Process
How It Works

Most people have never
commissioned furniture before.

That's fine. Here's exactly what working with Doug looks like, from a rough idea to something in your home that guests ask about every time.

1 Start Here

Tell Doug about your space

A photo of the room. A vague Pinterest board. A problem your space has had for years. An idea you can't quite put into words yet. Any of it works. There's no wrong way to start and no commitment involved in reaching out.

Doug will get back to you within 48 hours. If it sounds like a good fit, he'll set up a call or come see the space in person. Austin area clients often get a home visit — it changes what's possible when Doug can see the room before sketching a single line.

1
You

"We just moved into a new house and the living room feels empty. I want something that feels like it belongs there."

Doug

"Love it. Can I come see the space? I have a few ideas already."

2 Doug Brings the Ideas

Multiple sketched directions, before you've committed to a thing

Based on your space, your style, and the conversation, Doug hand-sketches several different design directions. Different forms, leg profiles, storage options, material combinations. You don't need to know what you want yet. His job at this stage is to show you things you didn't know to ask for.

These come to you over email or text, usually within a week of the first conversation.

All sketch work included at no charge
Nine hand-sketched nightstand directions from a Bad Grackle commission
Nine directions sketched for a single nightstand commission
3 Narrow and Refine

Pick 2 to 3 directions. Doug builds them out fully.

Once you've identified the directions that resonate, Doug develops those into detailed designs with exact material choices, dimensions, and pricing for each option. No surprises. No "we'll figure out cost later."

For complex commissions, Doug also builds a 3D model in SketchUp so you can see exactly what the finished piece will look like before a single cut is made. You'll know what you're getting.

Exact pricing provided before any deposit
SketchUp 3D model of a midcentury bookcase and cabinet commission
3D model built in SketchUp before any wood is cut
4 Lock It In

50% deposit secures your spot

Once you've chosen your design, a 50% deposit covers materials and gets you into the queue. Because Doug takes 1 to 2 commissions at a time, your piece gets his eyes on it every single day until it's done. Not a production floor's.

The remaining 50% is due on completion before delivery. The price you agreed to is the price you pay.

4
50% Deposit to begin

Covers materials and secures your place in the queue.
Balance due on completion.
The price you agreed to is the price you pay.

5 Built and Delivered

Progress updates throughout the build

Doug shares photos and updates through the build so you always know where things stand. Most pieces are complete within 4 to 8 weeks of starting. Finished pieces are delivered personally in Austin or shipped, and Doug makes sure everything is exactly what you designed.

Then it's yours. And you'll have a story to go with it.

5
Week 1Materials sourced, wood selected and acclimated
Week 2 to 4Primary build: joinery, structure, rough shaping
Week 4 to 6Detail work: inlays, hardware, finish coats
Week 6 to 8Final finish, cure time, delivery and placement
Pricing

What does a
custom piece cost?

Cutting Boards and Homegoods $150+ One-of-a-kind pieces. Each unique. Available in the shop.
Side Tables and Nightstands $1,000+ Custom designed and built around your space.
Coffee Tables and Desks $1,500+ Built for how you actually live and work.
Dining Tables and Large Pieces $5,000+ The centerpiece of the room, and the conversation.

These are starting points, not ceilings. Final pricing depends on wood species, complexity, dimensions, and material choices. You'll know your exact number before any deposit is made. That's part of the process.

Common Questions

Things people
usually ask.

Not at all. That's what the sketch phase is for. Most people come in with a general direction, a room problem, or just a feeling. Doug's job in the first conversation is to translate that into options you can actually react to.
From first message to finished piece, most commissions take 10 to 14 weeks. The sketch and design phase typically takes 1 to 2 weeks. Build time is 4 to 8 weeks after project start. Larger or more complex pieces can take longer and Doug will give you a realistic timeline before you commit.
Primarily walnut, pecan, and maple, though Doug works with whatever best suits the piece and the space. Many of his slab pieces come from Harvest Lumber Company in Austin, who mill trees from the urban area that naturally fell or needed to come down. Species affects both cost and character and Doug will walk you through the tradeoffs.
Yes. Matching existing wood tones, hardware finishes, or design language is something Doug does regularly. Bring photos, ideally in the actual space, and he'll work from there. An in-person visit helps a lot for color-matching.
Yes. Doug delivers personally within the Austin metro and ships for clients outside the area. Reach out regardless of where you are and he'll let you know what makes sense for your project.
Minor adjustments during the build are normal and expected. Significant design changes after materials have been sourced may affect pricing and Doug will be upfront about that before it happens. The design phase exists specifically to get alignment before any money or materials are committed.
Ready When You Are

Still have
questions?

The easiest way to figure out if a commission makes sense is just to start a conversation. No commitment, no pressure. Just tell Doug what you're thinking.

Start a Conversation
Start a Project