Furniture designer Stephen Clark from Clark & Co joins Robin Johnson for a detailed look at how real product design works behind the glossy brochures. Stephen explains the journey from university projects to designing mass market furniture for major retailers and then shifting into high end bespoke manufacturing. He talks openly about the pressure of designing for different budgets, why accessible good design matters, and how storytelling and communication shape every product that reaches a customer.

This conversation breaks down the creative process, the reality of British manufacturing, the rise of AI in design, and the responsibility designers carry when their work ends up in thousands of homes. It is a practical and honest guide for makers, designers and anyone who wants to understand how furniture is really made.

Key Topics Covered

• How Stephen Clark found his way into furniture design
• What retail design actually involves and how budgets shape everything
• The difference between designing for Argos, Homebase and Next
• Transitioning into bespoke, handmade, high end furniture
• Starting Clark and Co and building a design business from scratch
• The importance of understanding the customer journey
• How storytelling, photography and marketing drive sales
• Balancing creative vision with manufacturing constraints
• How AI and augmented reality are changing product design
• Why communication is the most important design skill
• Stephen’s vision for future British design and commercial ranges

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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 Stephen Clark and how he found furniture design

00:53 Moving from university into retail with Home Retail Group

03:01 What it takes to design for different retailers and budgets

03:42 Shifting into bespoke manufacturing with Friend Group

08:54 Why Stephen started Clark and Co and changed direction

11:26 Understanding the customer journey and design communication

17:29 Balancing high end design with budget and manufacturing constraints

25:21 How AI supports the workflow of modern designers

34:46 Using augmented reality to help customers visualise furniture

40:57 Stephen’s future plans and long term design vision