Jonathan Downing, from Surrey, studied industrial design at Northumbria University and, after a period in a workshop in Newcastle, enrolled at the Chippendale school.
Jonathan will be setting up JD Woodworking from workshop space in or around London.
His talent and training in design shines through in his signature piece – a gilded drinks cabinet that takes its inspiration from nature.
Its silhouette echoes a lotus flower before blooming, and is made from 170 computer-cut discs, with its stunning interior space completed in 23.5 carat gold.
Jonathan’s business in bespoke furniture design and making will be augmented by creating small batch runs of own-design furniture – to bring his talent and craftsmanship to customers who may not have considered buying bespoke furniture before.