Stuart's got grand designs

Stuart Westwell may only be 22 but already this innovative young furniture designer from Bolton is attracting a lot of attention. Pieces he made for the "100% Design" show at Earl's Court last September were spotted by Kevin McCloud and included in the Grand Designs man's latest venture, Place - an on-line collection of home items by some of Britain's best new designers.

Westwell's "Eik" furniture in oak - a classic table and chair, shelf unit and low drawers - has simple angular lines inspired by the designs of the 1950s.

While this range will be made at a factory in China, Westwell is in his workshop in Westhoughton working on commissions and more pieces for next year's 100% Design show.

It is the same workshop he visited as a child to watch his joiner father turn pieces of wood into windows and stairs and where he both "got in the way and picked up the basics".

He said: "I would come down here after school and on Saturdays and watch my Dad and I learned a lot from him."

After school he went on to study 3D Design at Manchester Metropolitan University and also spent a formative six months studying in Oslo, which has greatly influenced his work.

Design

After graduating he returned to the family workshop to design and build pieces for an exhibition in Birmingham, picking up a clutch of awards. He was then invited to show at 100% Design.

He said: "It is the major showcase for young designers, where all the architects and interior designers go to see what is coming through. It can make or break you."

McCloud said: "Place is something I have been keen to do for a long time. Britain is stuffed with talented designers whose work often goes unnoticed and uncredited. So we're buying direct from our suppliers and craft workshops and selling direct to the public with no middlemen.

"We are also sourcing from places that look after their employees and conform to ethical trading standards."

Stuart said: "Commissioning a piece of furniture is a big deal, it takes a lot of confidence to ask a designer to come up with something especially for you and I want to make that process easier.

"I want to be able to communicate my ideas to them and be able to show them how the piece will look in their room. It is about combining both my 3D design and my woodworking skills."

The prices for the Eik range are £499 for a sideboard, £499 for a table, £129 for a chair and £949 for a complete set of table and four chairs. More information from www.sawdesigns.co.uk or 01942 812790. www.placeto-co.uk