About

Luke Diaz is a designer-maker with 14 years experience in woodworking. Luke specialises in designing and making furniture and products using natural solid wood and aims to use materials that are locally sourced.

“Precision and attention to detail is what I look for. I aim to design pieces that enhance their environment.”

LUKE DIAZ

A little bit about me

Luke began his career in woodworking through furniture fine craft at Bournemouth and Poole College gaining skills in joinery, wood-machining and furniture construction. After gaining a level 3 city and guilds he then went on do a foundation in art and design at the art university at Bournemouth.

Completing his diploma in 2009 he was then able to hone his skills into degree level at Bucks New University.

Studying a BA Hons in fine furniture design and craftsmanship, Luke successfully completed his course and was awarded the Habitat innovation award at London’s New Designer’s 2011.
Since graduating Luke focused gaining work experience and began interning for Charlie Whinney to then working in bench joinery for local shopfitters. This role gave an insight to the works of commercial joinery that operate in a large and demanding scale. After working approximately five years, Luke took the plunge into self employment to set up Stitch-wood workshop.

The Story Behind Stitch-Wood

These pieces of furniture were developed at University.

What makes them particularly unique is that no glue or fixings were used to put them together. Instead they are constructed using the method of stitch and weave which, although a skill normally used for textiles, can also be used for constructing furniture. After much research, I found out that Hemp twine was the best and strongest natural material to use, and after much developing and experimenting, 'Stitch-wood' furniture became the name.

Since University I really relished the name and decided to name my joinery business as Stitch-wood as a reminder of my achievements on my course.