Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Bespoke Furniture Design in Oxfordshire
Established in 1975, Philip Koomen Furniture is a distinguished design-craftsmanship practice dedicated to creating bespoke furniture that harmonises art, functionality, and sustainability. Our work is rooted in a deep commitment to sourcing wood from local, ecologically managed woodlands within a 30-mile radius of our South Oxfordshire workshop, complemented by sustainably harvested European and North American timbers. With over four decades of experience, we have pioneered innovative approaches to furniture design, earning recognition through awards, academic accolades, and invitations to prestigious events such as the Royal Celebration of British Design at Buckingham Palace.Our process begins with a collaborative dialogue with clients, ensuring each piece reflects their unique needs while maintaining the natural beauty and integrity of the materials. We specialise in both domestic and institutional commissions, including ecclesiastical projects like Dorchester Abbeys choir stalls, and have contributed to national publications and exhibitions. Sustainability remains central to our practice, driving our exploration of non-commercial timber and partnerships with generational forestry families. Our studio, operating Monday-Thursday 10am - 4pm, welcomes visitors by appointment to discuss commissions or explore our collection.
Services
Bespoke Furniture Design
Custom Woodworking
Sustainable Timber Sourcing
Ecclesiastical Commissions
Public Art Installations
Details
- Year established: 1975
Highlights and features
- We offer 50 years of expertise in bespoke furniture design and craftsmanship.
- Our focus on sustainable, locally sourced wood supports ecological and community needs.
- We provide transparent, collaborative design processes tailored to client aspirations.
- Our work has received national recognition, including Arts Council England grants.
- We combine artistic innovation with practical functionality in every commission.
What people say
Faultless craftsmanship
Sustainability focus
Creative collaboration
Durable, timeless designs
Expertise in wood
Services
Bespoke Furniture Design
We create tailored furniture pieces through collaborative client consultations, blending artistic vision with practical needs. Our process includes initial concept discussions, design proposals, and workshop visits to refine details. Each commission utilises sustainably sourced wood, ensuring durability and environmental responsibility while meeting individual aesthetic and functional requirements.
Sustainable Wood Sourcing
Our practice prioritises timber from local, ecologically managed woodlands and generational forestry families abroad. By selecting non-commercial species and air-drying wood in our workshop, we reduce environmental impact while enhancing material quality. This approach supports regional ecosystems and promotes long-term forestry stewardship through responsible harvesting practices.
Ecclesiastical Commissions
We specialise in crafting sacred furniture for religious spaces, including choir stalls, clergy seating, and communion tables. Projects like Dorchester Abbeys installations combine traditional craftsmanship with spiritual symbolism, using durable woods like oak and walnut. Each piece is designed to harmonise with historical architecture while serving contemporary congregational needs.
Public Art Installations
Our public works merge sculptural form with functional design, as seen in Oxford Universitys 'Window to the World' and Henleys River Rowing Museum. These installations utilise locally sourced timber to create interactive, contemplative pieces that enhance communal spaces while showcasing the natural beauty of wood through innovative shapes and textures.
Workshop Consultations
Clients are invited to our South Oxfordshire studio to discuss projects, review material samples, and observe ongoing work. Appointments allow for hands-on engagement with timber selections and design prototypes, ensuring alignment between client vision and final execution. This process fosters transparency and trust throughout the commissioning journey.
People
Philip Koomen Furniture
Designer-Craftsman & Founder
With over 45 years of experience, Philip Koomen Furniture is a renowned furniture designer-craftsman committed to sustainability and innovation. He holds a PhD in Sustainable Furniture Design from Brunel University and has received accolades including an Arts Council England grant. His work bridges art, craftsmanship, and ecology, creating enduring pieces that celebrate natural materials.
Questions
What types of furniture do you create?
We specialise in bespoke domestic and institutional furniture, including tables, chairs, cabinetry, ecclesiastical pieces, and public art installations, all crafted from sustainably sourced wood.
How do you ensure sustainability in your work?
We prioritise locally sourced timber from ecologically managed woodlands and partner with generational forestry families abroad. Non-commercial species are selected to support regional ecosystems and reduce environmental impact.
Can I visit your workshop?
Yes, our South Oxfordshire studio is open Monday–Thursday 10am–4pm. Appointments outside these hours are available by calling 01491 681122 to discuss commissions or explore materials.
What is your design process?
We begin with a collaborative dialogue to understand client needs, followed by design proposals, material selection, and workshop visits to refine details before final production.
Do you accept international commissions?
Yes, we have completed projects globally, combining locally sourced materials with international timber to meet diverse design requirements while maintaining sustainability standards.
What awards have you received?
Our accolades include an Arts Council England research grant, Fellowships from the Royal Society of Arts and Chartered Society of Designers, and invitations to prestigious exhibitions worldwide.
