CV
Nick Geard
www.nickgeardfurniture.co.uk
nick@nickgeardfurniture.co.uk
07786 987330
01293 402164
Personal Statement
Since leaving university in 2007 with a First Class Honours degree in Furniture Design and Craftsmanship, I have worked for Richard Williams Contemporary Furniture in Amersham and Duncan Bruce Fine Furniture in Copthorne, both of which I enjoyed very much. My time with these companies was very beneficial, but I have now chosen to pursue my own furniture making business on a full time basis.
I have always been interested in making; for me it is all about turning an idea into reality, and it is this process that gives me the greatest satisfaction. As a Cabinet Maker I am able to produce furniture which I have designed and made from scratch, taking full advantage of a range of timbers to create furniture that is both functional and beautiful. For me, it is the perfect profession.
Education
Sep 04 – Jul 07 First Class Honours Degree
BA (Hons) Furniture Design and Craftsmanship, Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College,
High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire.
Sep 03 – Jun 04 Distinction
Art and Design Foundation Degree, Surrey Institute of Art and Design.
Sep 01 – Jun 03 3 - A Levels 1 – AS Level (inc. Fine Art – A, Design - A)
Reigate Sixth Form College, Reigate, Surrey.
Sep 99 – Jul 01 9 - GCSEs (inc. Fine Art - A*)
Oakwood School, Horley.
Work Experience
Nov 2009 – Present Self Employed Furniture Designer Craftsman
Jun 2009 – Nov 2009 Cabinet Maker Duncan Bruce
Details: In early 2009 I decided to return to my home area to purchase a property. In my search for a new job I was lucky enough to find my position with Duncan and his team. My role involved making free standing, and fitted furniture. It was a great experience to be exposed to different methods of furniture making, both in construction and installation, I learnt a great deal in my short time with the company.
Sept 2007 – May 2009 Cabinet Maker Richard Williams
Details: After Graduating in 2007 I have worked at Richard Williams Furniture as a Cabinet Maker, constructing furniture of superior design to a high standard of making. The work includes every aspect of cabinet making, all of which must be achieved at the very highest level. My post at Richard Williams was both rewarding and challenging; it was a pleasure to work there.
Jul 2002 – Sep 2006 Student Handyman Self Employed
Details: While at University I worked as a student handyman. It was quite a responsibility to take on large jobs alone, but I found it to be rewarding, and excellent experience in dealing with clients and organising quotations. Work undertaken includes carpentry, interior and exterior decoration, garden maintenance, decking, fencing and brick-laying.
Sept 2003 – Jun 2004 Classroom Assistant Reigate College, Surrey.
Details: After attending Reigate College, I was asked to return as a support assistant in AS and A2 Design classes. This entailed helping in both design and making areas of the courses.
Exhibitions and Press
Mar 08 Second article written for Furniture and Cabinet Making magazine.
Jan 08 Runner up in the Young Furniture Maker of the Year 2008 and, as a result, I was given the opportunity to display at the Birmingham Interiors show.
July 07 Winner of the monthly Reader's Gallery competition in Furniture and Cabinet Making magazine.
Jun 07 Exhibited at my degree show, BCUC High Wycombe.
Apr 07 Selected to represent BCUC at the International Furniture Fair in Milan.
Jan 07 Approached by Editor of Furniture and Cabinet Making to write an article on my Oak Chest for the August edition. Also appearing in the Reader’s Gallery in the same issue.
Interests
Although I now consider making to be my profession, it is a pleasure for me, and I spend many evenings and weekends in the workshop. Design is also a keen interest; I greatly enjoy the process of working things out and developing ideas. Away from the design world I like the countryside, especially walking. To keep fit I also run and swim, and I learned to scuba dive while travelling in South East Asia.
Additional Information
Non Smoker
Clean Driving Licence
Date of Birth: 18.09.84