Meet Seb, the founder of Bou London.
Where it all started.
For me, design has always been an itch I needed to scratch. I love drawing on napkins at dinner parties. I’m always thinking about how things around me could be designed better.
When I was little, I’d build with Lego. I’d made airfix models as well, but these weren’t enough on their own . I’d make scenery out of balsa wood and plastic sheets. I’d even heat up my mum’s kitchen knives to use them to sculpt scenery out of polystyrene packaging. I wouldn’t recommend trying this, if I were you.
I’m lucky I discovered my love of architecture when I was young. Probably like any child, I always had an innocent curiosity about the world around me. As I grew older, and finally qualified as an architect, I loved seeing carefully conceived plans come to life. For me, the joy of my job is turning a design into reality. I love watching people’s reactions to simple good design. I like things that work, and make life a bit more joyful, without being showy.
I started working from home in about 2018 and worked at a rickety old fold-out dining table. Even though my work was designing gorgeous bespoke furniture and kitchens, I was conceiving it from a battered, wobbly desk. All my work stuff had to be hidden away every time someone came over for dinner. It sounds bizarre now, looking back.
The idea for something Bou.
Whenever I go out into the world I see inspiration. I love looking inside as well as out. I can’t go for a walk without stopping to take pictures of a building or place I like the look of. On an evening walk past a midcentury furniture shop I stopped to peer through the welcoming shopfront, and started to wonder if I could design something for myself.
The very first Bou desk came together slowly, from initial scribbles, to a quirky, different-looking fold out desk. The first maker involved was unsure, and our first prototype didn’t match my idea perfectly. I had no desire to sell it or make money, I just wanted somewhere to work. My new, imperfect desk did attract a lot of compliments though. And because of it, I suddenly had loads more space.
Whenever I had friends over for dinner it became a talking point. That’s a nice desk. Where’d you get it? Can I steal it? My brother Garen, an engineer, wanted one too. I was surprised and flattered by the feedback, but I didn’t think it was good enough, so we looked at every single component in turn, and made little changes to improve the design.
When the time came for a second build, I didn’t skimp on the process. I worked with the best maker I could find, and played with every part of the design, loving the journey.
Everything changes, but Bou.
My brother Garen is a product design engineer with over 70 patents to his name. After my first prototype proved the desk could work, he became my biggest source of encouragement, and constructive criticism. He started helping me with the next prototype Bou desk, playing with all the different parts of the desk and developing the idea. Together, we worked on how to simplify and improve the design, ensuring minimal tolerances and perfectly aligned components. Everything had to fit together perfectly.
As interest in the desk grew, we also began working with different colours and materials, and powdercoat finishes. I want every Bou desk to be as personal as possible, just as it was for me. Throughout the journey, my friends and family have been a huge support. Thanks to them, I carried on carving out the time to pursue Bou desks despite already having a full-time job, and kept improving until we had an incredible second prototype. Every part, every pin, every piece was carefully considered to be beautifully functional.
Thank you for all the love
We decided to try advertising on Instagram, and within 3 hours the second prototype had sold. At this point I panicked a bit. I hadn’t expected to sell anything and withdrew the advert immediately to embark on more prototyping. Thanks to my wonderful friend Chris Smith of Rodriguez & Smith, we developed a brand identity and logo. Chris was tragically killed last year, but I feel lucky the Bou brand is part of his legacy.
And my desire is to keep going, to keep improving other kinds of furniture around me. I’m now developing new concepts for other types of furniture, and continuing to work with the best makers, Richard and Justin, to bring the next thing to life for our customers. Hearing people’s reaction to the desk is my favourite thing. I love how much it means to people.
I’m having a challenging but fun journey to becoming a founder, and constantly asking myself, how can we improve a design, how can it look even more beautiful, how can we better serve our customers? Every time I see one of our desks helping someone have more space, or better design in their home, I feel a massive sense of achievement. It feels amazing.
“I’ve got all the storage space I need, and it fits really well in my living room. It’s an amazing idea.” Helene
“I’m a firm believer in furniture for the long-term – every single part of the desk is considered and versatile.” Grainne
“With this desk, we can have guests to stay, we can keep things safe from little hands. It’s multifunctional and a beautiful piece of furniture in its own right.” Mark
We’re Bou London. We care about detail, slow production, and making beautiful furniture that you can’t find anywhere else.
Every part of your Bou desk is expertly made by hand. We care about your desk, giving it a unique number, and tailor-made details to fit your personal style.
Stay small, keep beauty in furniture, and organise your space better. Be Bou.
BROWSE OUR RANGE OF FOLDING DESKS
Hand-made in Britain, full-size desks that fold away when you’re done for the day. Available in two sizes. Crafted from steel, Valchromat panels, and a choice of coloured lacquers or engineered woods.