We are Dual Works
We are
Makers
Innovative
Experts
Dual Works
Dual Works is an independent design studio and workshop in the Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham. We’re focused on the design and production of custom interiors, objects and furniture.
Design
At the heart of our work is the harmony between designing and making. We’re here to create innovative design solutions that answer your project objectives. We have the knowledge, creativity and experience to transform your vision into a unique reality.
Expertise
We are expert makers with over 50 years of combined experience in 3D design, object making and furniture design. We carefully consider process and materials alongside context and function to create custom furniture and objects for any interior space.
Materials
We have a wide breadth of knowledge working across a range of materials including wood, composites, plastic and metals. We aim to ensure minimal waste in the way we use materials and use surplus materials to make our limited-edition homewares collection.
“ We were really pleased when Dual Works agreed to design and build a kitchen for an extension to our home. We have always admired Zoe and Steve’s creativity, use of colour and playfulness and were confident that they would deliver something unique to enhance the new space. Which they did in spades! Not only is the end product everything that we had hoped for, but the process was inclusive, comprehensive and of course fun. They delivered to the agreed schedule but were also flexible when our build timetable overran. One thing that you can’t so easily tell from photos and computer-generated images is the production quality – everything is beautifully made and exceptionally well-finished.”
David Woodbine and Bruce Badrock
Co-founders Five Acre Barn
“Teaming up with Zoe, Steve, and the team at Dual Works was an absolute delight. Their friendly, collaborative approach made the whole relationship feel like a breeze. From concept to creation, their professionalism and creativity shone through. The bespoke portable units they crafted for our digital innovation centre were beautifully crafted with an eye for detail that brings a sense of joy to interacting with their creations.
But what truly stood out was their collaborative spirit – it felt like a partnership, not just a transaction. Dual Works is the go-to for top-notch custom furniture and expertly crafted objects. A five-star experience, hands down, I can’t wait to work with them again.”
Harry Conway
Innovation Manager, STEAMhouse
“Being listened to is a privilege and so I really enjoyed our initial conversations about what I was trying to create as a feeling as much as a finished object. Zoe and Steve really heard what I was trying to do and didn't try to create a solution on the spot. Working iteratively with them meant that I could see progress and that the design could be finessed just for me.
The care and attention to detail meant that I now have a stitching tool called Connect More, there are so many applications for it which I will be researching in my MA and in my practice this year. But of course it is about much more than that. I feel that Zoe and Steve have set me on the right road of believing in myself so that every stitch has the ability to make a difference”
Tina Francis
Tapestry Artist
“Working with Dual Works to expand our exhibition space with vertical screens / display boards has been simple, straight forward and an absolute pleasure.
Their creative solutions to design and budget has ensured our exhibition area functions seamlessly with our existing showcases. The display solution makes installation quick and effective and allows for a variety of configurations depending on the display required which has really enhanced the space.
A great team to work with and a high-quality result”
Claire Price
Course Lead - BA (Hons) Jewellery and Silversmithing – Design for Industry
Birmingham College of Jewellery, Fashion and Textiles
“Dual Works has completed three design and build projects for us so far, including a home gym, a wine cellar and a home office. Zoe and Steve were brilliant from start to finish each time, carefully translating our broad ideas and themes into high-quality, functional solutions which look amazing and make great use of our space.
As well as being fantastic craftsmen they're great fun to work with, finishing on time and in line with budgets, and we're already planning our next project with them!!”
Anka & Jon Addis
“We have known Zoe and Steve for several years now they are some of the warmest and most friendly people you could wish to meet. So when it came time to add some new furniture to our Store in the Great Western Arcade, we didn't have to think about who would do this project it was always going to be Dual Works.
They took our brief and made sense of it! They spent time making sure what would work in our space, and be practical for our needs. Also, we really like that they sourced great material from UK suppliers, this was all delivered on time and on the budget.
We wouldn't hesitate to recommend Dual Works and use them for future projects.”
Matt Rose
Director at Glimpse Opticians'
“Dual Works were commissioned to design and create the exhibition build for our national touring exhibition We are Commoners.
Zoe and Steve responded to our brief and the themes and ethos of the exhibition with creativity and practicality. They devised a visual identity in collaboration with the exhibition’s graphic designer that referenced ideas of play, DIY and reuse. The build they have created is a clean aesthetic but striking which is important to mark out Craftspace’s work in the various tour venues. It is also practical and robust for touring; easily packed down, stored or transported and assembled. The best thing is it is all reusable or recyclable!
Zoe and Steve were a pleasure and fun to work with too, making the whole process enjoyable.”
Emma Daker
Exhibitions and Project Development Manager Craftspace
“For Sense, working with DualWorks has been an absolute dream. Our work supports people who are deafblind or have complex disabilities to communicate, experience the world and fulfil their potential.
It’s wonderful to work with a partner who shares our vision of a world where everyone can take part in life, no matter their disability. This partnership has helped us to translate our sensory practice into the environments we have created for children who are deafblind or have complex disabilities. This ranges from tactile carriers, braille pegboards and sensory play stations right through to the gorgeous home pods we can turn into tents, story spaces or fill with sensory lights, music, scent and fabrics.
Feedback from parents who bring their children to Sense sessions has been so positive. Spaces are safe, welcoming and far removed from clinical spaces they may have experienced. You get a sense of calm joy when you walk into our new children’s studios. That is down to DualWorks partnership delivering on our shared vision for these spaces.
We are so delighted with the way this partnership has developed to create furniture for Sense Hub Loughborough, with more to come!”
Rachel Perrin
Associate Director: Operational Programmes at Sense
“When we initially approached the Dual Works to undertake work for us at the Coffin Works, our brief was basic and safe, but Zoe and Steve’s vision brought it to life. They got us thinking and enabled us to be more creative, developing our brief so that it was more than just functional. This came from a true passion for what they do but also an appreciation of who we are.
Their approach is the perfect blend of personal and professional, but more than anything else, they care about getting the right results for their clients. They are our ‘go to’ design team and their quality and consistency has secured them multiple projects with us. I couldn’t recommend them more highly.”
Sarah Hayes
Coffin Works Museum Manager
“We have really enjoyed working again with Dual Works for the design and installation of our office furniture, they are such a talented team, and they really listened to us to understand how we work and operate to be able to make bespoke for this.
They show brilliant attention to detail, precision, innovative ideas, and flexibility to accommodate work hours and patterns. Dual Works really go above and beyond to achieve a fantastic finish and feel, as well as a joyful personable service. We always look forward to working with them, and hope to collaborate again together soon”
Anna Parker
Founding director of Intervention Architecture Ltd