Christopher Gasson

"We bought the oval oak dining table with black walnut veneers from Ali, and asked him to design six dining chairs and a semi-circular bench to go with them. Together the set has lent a style and sophistication to our kitchen dining room which might otherwise be nondescript. Ali's designs are contemporary, but they allow the natural beauty of the wood to take centre stage. Commissioning him to build something for you is to invite a great work of art and a great work of nature into your living space: something that you can admire every time you see it. At the same time his pieces are utterly practical - robust enough for a family with three teenage children to use every day."