Sam Kille on Furniture Making Discipline Design Identity and Building Heirloom Quality Work

In this episode of Yours for the Making Robin Johnson speaks with furniture designer Sam Kille about his route from military service into bespoke furniture making. Sam explains how carpentry and joinery in the Royal Engineers shaped his discipline precision and approach to craft. He talks openly about running a furniture business with a partner, stepping away during Covid, and returning with a clearer sense of direction.

The conversation covers Scandinavian and Japanese influences, heirloom quality furniture, and the realities of selling bespoke work in the UK. Sam also discusses pricing honestly, choosing the right clients, diversifying income through kitchen work, and why furniture should last generations. This episode offers a grounded view of what it takes to build a sustainable furniture practice without shortcuts.

Key Topics Covered

1. Moving from the military into furniture making
2. Carpentry and joinery as a foundation skill
3. Discipline precision and craft standards
4. Scandinavian and Japanese furniture influences
5. Building heirloom quality furniture
6. Running and closing a furniture partnership
7. Diversifying income through kitchens and joinery
8. Selling bespoke furniture in the UK market
9. Pricing work realistically
10. Choosing clients carefully
11. Long term value of quality furniture
12. Apprenticeships traditional skills and teaching
13. Work life balance and four day working
14. Identity ownership and returning to furniture making

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Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.

Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.

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Key Moments:

00:00 Introduction to Sam Kille and his background

01:10 Military training and carpentry trade

02:38 Starting a furniture business with a partner

03:39 Closing the business and stepping away

04:29 Design influences and visual...