Yours For The Making with Robin Johnson

Robin Johnson sits down with woodwork artist Olly Fathers to explore how traditional marquetry, wood veneer and painstaking hand cutting become contemporary geometric art. Olly shares his path from studying fine art and working as an art technician to developing a full time studio practice with his wife, Emma. He explains how years spent installing major artworks, experimenting with woodworking and making art alongside freelance jobs shaped the artist he is today.
The conversation goes deep into Olly's creative process, including his use of bog oak dating to around 2500 BC, traditional marquetry techniques, geometric patterns, optical illusion, natural wood grain and heat shading. He reveals the extraordinary planning behind A Drop in Time, including 452 individually cut sections and an approach that turned the remaining veneer into additional artworks with almost zero waste.
Olly also opens up about pricing art, imposter syndrome, the risks of becoming fashionable too quickly and why he prefers a slow, steady creative career. He and Robin discuss the realities behind the art world, selling directly to collectors, working with galleries and interior designers, balancing creativity with business and why continually pushing into creative discomfort keeps the work developing.

Key Topics Covered
✦ How Olly Fathers developed his distinctive wood veneer and marquetry practice
✦ Moving from fine art and art installation into a full time creative career
✦ Creating geometric art through grain, colour, movement and optical illusion
✦ Making A Drop in Time from 4500 year old bog oak and 452 hand cut sections
✦ Turning veneer offcuts into new artworks and reducing material waste
✦ Pricing artwork, imposter syndrome and the business realities facing artists
✦ Why creative discomfort, experimentation and patience drive better work
✦ Selling art through collectors, consultants, galleries, interior designers and social media

Check out Olly’s Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/ollyfathers/?hl=en

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.

Check out Yours For The Making in YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUuzYPW_uJfM2B1XXRuZLUg

Key Moments:
00:00 Discovering Olly Fathers and his unusual approach to wood veneer art
04:21 Studying fine art and finding a love for making
07:33 Installing Picasso and Monet and learning inside the art world
09:34 Turning a one bedroom flat into a creative studio during Covid
13:09 What art school fails to teach about making a living as an artist
15:25 Pricing artwork, imposter syndrome and valuing creative work
17:17 How sudden success and inflated prices can damage an artist's career
20:06 Bauhaus, minimal art and the influences behind Olly's geometric work
23:03 Months of planning behind A Drop in Time
24:34 Creating art from bog oak dating to around 2500 BC
25:45 Hand cutting 452 individual veneer sections
26:53 How precision cutting created additional artworks with almost zero waste
30:41 Using traditional heat shading to transform wood veneer
44:32 Selling art directly through Instagram, collectors and consultants
52:43 The 4500 year story behind A Drop in Time

What makes a building work for the people who actually use it?

Robin Johnson sits down with Michael Westlake and Alex Taylor of Supervene Architects to explore architecture, masterplanning and the realities of designing places that have to work for generations. From the seven year route to becoming an architect to navigating budgets, planning, construction problems and the Building Safety Act, Michael and Alex reveal how much of architecture happens beyond the drawing board.

The conversation explores housing density, walkable neighbourhoods, urban regeneration and why good masterplanning depends on the spaces and connections between buildings. Michael and Alex discuss the regeneration of Aire Park in Leeds, the preservation of historic buildings, Sugar House Island, modern methods of construction and homes designed for dramatically better energy performance. They also examine AI in architecture, the future of cities and why technology works best as a tool for designers rather than a replacement for human judgement.

Key Topics Covered
✦ Why becoming a qualified architect takes at least seven years and why practical experience matters
✦ How budgets, constraints and construction problems can produce better architecture
✦ The Building Safety Act, Building Safety Regulator and challenges facing UK development
✦ Housing density, walkable neighbourhoods and building around existing infrastructure
✦ Masterplanning, urban regeneration, Aire Park and preserving architectural heritage
✦ Modern methods of construction and the potential for highly energy efficient homes
✦ Why buildings should be designed to adapt to different uses over generations
✦ AI in architecture, future cities and why designers still need human judgement

Check out their website:
https://www.supervenearchitects.com/

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.

Check out Yours For The Making in YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUuzYPW_uJfM2B1XXRuZLUg

Key Moments:
00:00 Why qualifying as an architect takes at least seven years
05:02 What architecture school cannot teach you about real buildings
08:47 Why relationships matter throughout the construction industry
15:28 Creating workplaces where people care about what they build
16:51 How mistakes and constraints make better designers
18:12 Why honest conversations about budgets need to happen early
22:37 How the Building Safety Act is affecting UK development
31:29 When regulation turns viable projects into difficult projects
33:45 Why good housing density can create better communities
39:28 Building homes around existing transport infrastructure
43:44 Inside the regeneration and masterplanning of Aire Park in Leeds
50:25 The architects reveal the projects they would love to design
53:09 Homes with exceptional energy performance built in days
59:02 What today's architecture will leave behind for future generations
01:06:57 AI, architects and the future of design

British session drummer and producer George Macdonald, known as G-Mac, joins Robin Johnson for a deeply personal conversation about life as a professional musician, leaving Kid Kapichi, creative identity, meditation, mental health, flow state and starting again. George traces his journey from discovering drums as a teenager in Hastings to touring the world, playing major venues and building a career through years of gigs, recording and sacrifice.
George opens up about the difficult decision to leave Kid Kapichi while the band was still growing, explaining how his musical direction and personal identity had gradually moved elsewhere. He reflects on the strange experience of achieving success while feeling increasingly disconnected from the person he was presenting to the world.
Robin and George also explore creativity, social media, the pressure to perform, manifestation, overthinking and creative flow. George explains why some of the strongest creative work happens when artists stop forcing ideas and become completely absorbed in the present moment.

