Success is, by its nature, precarious. The most rewarding moments in my career so far have been those 'discoveries' that subsequently changed my direction.

For example: seeing fine FURNITURE making for the first time at eleven; visiting Danish designers during my teenage years; going to America and realising that 'anything is possible'; working with top-flight architects on Oxford College buildings; discovering that creativity is not the SOLE PRESERVE of artists, but permeates good business and professional practice; the inadequacy of state education for DESIGNER-makers going into business; the principles and economics of forestry; the science of TIMBER and complementary materials - each of these has been a catalyst for me whether in my work as an educator, building client, designer or furniture maker.

Success is, by its nature, precarious. The most rewarding moments in my career so far have been those 'discoveries' that subsequently changed my direction.

For example: seeing fine furniture making for the first time at eleven; visiting Danish designers during my teenage years; going to America and realising that 'anything is possible'; working with top-flight architects on Oxford College buildings; discovering that creativity is not the sole preserve of artists, but permeates good business and professional practice; the inadequacy of state education for designer-makers going into business; the principles and economics of forestry; the science of timber and complementary materials - each of these has been a catalyst for me whether in my work as an educator, building client, designer or furniture maker.