW opportunity Gareth regrets turning down

What does it take to build one of Britain's most exciting independent restaurants from scratch? In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with Jack Lury, chef and owner of Lury Restaurant in Hastings, to explore the reality behind modern fine dining, Michelin ambitions, restaurant ownership and creative cooking. Jack shares his unconventional journey from studying history and sociology to working in Michelin starred kitchens, private chefing, Sotheby's and eventually opening his own intimate tasting menu restaurant with his wife Izzy. He explains why he rejected toxic kitchen culture, how Sri Lankan heritage influences his food, why simplicity creates better dishes and how running a ten seat restaurant allows complete creative freedom. They discuss restaurant design, seasonal cooking, zero waste kitchens, menu development, private dining, hospitality, craftsmanship, leadership, perfectionism and the constant pursuit of improvement. Jack also reveals why Lury Restaurant was never intended to last forever and why every creative project deserves a defined lifespan. Key Topics Covered Becoming a chef without attending culinary schoolLearning in Michelin starred kitchensEscaping toxic hospitality cultureWorking as a private chef in LondonCooking at Sotheby's with unlimited ingredient budgetsBuilding Lury Restaurant from scratchRunning a ten seat tasting menu restaurantSri Lankan influences in modern British cookingSeasonal menus and ingredient driven cookingFine dining without unnecessary formalityCreativity, simplicity and refining dishesZero waste restaurant operationsMichelin Guide ambitionsRestaurant design and creating an immersive dining experienceLeading young hospitality teams with respectWhy creative projects should have a lifespan Enjoying the show? Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world. Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love. Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms. Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts. Key Moments: 00:00 From history student to professional chef and the obsession that changed Jack's career forever 01:38 Starting at the bottom in a kitchen and why every chef must master the basics before earning responsibility 06:26 Writing to thirty Michelin starred restaurants with almost no experience and landing his first opportunity 08:38 Inside Michelin kitchens, toxic workplace culture and why Jack walked away from the career he thought he wanted 14:28 Private chef work, Sotheby's and cooking with extraordinary ingredients for some of London's wealthiest clients 18:09 Building relationships that create opportunities and why networking matters more than talent alone 20:22 The hidden reality of private chefing, expensive ingredients, demanding clients and creative limitations 22:47 Fine dining burnout, sixteen hour shifts and why so many chefs leave the industry 33:30 Moving to Hastings, taking a huge financial risk and opening Lury Restaurant with almost no money 39:12 Renovating an entire restaurant on a shoestring budget with family help, determination and countless late nights 44:03 Why independent restaurants have more soul than expensive luxury venues 50:39 Inside Lury Restaurant and how a tasting menu creates a completely different dining experience 55:07 Dietary requirements, zero waste cooking and why every booking has to be carefully planned 57:00 Creating relaxed fine dining without unnecessary formality or traditional restaurant rules 01:02:51 Building dishes around the seasons and changing the menu almost every week 01:04:34 The Sri Lankan bread course that became the restaurant's signature dish 01:06:00 Finding a unique creative voice and why the best dishes often contain fewer elements 01:08:42 Weekly self critique, constant refinement and chasing small improvements every service 01:10:28 Why Lury Restaurant was designed as a project with a defined lifespan 01:11:45 Chasing a Michelin star and what that recognition would truly mean 01:15:07 Every detail matters from handmade crockery to locally commissioned artwork and bespoke aprons 01:20:09 The advice Jack would give his younger self about confidence, self respect and leaving unhealthy workplaces 01:23:25 Where to find Lury Restaurant, book a table and join the newsletter for exclusive events

What does it take to restore priceless antiques without erasing their history? Robin Johnson sits down with Rodrigo Tizzano of Titian Studio, one of Britain's leading restoration and decorative arts workshops. Rodrigo shares the story of a family business that has preserved historic furniture, architectural features and museum quality antiques for more than sixty years. From Buckingham Palace and the Albert Memorial to rare seventeenth century cabinets worth millions, this conversation explores antique furniture restoration, traditional craftsmanship, mirror eglomisé, gilding, bespoke furniture making and the patience required to conserve irreplaceable pieces. Rodrigo also explains why the best restoration is often invisible, how modern technology fits into a traditional workshop and why passing skills to the next generation matters more than ever. Key Topics Covered Antique furniture restoration and conservationMirror eglomisé and traditional gildingDecorative arts and bespoke furniture makingRestoring historic pieces for Buckingham PalacePreserving authenticity through careful restorationTraditional craftsmanship in a modern worldWorking with interior designers and private collectorsFamily business across three generationsBalancing heritage with modern technologyAdvice for young craftspeople entering the restoration trade Enjoying the show? Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world. Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love. Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms. Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts. Key Moments: 00:00 — Rodrigo Tizzano shares how Titian Studio began in 1963 and how three generations have built one of Britain's leading restoration workshops. 02:30 — Growing up surrounded by antiques, restoration and decorative arts before learning traditional techniques from master craftsmen. 05:20 — Why great restoration is almost invisible and why doing less often produces the best result. 09:00 — The challenge of pricing restoration work where every project reveals hidden problems and every antique demands a different approach. 10:30 — Expanding beyond restoration into bespoke furniture, mirror eglomisé and decorative finishes for luxury interiors. 12:00 — Collaborating with leading interior designers and creating one off furniture for prestigious projects including WOW!house. 15:00 — Traditional craftsmanship continues to evolve through experimentation, adapting historic techniques and lifelong learning. 17:30 — Passing a family business to the next generation while introducing digital systems, social media and modern ways of working. 24:30 — Why children should discover their own path before choosing to join a family business. 30:20 — Restoring one of the world's rarest seventeenth century cabinets and the responsibility of working on museum quality antiques. 35:00 — The ethical line between restoration, conservation and creating convincing reproductions. 38:00 — Robin shares a remarkable television restoration where only four original panels survived and the entire cabinet had to be rebuilt. 43:00 — Estimating restoration work, managing client expectations and building a sustainable specialist workshop. 45:00 — Why variety keeps creativity alive through restoration, bespoke furniture, decorative finishes and conservation projects. 48:00 — Rodrigo reveals how close he came to competing on Gladiators before an Achilles injury ended the opportunity. 52:20 — Advice for young makers about patience, persistence, choosing the right partner and building a lasting career in craftsmanship.