Meet Dom – Team Leader in the furniture making department
Dominic is Dorset born and grew up in Weymouth. He’s worked at Plankbridge for two and a half years, following time at one of West Dorset’s famous furniture workshops. Before that he lived in London, where he studied for an MA in Fine Art at Camberwell. The arts led him to a career in music, where he toured the world with his electronic rock band.
He first came to see me about 14 years ago when we were making the shepherd’s huts at home, but the rock star life took him on a different path for a few years. Settling back home in Dorset his furniture making prowess became his mainstay.
What does he do at Plankbridge?
Dom is the team leader in the furniture workshop, where he works with Simon, Giles, Tom, Oscar and Pete. Dom’s main focus is on the hut kitchens which he builds to his exacting standards. Plankbridge kitchens are up there with those of the best of the designer makers, and he has spent a great deal of time and effort refining the detailing, to the point where we have three standard models in different configurations.
Where is his favourite place to eat out in Dorset?
In the summer months Billy Winter’s Café just outside Weymouth is a favourite haunt, watching the kite surfers whilst paddling with the family. He also likes ‘Feed the Soul’ at Godmanstone. It’s a small café based on an organic market garden and is a lovely place for lunch. He thinks Nick’s coffee and Alex’s vegan cake is the best in the area. And for a good pint then pop in to see Vic at Cerne Abbas Brewery!
What has he done with the shepherd’s huts recently that he particularly enjoyed?
Unsurprisingly he says that developing the kitchen design over the last few months has been rewarding, and making a Gustav Stickley inspired oak table was quite a treat. We try to root our designs in the Arts and Crafts movement, Gustav Stickley being one of several designers to take inspiration from. This style, and ethos, does complement the shepherd’s huts very well. ‘The kitchens are becoming a signature piece, they have the Plankbridge feel about them’.
What makes for a good weekend?
Good food, good company. Live music, maybe live comedy. Most of all creative time with the family.
What do you like about being at Plankbridge?
‘I like the team and the atmosphere’ he muses ‘what we do, the ethos, being the shepherd’s hut market leaders.’ The choice of workshop music is always an interesting one, but we both agree that Phillippe’s eclectic music mix is often really good. I particularly like the groovy French jazz that makes an appearance on a Saturday.
Whilst chatting the consensus is that Plankbridge is a positive creative place which brings together a diverse bunch in a good way, making things with pride in a rural setting. I like to think that William Morris and John Ruskin, founders of the Arts and Crafts movement, would approve.
