Stephen Clark talks with Robin Johnson on “Yours for the making”

Furniture designer Stephen Clark from Clark & Co joins Robin Johnson for a detailed look at how real product design works behind the glossy brochures. Stephen explains the journey from university projects to designing mass market furniture for major retailers and then shifting into high end bespoke manufacturing. He talks openly about the pressure of designing for different budgets, why accessible good design matters, and how storytelling and communication shape every product that reaches a customer. This conversation breaks down the creative process, the reality of British manufacturing, the rise of AI in design, and the responsibility designers carry when their work ends up in thousands of homes. It is a practical and honest guide for makers, designers and anyone who wants to understand how furniture is really made.

Key Topics Covered

How Stephen Clark found his way into furniture design

What retail design actually involves and how budgets shape everything

The difference between designing for Argos, Homebase and Next Transitioning into bespoke, handmade, high end furniture

Starting Clark and Co and building a design business from scratch

The importance of understanding the customer journey

How storytelling, photography and marketing drive sales

Balancing creative vision with manufacturing constraints

How AI and augmented reality are changing product design

Why communication is the most important design skill Stephen’s vision for future British design and commercial ranges

Stephen Clark, founder of Clark & Co, speaks with Robin Johnson on his “Yours for the making” podcast.