With only a few weeks to go until the 2022 Graduate Exhibition and Fine Furniture Sale, the soon-to-be-graduates of our Professional Course are putting the finishing touches on their fine furniture designs.

Here we take a look at some of the students behind the pieces being exhibited at the show, say hello to Group 1, taught by tutor Matthew Brebner.

This selection of students comprises 5 skilled woodworkers who have worked tirelessly over the last 9 months to create some truly impressive pieces.

If you haven’t done so already yet, book your free ticket here.

Karthik Dilipan, @treeformwoodworkingstudio

Karthik has always been intrigued by the versatile nature of wood. A self-taught woodworker since 2018, the Professional Course has broadened his knowledge and fine-tuned his skills as a furniture maker.  

Karthik creates bespoke fine furniture under the trade name Treeform Woodworking Studio, employing both traditional and contemporary joinery techniques to produce stunning designs. But Karthik’s ambitions don’t stop there; he intends to share his appreciation and awareness of quality craftsmanship with everyone around him.

At Treeform Woodworking Studio, dreams are turned into reality and the possibilities really are endless.

Ben Williams, @jam_studio__

Having lived and worked in Japan, Canada, Europe and Australia, Ben has witnessed first-hand the unique ways various cultures deal with functionality and natural materials.

Now studying at the Chippendale School, Ben explores the intersection of traditional craftsmanship and the magic of unexpected functions through his work. Committed to honouring and complementing the wood’s unique properties, Ben’s style is sophisticated and polished.

Ben plans on moving to Canada at the end of the year to find an apprenticeship, before one day starting his own workshop.

Marion Morris, @marion_makes

After working in the corporate world, Marion kissed her nine-to-five job goodbye to delve into her creative talents. The Edinburgh creator has bought together her love of art, design, and woodworking to launch Marion Makes. Her pieces combine wood, paint, and fabric, making creative yet functional furniture.

Having lived in Japan and Scotland, her works are often inspired by these beautiful countries. Marion plans to expand her home line, range of storage benches, and begin an exploration into wooden toys. She also looks forward to working with clients on bespoke commissions and prides herself on a design process that is sensitive to their ideas whilst incorporating her unique aesthetics. Marion is bursting at the seams with ideas.

Katie Richter, @riversandrootsfurniture

Wherever Katie has been she has looked to create. But it was studying engineering that initially sparked a love for expressing her creativity in physical form. This love has only grown, culminating in a desire to study woodworking.

Katie’s childhood in South Africa and travels to Asia, as well as her former career as an outdoor adventure instructor, have greatly influenced her design aesthetic. Inspired by her life experience, she combines cultural diversity, nature, and technical ability to design and produce pieces of furniture that reflect the beauty she sees in the world.

She hopes to share her passion and educate others through her work.

Alirio Pinilla, @pinali.furniture

Following a long career in manufacturing, Alirio Pinilla shifted his attention to a more creative career path and retrained as an industrial designer.

Studying on The Chippendale School’s Professional Course, Alirio has found joy in a calmer pace of life, dedicating his time to building impressive pieces of fine furniture. A skilled cabinet maker, Alirio’s designs are at once intricate and robust, timeless yet contemporary, showcasing his unique style and craftsmanship.

Under his business, Pinali Furniture, Alirio aims to create treasured items that bring joy to the people that use them.

Interested in attending the 2022 Graduate Exhibition and Fine Furniture Sale? Book your free ticket here.