In this episode of Yours for the Making Robin Johnson speaks with Robin Redmile-Gordon, Director of Ichi-Coo Park, about building a life shaped by creativity and long term thinking. Robin shares how transforming Russ Hill Farm into a vast garden and living artwork helped him stay sane while running a global IT company. The conversation moves through craftsmanship collaboration and why clear briefs unlock exceptional work from skilled people. Robin offers a blunt critique of modern education and exam driven learning, argues for apprenticeships rooted in real work, and explains why holistic learning matters more than qualifications.

Robin also discusses AI as a practical tool for thinking diagnosis and productivity, shares his experience of living with terminal blood cancer and the role of Turkey Tail mushrooms, and outlines ideas for a future where skills, purpose and creativity matter more than bureaucracy. This episode challenges conventional thinking and defends making as a meaningful way to live.

Key Topics Covered

1. Building Itchy Park as a living artwork
2. Long term collaboration with craftspeople
3. Value over cost in bespoke work
4. Clear briefs and creative freedom
5. Gardening as a form of art
6. Escaping stress through making and landscape
7. Apprenticeships and skills based learning
8. Failures of exam focused education
9. Holistic learning and curiosity driven teaching
10. Teaching through real work not theory
11. AI as a practical tool for thinking and diagnosis
12. Critique of fear around artificial intelligence
13. Living with terminal blood cancer
14. Turkey Tail mushrooms and blood health

1. Purpose identity and creating meaningful work
2. Clip Fest and community making events

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Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.

Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.

Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its

In this episode of Yours for the Making Robin Johnson speaks with furniture designer Sam Kille about his route from military service into bespoke furniture making. Sam explains how carpentry and joinery in the Royal Engineers shaped his discipline precision and approach to craft. He talks openly about running a furniture business with a partner, stepping away during Covid, and returning with a clearer sense of direction.

The conversation covers Scandinavian and Japanese influences, heirloom quality furniture, and the realities of selling bespoke work in the UK. Sam also discusses pricing honestly, choosing the right clients, diversifying income through kitchen work, and why furniture should last generations. This episode offers a grounded view of what it takes to build a sustainable furniture practice without shortcuts.

Key Topics Covered

1. Moving from the military into furniture making
2. Carpentry and joinery as a foundation skill
3. Discipline precision and craft standards
4. Scandinavian and Japanese furniture influences
5. Building heirloom quality furniture
6. Running and closing a furniture partnership
7. Diversifying income through kitchens and joinery
8. Selling bespoke furniture in the UK market
9. Pricing work realistically
10. Choosing clients carefully
11. Long term value of quality furniture
12. Apprenticeships traditional skills and teaching
13. Work life balance and four day working
14. Identity ownership and returning to furniture making

Enjoying the show?

Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.

Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.

Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.

Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.

Key Moments:

00:00 Introduction to Sam Kille and his background

01:10 Military training and carpentry trade

02:38 Starting a furniture business with a partner

03:39 Closing the business and stepping away

04:29 Design influences and visual...

In this episode of Yours for the Making Robin Johnson speaks with South London furniture designer Laurent Peacock about his route from industrial design into bespoke furniture making. Laurent explains why mass production left him cold and how working directly with wood gave him clarity and purpose. He talks openly about earning the Guild Mark and the validation it brought both personally and professionally.

The conversation explores the tension between form and function in contemporary furniture design, the pressure to build a recognisable style, and the reality of making work that must last as well as look right. Laurent also shares his discomfort with self promotion, his approach to exhibitions, and why tactility and physical interaction sit at the centre of his work. This episode offers a clear and honest view of what it takes to build a sustainable practice in high quality furniture making.

Key Topics Covered

1. Moving from industrial design to furniture making
2. The role of wood as a tactile and approachable material
3. Achieving the Guild Mark and what it represents
4. Validation skill and confidence in craft
5. Building a network within the woodworking community
6. The gap between functional furniture and art furniture
7. Balancing form function and longevity
8. The challenge of storytelling in furniture design
9. Exhibitions galleries and visibility
10. Promoting work without compromising values
11. Developing a recognisable creative identity
12. Tactility interaction and physical engagement with furniture

Enjoying the show?

Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.

Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.

Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.

Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.

Key Moments:

00:00 Introduction to Laurent Peacock and his background

00:34 Early fascination with making and design

02:20 Industrial design and dissatisfaction with mass production

03:31 Discovering furniture making and working with wood

05:10 Submitting work for the Guild Mark

06:45 Validation confidence and opening...