Thoughts on the ever present how can I do better?... Summer 2024

It’s here, the summer of 2024 on Oregon’s South Coast. Where did the time go? Our last blog entry was in November of last year and I haven’t gotten around to adding to it since then. Well here goes nothing.

Let’s talk a bit about furniture and what I’m trying to do with Dredge Design. In my head I’ve wanted to create a line of furniture that maybe some day is recognizable (at least in the niche furniture world) and distinguishable as it’s own small batch or (bespoke) furniture brand. This has been the overarching goal that I constantly keep re-visiting seemingly each year. Again as I write this know I am revisiting the thought and again trying to cement the idea of how this may work into my brain.

This concept of a production line (albeit a small batch production line) makes sense in a practical number crunching way, and very interesting as a design challenge; in which the pieces that are in the collection should relate to each other while, making sure that there are enough differences to not get backed into a corner. However, as I design more pieces and the collection gets a bit more filled in, I find myself wondering why don’t these collection pieces sell? At shows, people swing by and talk about how interesting, fresh, and modern the pieces that I am showing are, and that they are excited to see the take on modern furniture that I’ve chosen. In short the feed back is positive, and numerous. However, the amount of times that someone that has had the (I love this and what you’re doing, but…) conversation with me is an overwhelming majority.

The “but” conversations aren’t inherently bad conversations they tend to lead down the road of a custom piece of furniture, and that is helpful and mutually beneficial. But while sitting here pondering again the idea of how do I create a small production line, I have to think that in year 7 I’m not drowning in people wanting my version of “x” and I am thinking a couple of things.

A) I am not showing my product in the right environment.
B) I don’t have unique enough pieces.
C) I’m failing at connecting the different pieces in a cohesive way.
D) I’m missing the big picture of what people want to buy when it comes to furniture.

This leads me to a question that I’ve been pondering. Do I need to niche down? Is that the real problem? have I been trying to build a production company on the same mentality and quick pivoting action of a custom furniture shop. It wouldn’t surprise me as custom is where I’ve come from.

I’ll leave you with the same question to ponder, and perhaps in the next blog, I may have a better answer as how to direct my energy. If you the reader have any suggestions, please leave a comment, or send me an email.
info@dredge.design

Our Journey Together: The Custom Design Process at Dredge Design

At Dredge Design, we excel at going beyond the ordinary to craft furniture pieces that tell your unique story. The journey from an initial idea to a tangible piece of artistry is a thrilling adventure filled with creativity and collaboration. Our custom design process is carefully tailored to ensure your vision transforms into a reality that surpasses your expectations.

Your creative journey begins the moment you reach out to us. We promptly arrange an initial meeting or phone call to dive into your vision. During this brainstorming phase, which is completely free of charge, we discuss the desired wood type, color choice, dimensions, location, and functionality of the piece you envision. This step is crucial as it lays the solid foundation for the rest of the design process.

Armed with the insights from our brainstorming session, we transition into the design phase, where your ideas start taking a visual form. Creating computer-generated concept drawings is the initial step towards visualizing the final product. For first-time clients, a non-refundable deposit of $150 is required, which will be credited towards the final total. Our designs are a harmonious blend of your preferences and our expertise, each accompanied by a clear breakdown of pros and cons to provide you with a well-rounded understanding of each concept.

Your feedback is the cornerstone of our design evolution. We share the concept drawings with you and wholeheartedly welcome your insights. Whether it's tweaking certain elements or merging different design facets, the designs are refined to align seamlessly with your vision. This step may go through several iterations, ensuring that the final design is something that resonates with you.

Upon crafting a design that encapsulates your vision, we share a final concept drawing along with a detailed estimate. This concept drawing is more than just a visualization; it's a reflection of what's to come. The accompanying estimate is transparent, outlining the cost of the piece and the estimated shipping cost, providing a clear financial picture before moving forward. Notably, on the concept drawing, we also indicate the required deposit of 50% of the total cost. This deposit is crucial for setting the creation process in motion, marking the onset of the exciting phase of bringing your vision to reality.

The crafting process unfolds over a typical span of six weeks, during which your piece is meticulously crafted to perfection while keeping you updated at every significant milestone. As we approach the conclusion of the crafting process, we will reach out to you to process the final payment. Before shipping your item, we require the outstanding balance of the project cost along with the shipping payment to be settled, ensuring a smooth transition and delivery of your meticulously crafted piece. For our local clients, we are delighted to offer complimentary pickup and delivery.

The journey concludes when the finished piece, crafted to perfection, is ready to grace your space. The joy of seeing your vision transformed into a tangible piece of artistry is unparalleled, and we relish in your delight as you witness your idea come to life.

Our process is an open dialogue, a shared endeavor from the outset. Every project is a cherished journey filled with discoveries, creativity, and the sheer joy of bringing visions to life. The fusion of your ideas and our craftsmanship is where the magic truly happens, and we're always eager to embark on this creative journey with you.

We invite you to reach out, share your vision, and let’s create something exceptional together.

Contact Herbie at furniture@dredge.design or Brodey at info@dredge.design, drop by our studio in Carpenterville, OR, or visit our website at dredge.design to kickstart your custom design journey with Dredge Design.