Bespoke service
Three decades of trust. A lifetime of meaning.
At David Harber, our bespoke service lies at the heart of our identity. With over thirty years of sculptural expertise, we’ve earned the trust of discerning private clients, corporations and institutions around the world. Our bespoke designs are deep collaborations with the client, imagined and crafted in careful response to the people and places they are destined for.
We invite you to join us on a journey of discovery to create a work of art for your home, or a public or commercial space. These site-specific artworks we are entrusted to create are timeless, rooted in the process of creativity and craftsmanship. Bound in the narrative of place and imagination, each design unfolds through meaningful dialogue and a journey of discovery.
A Bespoke Sculpture
Made for you, and you alone
A custom sculpture instantly elevates a garden by adding a one-of-a-kind centrepiece. A living monument to your creative vision.
Individual expression
A custom design can reflect the personality, values and style of your home or project. Tell a story that resonates with the space your piece will inhabit.
Celebrate British craftsmanship
Commissioning a piece supports skilled artisans and heritage crafts, and you become part of a creative, collaborative process, which is deeply rewarding.
Emotional Connection and legacy
Bespoke sculpture becomes a sentimental heirloom – a piece to pass on to future generations.
Lasting impressions
Art naturally invites curiosity and dialogue. Curate a place of social and cultural intrigue with a bespoke design.
The key stages of our bespoke service
Discovery
• Client consultation.
• Brief agreed and signed off.
• Initial Design Fee Paid. Design fee
is £2,500, depending on the scale and
complexity of the project (this charge
does not apply to returning clients).
• Design Brief signed off by client.
Design Development
• Client selection of designs.
• Indicative budget provided.
• Development, engineering and
final costings.
• Deposit Paid.
• General Assembly drawing sign-off.
Production
• Estimated 20-40 weeks.
• Skilled craftsmanship and
detailed finishing.
• Site inspection for installation.
• Communication and support throughout.
This is subject to the complexity of each design and will change for large-scale commercial projects.
Design Process
Discovery
This is a detailed meeting where we explore not only your aesthetic vision and your space, but also the atmosphere you may aspire to create. We will establish what your intentions and aspirations are for the piece, as well as ask about the aesthetic considerations and material preferences that you would like. This can take the form of a face-to-face meeting or online over Zoom. The outcome of this phase is a detailed brief, signed off by both parties.
Design
In a second face-to-face or Zoom meeting, several design concepts will be presented to you in a document supported by hand-drawn sketches, curated material palettes, and tactile studies to ensure the final design is suitable for its intended environment. CGI visuals and animated renders will also be provided to help visualise how each design will inhabit your space. We will also provide an indicative cost of each concept.
“The personal inscription was a wonderful thing. Our Armillary Sphere has been a key central focal point in our yard, just attracting anyone who comes here. It ‘magnetically’ draws them over to see it.”
Private client, Berkshire, UK
Development and engineering
Once the concept design has been selected, our team of engineers begin an intensive development process, working closely with the design team to produce comprehensive engineering drawings, while exploring all mechanical and electrical requirements to establish accurate costings. At this stage, before the piece goes into production, we confirm the commission, the deposit is paid, and the General Assembly drawings are signed.
Production
Our team of in-house specialists now bring your design to life. From procurement and production, through to finishing and installation, every detail is delivered with exacting attention to detail. The production phase of our bespoke process typically spans 20 to 40 weeks, depending on the complexity of the design and materials chosen. Our team will maintain clear, responsive communication to keep you and any relevant parties fully informed and supported throughout.
Bespoke designs typically start from £50,000. However, if you have a budget in mind, do get in touch.
Personalised inscriptions
Should you prefer to commission one of our classic pieces, your David Harber will be truly unique to you. If you would like to add a personalised inscription, we will work closely with you to achieve your desired design.
Bespoke Works
Get in touch
Whether you’ve decided on a piece or you just want to sound out an aspect of our work, please get in touch with our team to discuss your needs.
Technical information
With over 30 years of experience in international deliveries, our team can advise and support you with the technicalities of packaging and shipping your artworks to you, wherever you are in the world.
All commissions for the UK mainland are delivered and installed by our professional installation team based in Oxfordshire. They will undertake any necessary alignment, calibration and other mechanical fine-tuning. We will advise you well in advance if other qualified personnel are needed, such as an electrician.
For projects outside of the UK, installation can be arranged at additional cost.
This depends on the sculpture’s size and placement. During the discovery stage of the bespoke service, we will troubleshoot any planning or local regulations that may impact the design and location of the final piece.
With over 30 years of experience in international deliveries, our team can advise and support you with the technicalities of packaging and shipping your artworks to you, wherever you are in the world.
All commissions for the UK mainland are delivered and installed by our professional installation team based in Oxfordshire. They will undertake any necessary alignment, calibration and other mechanical fine-tuning. We will advise you well in advance if other qualified personnel are needed, such as an electrician.
For projects outside of the UK, installation can be arranged at additional cost.
We take great care in making sure that your commission is installed safely, and exactly how you envisioned it. We can help advise if security is of a particular concern.
If you choose a David Harber artwork, you’ll have a dedicated team at your disposal who can offer advice at every stage of the process. We work closely with you to make sure you get exactly what you want. Whether it’s a striking piece of wall art, a focal point to structure a
large garden, or a freestanding water feature to add tranquillity and peace to an intimate outdoor space.
If you’re looking to commission a piece of garden art, a water feature, or a sundial, we have a stunning portfolio of luxury artworks to fuel your imagination. Order a brochure to begin turning your dream of owning a David Harber design into reality.
The price for a bespoke design will vary, depending on your requirements. If you have a budget in mind, our team can offer advice. To contact us, email enquiries@davidharber.com.
Download a brochure
