From concept to creation: how joinery experts bring your vision to life

When it comes to creating a new space or redesigning an existing one, joinery is essential to the success of the design, both in terms of aesthetics and functionality. It makes sense to work with an expert who can deliver both, and who can provide custom options to enhance your vision.

To understand the process of working with a joinery expert, we spoke to Ilm Interiors’ Managing Director Shobhit Bajaj and Creative Director Leyla Bulmer who share the process of working with clients to clarify their vision and bring it to life. 

Establishing the brief

Whether for a residential or commercial project, establishing a clear brief for the joinery design is the first stage of the process. 

“When clients present a new concept to us, we start by getting to know their needs and vision,” shares Leyla. “At this stage we listen, stay curious and ask questions, we make sure we understand our client’s aspirations and requirements.”

Advice and feedback on the overall design, the functionality of the joinery and how it will perform are key in this early stage, as well as how the joinery will look within the overall design.

“We often share sketches, inspiration images and material samples at this stage, allowing the client to visualise and feel confident in their choices,” says Leyla. “Each client is unique; some have a clear vision of what they want, while others prefer to make design and aesthetic decisions with our guidance. We believe that spending time in the space before we start designing is part of truly understanding its character and potential.”

Creating joinery concepts

Once initial ideas have been finalised (which can involve sketches in Illustrator) Ilm then progresses to detailed room-by-room mock-ups of the project using Mozaik, a design software that allows the specification of hardware and materials, giving a visual representation of the design. 

“We then present these mock-ups to our clients and review each room to ensure it aligns with their vision. With their feedback, we develop any new ideas and make any necessary adjustments until the design meets our clients' exact needs,” shares Shobhit.

For hand-finished furniture pieces SketchUp is used to ensure every detail meets Ilm Interiors’ high standards of craftsmanship. Once finalised, Mozaic designs are sent to the CNC machine for precise cutting.

Choosing quality joinery materials 

Each joinery project is different, and gaining a clear understanding of the materials or range of materials that will be suitable is essential. 

“Our factory houses an extensive range of material samples, allowing clients to explore and select options firsthand. We are always ready to suggest the materials we believe will work best for their project.”

The choice of materials is crucial to ensuring a design is both flawless and functional, says Shobhit. 

“The difference is evident when you open a cabinet door or drawer; high-quality hardware and the texture of the finishes make the project come to life.”

Achieving a high-end design and long-lasting functionality is Ilm Interiors’ goal for every project whilst also prioritising sustainability and environmentally friendly options wherever possible. For clients who haven't engaged an architect or interior designer, Ilm Interiors provides guidance on material choice to ensure the client’s vision is fully realised. 

How to spot excellence in joinery craftsmanship

Excellence in cabinetry craftsmanship requires a combination of modern tools and techniques alongside traditional craftsmanship. Given the ever-evolving nature of the joinery industry, continuous learning and adaptation are key to maintaining the highest standards of quality and innovation.

“Staying up-to-date with the latest hardware, joinery methods, and cabinetry developments is crucial. This not only saves time in production but also enhances the aesthetic and visual appeal of our work,” shares Shobhit. 

Joinery makes a huge impact on the experience of a space, and making small adjustments and tweaks to personalise it for the client, is one of the benefits of custom joinery. 

“We believe that how you feel in a space affects your day, which is why we prioritise understanding our clients' unique lifestyles and preferences; whether it’s adjusting the depth of a drawer or the height of a shelf, we take care of every detail to ensure the space functions perfectly.”

Ilm Interiors offers a unique combination of design and craftsmanship; the pairing of a creative director whose expertise in visual design means clients receive bespoke solutions, and a seasoned cabinet maker who understands the intricacies of materials and the importance of every detail, is key to their success. 

“As someone who has spent years working on the tools, cabinet maker Shobhit brings a practical, in-depth knowledge of materials and construction techniques. This hands-on experience ensures that every piece we create is not only beautiful but also functional and built to last. His commerce background and familiarity with the latest software and computer skills allows us to stay ahead in the industry and provide precise, customised designs that perfectly fit our clients' needs.”

This unique partnership enables experimentation with design and materials, and the duo often create multiple samples, playing with different stains and finishes until they achieve the exact look and feel their clients desire. It involves a lot of trial and error, but it’s crucial to achieving the perfect result, shares Leyla.

“The process of creating something uniquely tailored to our clients’ needs and seeing their satisfaction with the final product is incredibly rewarding. Each bespoke piece we create is a testament to our dedication to quality and craftsmanship, and this drives us to continually refine and perfect our techniques.”

Explore stunning joinery projects by Ilm Interiors