Did you do any formal training?
Michael: A week's workshop at the prestigious Parnham College in the UK. Other than that, I'm self-taught. The workbench is the greatest teacher, as is reading, life. I keep my eyes and ears open and stay humble. I learn every day in the workshop, with our makers, at the drawing board.
What skills are important to your work?
To be able to think and plan in an efficient manner; making furniture involves problem-solving and an organised thought process, since we make new pieces, with new sets of challenges, start to finish. Being able to draw is helpful, as is an understanding of mathematics.
© Roland Paschhoff
How would you define what you do?
Poetic pieces with resonance, mystery and secrets, which embrace a sensual, considered glamour. We use reflective lacquered finishes, bronze, aged brass, chrome, highly figured timbers, shagreen, vellum, with detailed marquetry, veneers, mother-of-pearl and metal inlay.
What or who inspires you?
We have commissioned many artisans whose work we admire, including silversmiths, printmakers, ceramicists, sculptors, glass artists. We have a soft spot for [late Irish furniture designer] Eileen Gray. Fashion inspires us, as does architecture, buildings, travel, textiles, visual artists, pattern.