My 4D Process

A clear and fair process for bespoke projects

I take on a limited number of projects and work closely with each client to create something truly bespoke. To make sure we’re a good fit — and to respect both your time and mine — I follow this simple four stage process.

1- Discovery (Free)

To begin, please send me:

• A few photos of the space

• Rough dimensions if available

• A short description of what you have in mind

We’ll then arrange a brief phone call (around 15–20 minutes) to talk things through. During this call we will:

• Clarify your ideas and requirements

• Discuss possible approaches

• Talk about typical costs for similar projects

• Decide together whether it makes sense to proceed

This step is free and helps ensure we’re broadly aligned before either of us invests further time.

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2 - Definition (£200 for local projects)

If the project looks promising, the next step is a design consultation. This includes:

• A site visit at your convenience

• Careful measurements of the space

• Discussion of design ideas and options

• Advice on feasibility, materials and budget

• Rough sketches where helpful

For projects further afield, the fee may be higher to reflect travel time — this will always be agreed in advance.

This stage allows us to explore the project properly before committing to detailed design work.

If you proceed to detail, the £200 is included within the total detail fee.

3 - Detail (£750 total, including the £200 already paid)

At this stage I develop a complete proposal for the project. This includes:

• Detailed CAD drawings

• Refinement of the design

• Specification of materials

• Estimated timeline

• A formal written quotation

The £750 design fee covers the professional work required to properly detail the project.

This fee normally applies to a single project within one room, or up to two smaller pieces of joinery. For larger or multiple projects, a separate design fee can be agreed in advance.

Payment: the £200 Definition fee is paid to book the visit, and the remaining £550 is paid before work begins on Detail.

Design is an essential part of bespoke work and is charged whether or not the project proceeds.

• If you proceed with the project, the design fee is treated as part of the overall project price already paid.

• If you choose not to proceed, the fee covers the professional time, design work and expertise already invested.

All drawings, designs and CAD output remain my intellectual property (copyright). If the project proceeds, the drawings are used for the purpose of completing the commission. If the project does not proceed, the drawings are not licensed for use by others or for construction by third parties unless separately agreed in writing.

4 - Delivery

Once the quotation is accepted, the remaining balance of the quoted project cost is payable in full to confirm the order and allow work to begin.

This allows me to:

• Secure materials immediately

• Allocate workshop time

• Commit fully to your project

As a small bespoke practice I undertake a limited number of projects at a time. Confirming the order allows me to reserve the necessary time and resources for your work.

My 4D process ensures that:

• Design work is properly developed before construction begins

• You receive a clear and thoughtful proposal

• Both parties can proceed with confidence once the project is agreed

If you’d like to begin, simply send over a few photos and a brief description of the space, and we can take it from there.

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Nigel Witham

Designer & Maker

Ullapool, Highlands