Bespoke & Custom Furniture

SENTIENT designs and builds bespoke furniture from scratch in our 25,000-square-foot Brooklyn workshop. Every piece starts with your vision and ends with something made specifically for you, in dimensions, materials, and finish that no production line can replicate. Here are answers to the most common questions about our custom furniture process.

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1. What does “bespoke” mean at SENTIENT?
2. How does the custom furniture design process work at SENTIENT?
3. Can SENTIENT build a single custom piece, or is there a minimum order?
4. What wood species does SENTIENT work with for custom pieces?
5. How does SENTIENT customize dimensions for a custom piece?
6. How do 3D renderings work in the SENTIENT design process?
7. What is the lead time for a custom bespoke piece?
8. Can I visit the SENTIENT workshop to see materials and pieces in person?
9. What is the difference between a collection piece and a fully custom piece?
10. Does SENTIENT work with interior designers and architects?

What does “bespoke” mean at SENTIENT?

Bespoke at SENTIENT means the piece is designed and built entirely to your specifications, with no standard sizes, no catalog selections, and no outsourced production. You choose the wood species, dimensions, finish, base style, and any additional details. Our design team translates that into detailed sketches and 3D renderings before a single board is cut. The result is furniture that exists only because you asked for it, built by the same team from first sketch to final polish in our Brooklyn workshop.

How does the custom furniture design process work at SENTIENT?

SENTIENT’s custom process follows seven steps: consultation, concept development, 3D rendering, design refinement, production, hand finishing, and white-glove delivery. The process begins with a conversation about your space, how the piece will be used, and what you have in mind. From there, we develop initial sketches and detailed 3D renderings so you can see the finished piece before production begins. Once the design is approved, fabrication starts in our Brooklyn workshop. The typical timeline from first conversation to delivery is 12 to 14 weeks. Learn more about the ordering process.

Can SENTIENT build a single custom piece, or is there a minimum order?

SENTIENT builds single bespoke pieces as readily as large commercial programs. A one-of-a-kind dining table for a private residence receives the same design attention and craftsmanship as a 200-room hotel furniture program. There is no minimum order. If you need one piece built to exact specifications, that is a project we welcome. If you need dozens of identical pieces for a hospitality or commercial space, our on-demand manufacturing capability handles that with the same quality standards.

What wood species does SENTIENT work with for custom pieces?

SENTIENT works primarily with American black walnut, white oak, hard maple, cherry, and ash, all sourced from family-owned mills in Pennsylvania. Each species has distinct grain character, color range, and hardness. Walnut is the most requested for its rich chocolate tone and contrast sapwood. White oak offers durability with a subtle warm cast. Maple provides a lighter, contemporary look. For outdoor pieces, we use teak and ipe. We also work with specialty options including ebonized oak, bleached oak, spalted maple, and reclaimed materials on request. See the full guide to our wood species.

How does SENTIENT customize dimensions for a custom piece?

Every dimension on a SENTIENT piece is set to your requirements. Table length, width, height, overhang, base spread, seat depth, back height, arm height, shelf spacing, drawer dimensions — all are specified during the design phase and reflected exactly in the 3D rendering before production begins. We frequently work with architects and designers who provide precise drawings. We also visit project sites to measure in person when spatial fit is critical. Nothing is assumed or rounded to the nearest standard size.

How do 3D renderings work in the SENTIENT design process?

After the initial consultation, our design team develops 3D renderings that show the finished piece in realistic detail, including grain direction, finish tone, base proportions, and how the piece will look in your space. These renderings are shared digitally and revised until you are fully satisfied. Production does not begin until you give final approval. This step prevents misunderstandings and ensures the piece reflects your vision precisely. For complex projects, we can also produce physical material samples before you finalize selections. Learn more about the design and customization process.

What is the lead time for a custom bespoke piece?

SENTIENT’s typical lead time from concept to delivery is 12 to 14 weeks. This includes the design and approval phase (usually two to three weeks), followed by production, finishing, and delivery scheduling. Commercial and hospitality projects with multiple pieces may have longer timelines depending on scope. Custom banquette projects typically run 10 to 12 weeks. If you have a specific deadline, share it at the start of your consultation and we will structure the timeline accordingly. Full ordering process details are here.

Can I visit the SENTIENT workshop to see materials and pieces in person?

Yes. SENTIENT welcomes architects, interior designers, and clients to our studio and workshop at 276 Greenpoint Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11222. A studio visit lets you see slabs in person, select specific grain patterns, review finish samples, and get a sense of how our pieces are made. In-person material selection often produces results that differ significantly from making decisions based on photos alone. Visits are by appointment. Call (347) 309-6721 or contact us online to schedule.

What is the difference between a collection piece and a fully custom piece?

SENTIENT collection pieces are original designs created by our design studio, available in your choice of wood species, finish, and dimensions. They carry a defined aesthetic from our design team. A fully custom piece is designed from scratch to your brief, with no starting design to reference. Both are made to order in our Brooklyn workshop with the same construction standards. Many clients start with a collection piece as a reference point and then modify dimensions, species, or details to make it their own. Browse the collection here.

Does SENTIENT work with interior designers and architects?

Yes. SENTIENT has a dedicated trade program for interior designers, architects, developers, and stagers. Trade members receive exclusive pricing, access to dedicated project managers, priority scheduling, and direct access to our workshop for material selection. We regularly collaborate with design firms on residential, hospitality, and commercial projects, providing 3D renderings, material samples, and on-site consultation as needed. If you work in design, apply for our trade program or reach out directly to discuss your project.