Process
How a Solum Bespoke project comes to life
Every project we take on begins with a conversation and ends with a relationship. In between, we follow a process refined over seventeen years of bespoke joinery practice — clear, transparent, and designed to make the experience of creating something extraordinary as straightforward and enjoyable as possible.
We work with a select number of clients at any given time. That's a deliberate choice. It means every project receives our complete attention, from the first phone call to the two-year follow-up.
Solum Client Journey
Stage 1 — The First Conversation
Initial contact — phone, email or message
Every project starts simply. A phone call, an email, a message through the website. We want to understand your project, your home, and what you're hoping to create — before we talk about anything else. There's no obligation at this stage and no sales process. Just an honest conversation about your project and how we can help.
Stage 2 — Meeting You and the Space
Site visit and in-person design consultation
We come to you. Seeing the space in person — the light, the proportions, how it connects to the rest of the home — tells us things that no drawing or photograph ever could.
We'll spend time understanding how you use the space, what's working and what isn't, and what you'd love it to become. We talk about materials, lifestyle, budget, and timeline. We listen far more than we talk.
This meeting is where great furniture begins.
Stage 3 — Initial Design and Estimate
Room plan, mood board and project estimate
Following our site visit we'll prepare an initial room plan, a mood board capturing the aesthetic direction, and a clear project estimate. We'll present these to you in person or virtually — whichever you prefer.
The estimate is honest and transparent. No hidden costs, no vague allowances. We explain exactly what's included and why. You'll also receive our client agreement at this stage, which sets out clearly how we work together.
There's no pressure to proceed. Take the time you need.
Stage 4 — Design Development
Detailed design, scheduling and planning
When you're ready to move forward, we deepen the design work. 3D visualisations, detailed drawings, material samples, and hardware options are all developed and refined until the design is exactly right.
We'll loosely schedule manufacture and installation at this point, giving you a clear sense of the project timeline. We coordinate with your architect, builder, or other trades from the outset — making sure everyone is working to the same plan.
Stage 5 — Final Sign Off
Design approval, material palette, appliance selection and final quotation
Before a single piece of timber is ordered, you sign off on everything. The final design. The material palette — every timber species, finish, and hardware choice confirmed. Appliance selection if applicable. And the final fixed quotation.
This stage exists to protect both of us. You have complete certainty about what you're getting. We have complete clarity about what we're making. Nothing proceeds until both parties are entirely happy.
Stage 6 — Manufacture
Materials ordered, sub-trades coordinated, furniture made
This is where the work happens. We order all materials and appliances, coordinate any sub-trades, and begin manufacturing your joinery in our Wellington workshop.
We keep you informed throughout — regular updates, photos from the workshop, progress milestones. You'll never wonder what's happening or when. We believe transparency during manufacture is as important as transparency during design.
Every component is made to exacting standards and passes a comprehensive quality inspection before it leaves the workshop.
Stage 7 — The Workshop Visit
An invitation to see your work before installation
In the week or so before installation, we invite you to our workshop to see your joinery in person for the first time.
This is one of our favourite moments — watching a client see their kitchen for the first time, assembled and complete, before it goes into their home. It's also a practical step — any final adjustments can be made in the workshop rather than on site.
Not many joinery businesses do this. We think it should be standard.
Stage 8 — Installation
Professional installation by Nathan
Nathan installs everything personally. We work carefully and cleanly on site, coordinating with other trades and respecting your home throughout. Installation days are organised, unhurried, and precise.
We don't leave until everything is right.
Stage 9 — Completion and Sign Off
Client walkthrough and practical completion
When installation is complete, we walk through every detail with you — every door, every drawer, every piece of hardware. We explain how everything works, answer any questions, and address any snagging items on the spot.
You receive your Solum Bespoke Warranty Certificate — two years on all workmanship — along with a care and maintenance guide for your specific materials and finishes.
Your signature on the completion form is your confirmation that we've delivered exactly what we promised.
Stage 10 — Professional Photography
Staging and photography of the completed project
Once you're settled into the space, we arrange for professional photography of the completed project. We handle all the organisation — photographer, styling, timing — at no additional cost to you.
These images become part of the Solum Bespoke portfolio. With your permission, they may also appear on our website, Instagram, and in award submissions. We'll always ask before publishing anything and you retain full control over what we share.
Stage 11 — The Follow Ups
6 month, 12 month and 24 month check-ins
A Solum Bespoke project doesn't end at installation. We follow up at six months, twelve months, and twenty-four months — to check everything is performing as it should, address any questions, and simply stay in touch.
Bespoke joinery is a long-term investment. We treat our relationship with clients the same way.
A Note on Payments
We work to a clear staged payment structure that mirrors the project stages above. Payments are tied to progress — you pay for work completed, not work promised. We'll explain the full payment schedule during our initial conversation and it will be set out clearly in your client agreement.
No surprises. Ever.
Ready to Begin?
If you're planning a kitchen renovation, new build, or fitted interiors project and want to work with a maker who genuinely cares about the outcome — we'd love to hear from you.