Brian Ng'aru transformed Desterius's vision of elegance into a stunning coffee table with a tinted glass top and mahogany frame, perfect for their lounge. What's your wish?
A request by Desterius from Nairobi, Kenya
I need for the lounge in my house, a beautifully designed Coffee Table with tinted glass (or glass-like) top on mahogany wooden frame measuring:-
length – 1000mm
width – 450mm
height – 450mm
I would wish to look at some pictures of what has been done before by the expert Craftsmen to help guide my choice.
The Journey of Creating custom made Coffee Table with tinted glass
Negotiation & Planning
Artisan's Proposals
Hello Desterius, I am happy to provide an offer for your idea. Since I only do custom designs, I have attached a few sketches of the designs I have in mind relevant to your idea. I have also attached an image of a coffee table I have made before, though it did not have a glass top. Tell me what you think of the designs and we can make adjustments to suit your taste. Looking forward to your feedback.
Dear Brian
My apologies for the late response.
I have selected the 1st option on the list of the drawings that you gave. Am requesting that the length of the table be increased to 1200mm (instead of 1000mm).
I await more updates on the progress.
Regards,
Desterius.
hello Desterius, thank you for your feedback. I will make the table with your updated dimensions. Would you prefer the bottom part to be made out of glass or wood?
Hello Brian
Thanks for your response. I would prefer the bottom (lower) shelf also to be of glass.
Regards,
Desterius.
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Hello Desterius, thank you for your feedback. I am psyched to start on your project as soon as you are ready.
Dear Brian
Thanks for the update with the costings.
I have been looking at the cost breakdown: are there some areas or aspects of the proposed table that we can re-look at to reduce the cost? Can we change some of the materials for table and still have a good and attractive product? Please advise before we conclude on the matter.
Regards,
Desterius.
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Hello Desterius, thank you for the updates, to reduce the cost, we can replace the bottom glass with wooden pieces and change the wood from mahogany to Cyprus wood which is cheaper. If this works for you, am ready to give another quotation.
Hello Brian
Thanks for the feedback on possible options to reduce the cost of the table. Unfortunately "Cypress Wood" to replace Mahogany would not be a good option.
Let me get back to you in a day or so to confirm on the way forward.
Regards,
Desterius
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Thank you. I am looking forward to knowing the way foward
Dear Brian
Please proceed with the preparation of the table as per the specifications and at the quoted cost of Ksh 45,429.49.
Regards,
Desterius
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Hello Desterius, thank you for your go ahead. I will begin working on your table as soon as possible. I will make the order for the tinted glass which should b delivered to me in a weeks time. Both glasses are 1cm thick to guarantee strength and durability. I will keep you updated with pictures and videos of every process. Have a great weekend ahead.
Crafting Process
Artisan’s Progress Updates
Hello Desterius, I have commenced working on your idea, I have placed an order for both glasses, tomorrow I will go to shop for the mahogany wood. I am excited to start and will keep you updated through out the process.
Noted with thanks.
Will look forward to the realization of my order.
Regards,
Desterius.
Hello, I have attached a sample picture of how the tinted glass will look like. The glass should b ready for pick up on Monday.
Hello Brian
I have seen the sample of the glass to be used and I find it ok. So please proceed.
Regards,
Desterius
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Hello Desterius, today I managed to purchase mahogany wood and transport it to the workshop, I will start preparing the wood tomorrow. I have attached a video for update.
Hello Brian
The videos could not open but the other images are opening. At least I have seen the work on the Mahogany wood.
So proceed with the preparations.
Regards,
Desterius
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Hello Desterius so far I have cut the wood into appropriate sizes, it needs some more sanding before I can attach the pieces. I am expecting the glass to be delivered today, I will keep you updated.
ok, noted with thanks.
Desterius
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Hello Desterius, the glass arrived safe, and the table frame is drying. I will send updated photos tomorrow during the day. What is remaining is sanding and finishing the wooden frame then I can attach the glass
Ok, noted and thanks for the update.
Hello Desterius, I have sent an update of the progress, I have installed the bottom glass, currently installing the top glass, the weather has not been so favourable but we are making steady progress. 5 more days and the table will be ready.
Hello Desterius, I have sent an update of the progress, I have installed the bottom glass, currently installing the top glass, the weather has not been so favourable but we are making steady progress. 5 more days and the table will be ready.
Ok, noted.
Desterius.
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Ok, noted.
Desterius.
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I have sent pictures of the table for update, I need to make the edges more rounded before I can start. Working on the finishing.
I have sent pictures of the table for update, I need to make the edges more rounded before I can start. Working on the finishing.
That is ok Brian.
Please do proceed.
Desterius.
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That is ok Brian.
Please do proceed.
Desterius.
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Hello Desterius, thank you for your response. So far I have finished rounding the edges and done the first sanding, I have applied sanding sealer, and now starting the second phase of sanding, I will then apply a second and third layer of sanding sealer before polishing the wood and varnishing.
Hello Brian
Thanks for the update on the progress. I can see with gratitude that the coffee table is taking shape.
Now I look forward to the completion of the table.
Regards,
Desterius
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Hello Desterius, the table is now ready for delivery, I have attached some pictures of the final product
Dear Brian
It is good to know that the table is complete. I have looked at the pictures and they look good so I now look forward to seeing the actual table.
You can now make arrangements to have the table delivered.
Regards,
Desterius
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Hello Desterius, after the quality check we decided t replace the glass due to some scratches on the tint, we have finished doing so and now arranging it's delivery and photoshoot.
Ok Brian, noted.
Am awaiting delivery of the table.
Desterius.
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The Finished Unique Piece – Individually Handmade
Reference: ON008286E-43060
Detailed Cost Breakdown
| Price | |
|---|---|
| Cost of material |
181.66
|
| Cost of labour |
122.14
|
| Cost of packaging |
3.89
|
| Cost of delivery to local operations manager |
5.45
|
| Subtotal – payout to artisan |
313.14
|
| Customer acquisition costs (advertising etc.) |
31.31
|
| Handling fee Urban Change Lab |
31.31
|
| Shipping costs from Kenya to Kenya* |
0
|
| VAT (Kenya)* |
0
|
| Total |
375.76
|
*Shipping costs and VAT vary depending on your location.
