Behind every Hicks Furniture creation lies a story — one that begins in the Dublin workshop and ends in a space designed to inspire. For over a century, Hicks has been shaping Irish interiors through craftsmanship rooted in tradition and guided by innovation. Each piece, from concept to completion, embodies a process defined by The Art of Contract Furniture: Why Irish Craftsmanship Matters in Modern Hospitality, collaboration, and care.
Where Craftsmanship Begins
The journey of a Hicks piece starts long before the first timber is cut. It begins with listening — understanding a client’s vision, the purpose of the space, and the atmosphere they wish to create. Architects, designers, and developers bring ideas; Hicks brings the expertise to transform them into tangible forms that balance function, beauty, and durability.
Every design begins with sketches and technical drawings. Proportions are refined, joinery decisions are made, and materials are chosen not just for appearance but for performance. This early stage defines the identity of each piece and ensures that craftsmanship serves the client’s intent.
Materials with Meaning
Timber remains at the heart of Hicks Furniture. Oak, walnut, ash, and other fine hardwoods are carefully selected for grain, tone, and sustainability. Certified by organisations such as the FSC and PEFC, these materials carry the assurance of responsible forestry and environmental integrity. Veneers, metals, and fabrics are integrated to complement each design, achieving harmony between form and texture.
Every board that enters the Hicks workshop is evaluated by hand. Craftsmen assess its character — the subtle markings, natural curves, and tonal variations that make each piece unique. This attention to raw material quality ensures that what leaves the workshop represents the finest standards of Irish joinery.
Tradition Meets Precision
While rooted in time-honoured techniques, Hicks Furniture embraces modern precision. Computer-aided design and advanced machining deliver accuracy, while traditional hand-finishing ensures warmth and individuality. Mortise-and-tenon joints, dowel connections, and dovetail details guarantee structural integrity — practices that have defined Irish cabinet-making for generations.
The blending of old and new is not about nostalgia; it’s about trust. Clients know that behind every sleek surface and seamless joint is craftsmanship honed over eleven generations.
Collaboration at Every Stage
No two projects are the same. Whether creating a bespoke table for a restaurant, joinery for a hotel suite, or fitted cabinetry for a private residence, Hicks works closely with clients from start to finish. Design coordination meetings, progress reviews, and prototype approvals keep the process transparent. This collaborative approach allows designers to shape every detail while relying on Hicks to deliver technical excellence.
Communication extends beyond the workshop. Architects and project managers receive detailed specifications, finishes samples, and timelines — ensuring that each stage of production aligns with broader construction schedules.
The Finishing Touch
Finishing defines the character of a Hicks piece. Low-VOC lacquers, natural oils, and contract-grade coatings are applied in controlled conditions to protect both surface and structure. Each layer enhances grain depth, texture, and tone, resulting in furniture that is as tactile as it is durable.
This stage transforms raw craftsmanship into refined design — where a table becomes a focal point, a cabinet becomes architectural, and a bar front becomes a brand statement.
From Dublin Workshop to Destination Interiors
Once complete, every piece undergoes quality inspection before delivery. Packaging, logistics, and installation are handled by experienced teams who understand the importance of precision on-site. Hicks Furniture serves clients across Ireland and throughout Europe, ensuring that each installation reflects the same standards of excellence found in its Dublin workshop.
From five-star hotels to private residences, Hicks pieces are now part of environments that value authenticity and endurance. Each item carries with it the signature of its maker — a continuation of a story that began generations ago.
Craft That Endures
The journey of a Hicks piece doesn’t end with installation. Many clients return years later for refinishing or restoration, a testament to the longevity built into every design. This commitment to aftercare reflects a philosophy of sustainability — creating furniture that grows with its environment rather than replacing it.
For Hicks Furniture, craftsmanship is both an art and a responsibility. Each project reinforces the legacy of Irish design: thoughtful, functional, and enduring. From workshop to welcome, every Hicks piece is a bridge between past and future — a story in wood, shaped by hand, made to last.
References
Forest Stewardship Council. (2023). Responsible forestry and certification standards. https://www.fsc.org
National Museum of Ireland. (n.d.). 20th-century furniture: James Hicks and Sons. https://www.museum.ie
The Irish Times. (2013, June 15). The durable appeal of a prince of pastiche. https://www.irishtimes.com
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). (2024). Materials and resources credits. https://www.usgbc.org/leed
