Philadelphia Rail1

Hi! My name is Rachel David. I make custom hand forged sculptures, architectural elements and home furnishings for clients desiring a unique heirloom quality product. I am part of a growing contemporary blacksmithing movement. I have tens of thousands of hours of practice making unique projects

This work is all hand made in my small, mostly solo operation. I appreciate working with clients to build exactly what they want. This works best with feedback and involvement during the design process. I think of it as growing the design. Custom art furniture is an interesting and wonderful field, and many people have thought long and hard about the commission process, business and what to consider and expect for the duration. I have developed another bit of writing from the impeccable british, now american smith, Mark Aspery to help clients better understand making a commission with me specifically.

Please contact me via e-mail or phone to start this process. This is a general breakdown of the commission process. It is not the only way to do it, just one that I find works well.

Generally, a commission can be broken down into four stages:

Design: The design of a commission may be achieved in a number of ways. I like to do my own designs though I am open to working with designs presented to me by your architect, a professional designer, or an original work produced by you, the client. Should you choose to work directly with me the blacksmith, expect to pay a design fee. After consultation and a site visit, I will return within 2-4 weeks with 3 drawings of options for the project and sample pieces to support the artwork for large commissions. Samples enable you, the client to visualize the project in three dimensions. They also help the blacksmith estimate the cost of manufacture.

Manufacture: Prior to the start of manufacture the client will usually be asked to make a first payment against the completed work. 50% is customary on most projects below $7,000. On large and complex projects an initial payment of 35-50% is required with progress payments dependent on scope and length of the project agreed upon between the blacksmith and the client. In the event of cancellation by the client, materials and hours worked will be deducted from the payment and any remainder returned.

Finish: The finish should be agreed upon during the design phase. In some cases the blacksmith may deliver the completed work to a finishing specialist, such as a painter or faux finisher. Some special finishes can be expensive to achieve and difficult to maintain. No finish will last forever. Most finishes will require periodic maintenance and occasional renewal. It is good practice to discuss and understand the durability and appropriateness of the finish being selected.

Installation: The installation of the completed commissioned piece is usually a separate cost item. Certain projects may require the services of specialists. Structural, mechanical and electrical work may be required to support the installation. Clients are well advised to secure the appropriate services. Items such as gate actuators are normally beyond the expertise of the blacksmith. New and remodel construction projects must be coordinated by the general contractor. Large installations may require the services of crane and rigging specialists. Licensing and insurance considerations may also dictate who participates in the installation process.

Alfred Sharp of the furniture society has a great bit of writing to consider about commissions

"Today there are a greater number of brilliant and inventive studio furniture makers than anytime in, at least, the last 100 years. They are often right in your own community. They work in every conceivable style, from thoroughly traditional to avant-guarde.

These makers are equipped to use concepts, techniques, and materials unavailable or impractical for large manufacturers. You can have exactly the piece of furniture that fits your space and needs, and you can collaborate with the maker to infuse that piece with your own unique personality.

But perhaps you’re intimidated by the prospects of commissioning a piece of custom furniture. Or perhaps you think that doing so would cost much more than you can afford. The process is not only easy but exciting, and custom work is often no more expensive than the inflated prices charged by the better furniture stores.

So, how do you get started? First, assess your own needs and desires. Decide whether you want to dip your toes into the custom waters by commissioning a small occasional piece, or go large with a major statement in your living, dining, or bedroom.

In deciding how much you want to spend, remember that the final result will be good for many lifetimes, indeed becoming a family heirloom, rather than something you’ll want to replace in five or ten years. Budget a little more, knowing you won’t have to spend again in a few years.

Bench in ProgressBut how do you find these low-profile, brilliant makers? Well, the site you’re on right now is the perfect place to find a maker. The Furniture Society website has a directory of hundreds of the best custom furniture makers and designers, not only in North America but in several countries around the world. Representative pieces from each artist are shown here on the site in the Makers Directory, and each one’s individual website is also listed. You’ll find a wealth of inspiration right here.

Having identified a few potential candidates, contact them, either by phone or email. Tell them what you’re contemplating, and whether you have a style already in mind or are looking for some original ideas. If the artist works within a reasonable distance, visit their shop and/or ask them to visit your home. Discuss your ideas with them and ask for their ideas. This first consultation should never cost anything. Don’t feel obliged to tell the maker your budget, but if you sense a good simpatico with him or her, it will be helpful for them to know so as not to suggest something either too simple or too complex.

At some point in the process, not necessarily on the first contact, you’ll ask one or more maker to develop a drawing and proposal, with price and approximate delivery schedule. If the makers have to spend some time in this process, especially if they are developing an original idea, they might specify a design fee. This fee is usually absorbed into the final bid upon commissioning, but should you choose not to accept the maker’s proposal, expect to pay that fee nevertheless.

The design doesn’t have to be chiseled in stone at his point, however, and this is one of the great things about custom work. Usually the maker will have a waiting list, often several months long, and details and refinements can be incorporated up until the time he or she begins work. Sometimes this will incur extra cost, but it’s worth it to get exactly the final result that will ultimately thrill you.

SpokeshaveOnce you and the maker come to an agreement on design, price, and delivery, you should both sign an order form/contract. Expect to pay an immediate deposit of 25 to 50%, and for large and complex projects, the maker might request progress payments while he or she works on the project itself.

The excitement of commissioning and receipt of a piece of custom furniture is rivaled by very few other purchases. The level of quality, fit, and finish of a well-built commission is much finer than what is available in the usual retail environment.

Don’t be intimidated; find your local furniture maker and immerse yourself in a fascinating new realm that will deliver pleasure to you, your family, and your friends for the rest of your life.