Today we’d like to introduce you to David Langley.
David, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Coming from a creative family, I began making things at an early age. Unknowingly, most of the thing I made were three dimensional. As I grew older, the complexity of my projects grew. At age 15 I changed high schools and took a wood working course as an elective. I excelled at the course and was given the freedom to design and build whatever I wanted.
I studied to be a scientist in college, but was always drawn to my creative desire. I found myself returning home from spring break eager to get back into my father’s workshop.
I left TAMUG before graduating to pursue my love of furniture art. I began building unusual pieces that I showed in galleries and exhibits. I worked in a woodworking tool store part time to make ends meet. Around 1995 I was given the opportunity to build 120 pieces for Continental Airlines “Presidential Lounges”. This allowed me to quit my day job, and become a full time furniture maker. I made custom pieces for many clients and some retail stores. I later began to refine my style and use of materials. In 2006 I decided to enter a piece in the Texas Furniture Makers Show. I won best contemporary piece in show. This gained me the recognition for more freedom to express my style, and raise my price.
After several magazine articles and the proliferation of the Internet, I have grown to be a reputable furniture designer and fabricator in Houston. I have custom clients as far away as Perth, Australia and a retail line that is in three Texas cities.
In the not too distant future, I plan to shift my operation to limited number production, slowly phasing out the custom work.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
If it’s been smooth, you’re not trying hard enough. LOL!
People do not need high end furniture…they have to want it. You have to sell your skill and offer something very unique. People have been making furniture sense the beginning of time. Unlike many things in the world, it is produced in every country. There are an unbelievable number of choices. A furniture studio has a lot of overhead. Things often go wrong with materials, design and fit.
Most importantly, you have to focus on what will make your client happy…not money. In the end, a happy client is your best advertisement.
Please tell us about David Langley furniture design.
David Langley furniture design is a custom handmade modern/contemporary furniture maker in Houston, TX. Clients come to me for original one of a kind pieces that I design, or designs they want.
My designs are known for their sleek lines, graceful curves and delicate use of metal. A combination exotic and domestic veneer and solid woods.
My one on one approach with the client is the starting point. I try to understand what their needs and tastes are. If you are going to have something custom, it should be “Custom”. I work with them through the whole process to make sure the get the piece of furniture that exceeds what they were expecting.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I think I would have been more involved with design community. I spent a lot of time pushing the limits of my abilities for pieces going into art exhibits and galleries. The experience was fun, but the growth potential is difficult. Becoming acclaimed among the furniture and interior design community would have given me a larger audience sooner.
Pricing:
- Prices start from around $1200.00 and up
Contact Info:
- Address: 4901 Milwee St. # 107 Houston, TX. 77092
- Website: langleyfurniture.com
- Phone: 281-300-4912
- Email: david@langleyfurniture.com
- Instagram: davidlangleyfurnituredesign
- Facebook: facebook.com\langleyfurniture\
Image Credit:
David Langley, Lura Johnson
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
