Sometimes, the spark of creativity is born out of sheer frustration. In the case of Samuel Souter, founder of srgs woodwork, that frustration came from a career spent advising on planning applications for historic buildings. Searching for something more practical and creative, he found himself drawn to the world of woodworking. What began with timber-frame building repairs soon evolved into a passion and a successful craft business.
A Leap into Woodworking
Samuel’s journey officially began in December 2019 when he enrolled in a five-day beginners’ woodworking course in Upton-on-Severn. With little more than a passing familiarity with tools, and an “I wasn’t even competent at DIY!” admission, he took a leap of faith. By early 2020, Samuel had made the switch to woodworking full-time, coinciding with the first Covid lockdowns. This unexpected timing gave him a rare year to hone his skills without external pressure.
Looking back, he says it’s taken a few years to discover a style he’s proud of, but he constantly reassesses his work and finds ways to improve, something all designer-makers can likely relate to.
Inspirations, Challenges, and Milestones
When asked about the source of his ideas, Samuel points to an overload of visual inspiration, Instagram, Pinterest, even the architects’ drawings from his previous job. A standout design choice for him is the subtle “shadow-gap,” where the tabletop is slightly lifted above the leg frame to cast a slim line of shadow, often seen in modern architecture.
Samuel’s favourite medium is English Walnut. Its workable nature and the ever-unfolding surprises in its grain make it a consistent favourite in his workshop.
He started small, with boxes, trays, and chopping boards. But a request to build a side table changed everything. As daunting as it felt at first, making a piece of furniture, not just an accessory, success boosted his confidence to tackle larger, more complex projects.
Highlights and Learning Curves
“Every show or one-day event that goes well feels like a highlight,” Samuel says. And while there haven’t been any catastrophic disasters so far, there’s always the possibility of mistakes. Those, he believes, are part of the creative process.
The Workshop Routine
Location, Location
Samuel currently works out of a small detached workshop in north-east Herefordshire. If all goes according to plan, he’ll soon be relocating near Tenbury Wells, on the Herefordshire/Worcestershire border.
Daily Life
Being self-employed gives him the freedom to fit in school runs, hop on his bike when the weather’s nice, and make up time later in the workshop. Mornings and afternoons are punctuated by freshly ground coffee (and the odd cup of tea), fuelling him through tasks that vary from precision cutting to finishing and oiling.
Music and Motivation
Whether he’s fine-tuning a finish or assembling a new piece, music is always playing. Jazz is a big favourite, especially since it’s “strongly discouraged in the house”, Samuel jokes, so the workshop becomes his personal concert hall. Podcasts, on the other hand, take too much focus to really enjoy while measuring or sawing.
Where to find srgs woodwork
You can explore more of Samuel’s craftsmanship online, where he showcases his blend of practical design and aesthetic elegance:
Website: srgswoodwork.com
Instagram: @srgs_woodwork
From office-bound frustration to crafting beautifully designed furniture and accessories, Samuel’s story reminds us of what can happen when we pursue our passions. His woodworking journey - built on curiosity, determination, and a willingness to learn - serves as proof that it’s never too late to pivot toward something more fulfilling. Whether you’re drawn to the warmth of English Walnut or the subtle elegance of his shadow-gap detail, Samuel is a testament to chasing the right kind of inspiration,and finding it in the unlikeliest of places.
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