Maker Monday: An aspire Exclusive Interview With Tom Faulkner

Tom Faulkner is a renowned furniture designer known for creating distinctive, handcrafted pieces celebrated for their clean lines, timeless silhouettes, and exceptional quality. Every item is handmade in his workshop in Swindon, Wiltshire, where craftsmanship and precision remain at the heart of the business. Tom’s journey began over 30 years ago with a repaired coffee table. This led to a passion for design, evolving into his business, originally focused on hand-painted furniture. A pivotal moment occurred in the early 90s when Tom discovered metal’s design potential. Inspired by its strength, versatility, and sculptural possibilities, he transitioned to crafting tables, chairs, and accessories in metal and glass. Tom’s design philosophy is rooted in visual simplicity and precise geometry. His work reflects a belief that “less is more” drawing inspiration from Bauhaus design principles and global influences. He combines metals like bronze and steel with materials such as glass, marble, timber, and leather to produce furniture that blends contemporary and classical aesthetics. Today, Tom Faulkner’s furniture is a favorite among design professionals and discerning clients worldwide. See these amazing designs in today’s Maker Monday.

Vienna Carver Chair

Andrew Joseph: Can you describe your design philosophy in three words?
Tom Faulkner: Simple. Elegant. Distinctive

AJ: How do you incorporate sustainability into your designs?
TF: We mainly make in steel, which at the centre of the circular economy, and the most recycled material in the world, and there is sustainability in longevity – the pieces we make will last for several generations.

AJ: Can you tell us about a design trend you are excited about?
TF: Bright (silver) metal has been a trend this year and our latest Skye collection was made in polished stainless steel. This was exciting to me.

Papillon console

AJ: How do you stay creative and inspired?
TF: I notice what is around me, I look to architecture and nature. Anything can be inspiring – a tree, the cracks in the sidewalk, or the roof a cathedral. Staying creative is more difficult and I try to set aside time. I like a big sketch book, and a pencil, and try to let my mind wander. It is important not to be influenced by what anyone else is doing.

AJ: What was the last book you read and how did it inspire you?
TF: I recently read a biography of Richard Avedon by Norma Stevens. He was SO creative, and SO particular, and SO decisive. He worked through the greatest era of fashion – with all the great art directors and all the stars from the second half of the twentieth century. His energy is almost the most inspiring thing about him!

AJ: What is your favorite place to find inspiration?
TF: Walking.

Skye stools

AJ: How do you balance functionality and aesthetics in your designs?
TF: I am more of an artist than a designer – so I always begin with aesthetics, and function follows. We prototype everything and we make sure it fulfills both criteria without unnecessary sacrifice.

AJ: Can you describe a project that you’re particularly proud of?
TF: I’m very proud of our latest collection (Skye). It is somehow the culmination of many years of making and working with steel. It challenged the workshop – to use our rolling machines in a completely new way – and demanded the most perfect welding and finishing. It’s deceptively simple to look at but very hard to make. I initially made the whole collection in stainless steel, bearing in mind the doctrine of “Truth to Materials” – there is no adornment, no ornament, no paint, no finish. Just stainless steel, invisibly joined and polished to a beautiful satin finish.

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