Most of my custom projects begin with a client sending me a photo with the message “Can you build me something like this?”  As was the case for this project – a financial advisor was remodeling his office and wanted a conversation table for meeting with clients.  He originally sent a picture of something that was multi-level so that he could stack important papers and brochures.

After the initial contact comes the conversation to glean project details.  I learned that not only did Keith want something with the right look (interesting, modern, clean) but it had to fit in his office comfortably with room for chairs and up to 3 people.  Sometimes the table would provide an inviting seating and discussion area.  Other times it would be used to spread out papers.  We decided together that instead of fixed shelving levels, we would design a table that could easily be reconfigured from multi-level to single flat level.

Once we had agreed upon the concept, I worked on detailed design drawings and electronic product mock-ups to flush out the desired shape.  As we circled in on the organic “bean” shape, I built a cardboard mock-up and took it to Keith’s office so he could get a feel for the size of the table in his space.  The mock-up also helped us determine the best height of the table so that people could comfortably reach for a cup of coffee or sign a paper.  Our final decision had to do with the type of wood based on the desired color and figure of the wood grain that worked well with Keith’s other office furnishings.

Here is a view of the finished product:

From the close-up, you can see that the top “bean” simply rests on top with padded feet.  It is heavy enough to remain in place but very simple to tuck it under the table if maximum surface area of the main level is required for spreading out papers.

I hope you will agree that the finished product is visually stunning as well as highly functional.