Key Topics Covered
✦ How Hastings shaped George Macdonald as a drummer and musician
✦ The years of sacrifice behind Kid Kapichi's eventual success
✦ Why George chose to leave Kid Kapichi while the band was growing
✦ Losing his musical identity and dealing with anxiety after leaving
✦ Travelling through Nepal, India and Thailand and discovering Vipassana meditation
✦ Creativity, presence, flow state, manifestation and overthinking
✦ Social media, constant craving and the pressure to perform for other people
✦ George and Ben Beetham's plans to create an immersive new music project

Check out George’s Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/macdonald_george/?hl=en

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.
Check out Yours For The Making in YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUuzYPW_uJfM2B1XXRuZLUg

Key Moments:
00:00 George Macdonald on discovering drums and beginning his musical journey
03:15 How Hastings created a thriving community of musicians and live music
08:53 Musical intuition, improvisation and learning through playing with others
11:39 The years of sacrifice before Kid Kapichi began gaining momentum
15:19 Why George and Kid Kapichi started moving in different creative directions
17:28 Success, ego and feeling disconnected from his identity
20:34 The difficult aftermath of leaving the band
21:16 Anxiety, uncertainty and deciding to leave Britain for six months
24:27 Ten days of Vipassana meditation and how the practice changed him
26:58 The emotional moment George experienced in the Himalayas
33:29 Why social media keeps people craving the next thing
34:14 The pressure George felt to constantly perform and entertain
39:58 The exhausting reality of maintaining a public persona
48:34 Manifestation, creativity and allowing ideas to emerge naturally
54:51 George and Ben Beetham reveal plans to create music together again

Interior designer Nicky Percival joins Robin Johnson to explore what professional interior design really involves, from transforming Georgian country houses and period properties to managing builders, architects, budgets and complex renovation schedules.
Drawing on more than 35 years of design experience, including theatre design and television at the BBC, Nicky explains how she creates homes that feel natural, lived in and personal. Her approach combines antiques, vintage pieces, bespoke furniture and contemporary design while responding to the architecture and personality of each home.
Nicky shares how she draws ideas from clients who often struggle to visualise what they want, mediates between couples and tradespeople, and turns creative concepts into functional spaces. She explains why ergonomics, layout and practical usability come before decorative details, and why around 80% of an interior design project is spent making the design happen.

Key Topics Covered
✦ Nicky Percival's journey from interior design to theatre, BBC television and residential interiors
✦ Designing Georgian houses and period properties
✦ Creating natural, lived in interiors
✦ Managing architects, builders and tradespeople
✦ Why 80% of interior design is execution
✦ Using AI for photorealistic interior design renders
✦ Renovation budgets and contingency planning
✦ Traditional craftsmanship and modern technology

Check out Nicky Percival Design:
https://www.nickypercival.co.uk/

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.
Check out Yours For The Making in YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUuzYPW_uJfM2B1XXRuZLUg

Key Moments:
00:00 Nicky's career in interior design, theatre and BBC television
04:03 How theatre and television influenced her residential design work
06:00 Why Nicky avoids having a signature interior design style
09:41 Bringing a client's personality into their home
11:32 Mediating between couples and discovering what clients really want
14:35 Working with architects, builders, plumbers and other trades
20:13 The logistics behind successful home renovation projects
22:44 Why 80% of interior design is making the design happen
28:32 Creating an experience through interior design
30:48 Why functionality and ergonomics come first
33:53 What clients are paying an experienced interior designer for
38:09 CNC technology, traditional joinery and modern craftsmanship
40:22 How Nicky uses AI for photorealistic interior design renders
46:46 Managing renovation decision fatigue and client expectations
51:45 Why renovation projects need a 10% to 20% contingency

Master joiner Tom has spent more than 20 years developing the precision, problem solving and traditional skills behind bespoke joinery.
In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson speaks with Tom Cottington about his journey from furniture restoration and demanding apprenticeships to complex architectural joinery at Johnson Bespoke. Tom shares lessons from restoring period furniture, learning traditional techniques and making costly mistakes that ultimately shaped his approach to craftsmanship.
They explore the precision behind staircases, doors, windows and furniture, the difference between carpentry and joinery, and the growing competition from mass produced CNC products.
It is a practical look at the skill, experience and resilience required to build bespoke work properly.

Key Topics Covered
✦ Tom Cottington’s journey into bespoke joinery
✦ Traditional furniture making and antique restoration
✦ What a demanding apprenticeship actually teaches
✦ Why problem solving is central to joinery
✦ The precision required to build staircases
✦ The difference between joinery and carpentry
✦ Traditional craftsmanship versus CNC production
✦ Why handmade joinery costs more
✦ Learning from mistakes and criticism
✦ The satisfaction of making complex work from start to finish

Check out Johnson Bespoke:
https://www.johnsonbespoke.co.uk/

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.
Check out Yours For The Making in YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUuzYPW_uJfM2B1XXRuZLUg

Key Moments:
00:00 Tom’s early obsession with making things
01:04 Furniture making, restoration and apprenticeships
07:47 The mistake that ruined a set of window sashes
12:14 Why joinery is 50 percent problem solving
18:25 Spending months learning to sand properly
19:41 Learning to build staircases
22:34 Why joiners mark timber with a knife
26:02 The three skills every complete joiner needs
27:26 Joinery versus carpentry explained
37:58 Competing with mass produced CNC joinery
41:30 Why Tom enjoys difficult projects
48:34 The appeal of complex bespoke work
55:57 Tom’s advice after 20 years in joinery