About Ashley
Way back before I set up Ashley Pinney Furniture & Cabinet Maker, I spent many years in Australia working for a Parisian furniture restorer, importing stunning pieces of French furniture.
On returning to the UK, I focused on interior joinery and designing & making my own furniture, working in a small workshop at the bottom of my garden (strictly speaking, a shed).
Ten years ago, I moved to a workshop in the beautiful Sussex countryside, which provided the space needed to take on bigger projects and get creating some fantastic cabinets and furniture. The workshop is as meticulous as the furniture I make and if you fancy a cuppa and a nose around the space, you’re more than welcome to pop by and have a look at how I work.
When I’m not in my workshop, I’m most likely to be found hurtling down the Surrey Hills on my mountain bike with my two young sons close behind (or, more likely, ahead of me).
Why choose me over one of the big brands?
Optimizing space
Unlike some of the bigger brands & mass-produced furniture, I’m not governed by standard sizing and can make use of every bit of space, so you get maximum storage, no filler panels and no dead space.
Increased flexibility
Being independent enables me to work more closely with my customers and gives me the flexibility to visit you as many or as few times as you like, so that I’m able to tweak and change the design as we go along.
Very little waste
On top of this, because everything is made to exact measurements, very little waste is produced and all off-cuts are sent for biomass recycling, which means you can sleep easy about any environmental impact.
Craftsmanship you can rely on
I am a member of The Guild of Master Craftsmen – a sign of quality. All Guild members are thoroughly assessed to earn the right to be called master craftsmen. Once accepted into membership, they are required to maintain and uphold the Guild’s stringent professional criteria.
How I work
From the design concept to installation
1 Design consultation
I’ll come to you to discuss your ideas and work with you on the design. Visiting your home gives me the chance to understand your style, lifestyle and any practical needs. I’ll take some initial measurements and follow up with a quotation within a few days.
2 Workshop
All cabinets & furniture are made offsite in my workshop, keeping the noise and disruption to a minimum for you. Solid wood will be varnished or oiled. For painted furniture, I can arrange for it to be hand painted or spray painted. Alternatively, feel free to paint the furniture yourself.
3 Fitting
The exciting bit! I’ll return to fit your furniture. Alcove cupboards and bookcases take 1 to 2 days to fit and wardrobes around 3 to 4, depending on size. Free-standing furniture will be delivered at a time to suit you.