Our Approach to Quality Control

Georgina Roberts - Furniture Manager

Quality control is essential at GTA to ensure our products meet the highest standards of durability, functionality, and aesthetics. One key part of this process is showroom tours and product inspections, which give our designers and clients the opportunity to experience materials and craftsmanship firsthand. Georgie shares insight from her recent visit to the William Hands factory for an upcoming project, where she observed the precision, attention to detail, and rigorous testing that go into every piece. These visits reinforce our commitment to excellence and help ensure that every design reflects the quality our clients expect.

How did you come to work with William Hands on this particular piece?

This is part of a large order across three floors. They demonstrated that they could provide bespoke tables produced exactly to our design requirements. They could also provide wooden furniture that is fully sustainable using FSC certified Timber which means we are sourcing timber from sustainable sources and therefore reducing our impact on the environment. We are also committed to supporting our UK manufacturing industry and supporting our local supply chain.

How important is it to visit suppliers like this and see firsthand their work?

This is part of our quality control process to ensure we are getting a quality product - It is crucial to witness the level of hard work and craftsmanship that goes into creating premium products like this.

Have you taken clients to the factory before? (is this part of the sourcing journey generally?)

Not so far, but this is definitely an option that we extend to Clients if they are interested. We normally take clients to the showroom to see the overall finished quality of the item and they trust us with the procurement and quality control process.

How long does it take to complete and deliver a custom furniture order like this?

There are many factors involved to complete a custom order like this, our team of designers work to make sure the finishes are complimenting the overall design scheme, we collaborate extensively with the clients AV and IT teams to make sure everything is coordinated and produce full sign off drawings for client approval. We then complete a full site survey to make sure the product can be installed efficiently on site, coordinating with the building management team and site teams to make sure everything can be installed smoothly.

How does the furniture sourcing process work for a bespoke furniture piece like this (is it done in collaboration with the client?)

Early in the design stage we collaborate with the client and provide our recommendations for pieces we believe will work well in terms of function and design within the space and provide various options at different price points. We then will show the client the products first hand through showroom visits and finish samples.

Can you tell me a bit more about this particular table?

This is a prestigious project and William Hands are providing tables across all 3 floors of the building. The unique design features of the tables include: fully integrated power and data that runs concealed under the table top, this creates a clean design with limited wires on show. A bespoke Radius edge detail and book matched Oak veneer creates a premium feel.

A Final Note..

It has been a truly rewarding experience collaborating with this prestigious client. I have thoroughly enjoyed developing and specifying this project alongside our talented in-house design team. I look forward to the coming months where we will complete the full project and see the full vision come to life.