Creative: Paul Cunningham; Q & A

Huddersfield Daily Examiner (Huddersfield, England), Oct 27, 2008

Age: 39.

Where are you from? I live in Linthwaite, I've lived in the Colne Valley pretty much for the last 22 years.

Describe what you do... Design and manufacture all types of furniture for all denominations of churches. These days I use computer design software to illustrate a range of ideas and suggestions to customers. I am very interested in computer aided design and I'm studying part time for a Masters Degree at the University of Huddersfield.

Howdid you get into it? I did a foundation course in Art and Design at Huddersfield Technical College which led to a BA in 3D Design, specialising in furniture, at Manchester Polytechnic - now Manchester Metropolitan University. From there I set up a business to make bespoke furniture. To help me get started, I was fortunate to receive an award from the Prince's Youth Trust. Within the first couple of years, I was advised to explore the market working with churches by Fr Richard Giles, who was the vicar of St Thomas' Church, Longroyd Bridge, Huddersfield at that time.

What inspires you in your work?

Architecture. I enjoy looking round old and new church buildings, picking out features that I can influence my designs. You can design and make something in keeping without it being a reproduction. Function is also really important. It's not enough that something looks like it works, it exists to be used. Wood has entirely predictable behaviours and the skill is to use this to your advantage. I only work with hardwoods obtained from sustainable sources.

What's the best thing about what you do? Every day is different and I get to meet some lovely communities and people all around the country. Making things in memory of a loved one and seeing their relatives smile gives me a buzz.

What do you like best about being based around here? The landscape, the people and I have a good timber supplier in Lockwood. It's also handy being situated in the middle of Britain, because I travel all over the country visiting churches, chapels, schools and religious communities.

What's your ultimate aim? It would be nice to design something for a big name church like York Minster or export further than Guernsey!

Contact www.churchfurniture.co.uk