About Hykel Design
Crafting bespoke cabinets and custom tables with passion, precision, and an unwavering commitment to quality
Meet Alexander Hykel
Hykel Design was founded by Alexander Hykel, a bespoke artisan cabinet maker based in Bristol, with a simple yet ambitious mission: to create handcrafted furniture that stands the test of time and brings genuine joy to those who use it every day.
With over 9 years of experience in woodworking and joinery, Alex combines traditional craftsmanship techniques passed down through generations with contemporary design sensibilities. The result is furniture that feels both timeless and perfectly suited to modern living – pieces that will still look beautiful and function perfectly decades from now.
Each piece of furniture that leaves my Bristol workshop represents hours of careful work, thoughtful design decisions, and a genuine passion for the craft. From the initial selection of timber – checking grain patterns, assessing color and character – through to the final application of finish, every step is performed with meticulous attention to detail.
When you commission furniture from Hykel Design, you're not just buying a product. You're investing in craftsmanship, supporting a local Bristol business, and gaining a piece that's designed specifically for you, your home, and your way of living.
My Mission & Core Values
At the heart of Hykel Design are principles that guide every decision I make, from how I source materials to how I interact with my clients. These aren't just words – they're commitments I live by in my Bristol workshop.
Uncompromising Quality
Every cabinet and table is crafted to an exceptionally high standard. I never cut corners, rush a finish, or compromise on materials. My reputation – built piece by piece – depends on consistent excellence.
Client Partnership
I believe in true collaboration. From consultation through delivery, I listen carefully to your needs, value your input, and ensure you're delighted with every decision. Your satisfaction is my success.
Environmental Care
I work exclusively with responsibly sourced hardwoods and eco-friendly materials. FSC-certified timber, minimal waste practices, and durable construction mean your furniture is kind to the planet.
Honest Integrity
Clear communication, transparent pricing, and honest advice – even when that means recommending a simpler (and less expensive) solution. My genuine passion for woodworking shows in everything I create.
The Hykel Design Journey
Discovering the Craft
Alex discovered his passion for woodworking while working with a friend's building company. The precision, creativity, and satisfaction of working with wood sparked a lifelong dedication to the craft.
Formal Training
Completed NVQ2 in Site Carpentry, formalizing skills and gaining deeper understanding of construction techniques, materials, and professional standards that form the foundation of quality work.
Industry Experience
Worked as a specialist wardrobe fitter for Sharps Bedrooms and as a carpentry subcontractor, gaining valuable experience in customer service, precision installation, and high-quality finishes.
Workshop Established
While working full time as a self-employed carpenter, Alex invested in professional tools and established a dedicated workshop in Bristol, creating the foundation for Hykel Design. The dream of an independent furniture-making business began to take shape.
Hykel Design Founded
Officially launched Hykel Design as a bespoke cabinet and table making business, focusing on custom furniture that combines traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design for discerning clients.
Growing Reputation
Hykel Design continues to grow through word-of-mouth recommendations, creating unique pieces for homes across Bristol. Every project adds to my portfolio and strengthens my commitment to excellence.
"I genuinely love working with wood and turning ideas into reality. There's nothing more satisfying than seeing a client's face light up when they see their new cabinet or table for the first time. I treat each project as if it were for my own home – with care, precision, and genuine pride in the finished result."
— Alexander Hykel, Founder
Skills, Training & Expertise
Alex brings a combination of formal qualifications, years of hands-on experience, and continuous learning to every project. This foundation ensures that whether you're commissioning a simple side table or a complex cabinet, the craftsmanship will be exceptional.
Sustainable Craft & Materials
Being environmentally conscious isn't a marketing angle for us – it's a genuine commitment that influences every aspect of how I work. I believe that beautiful furniture and responsible practices go hand in hand.
Hykel Design actively chooses sustainable materials and practices throughout my process. I work with responsibly sourced hardwoods from managed forests, use FSC-certified timber wherever possible, and select eco-friendly boards like birch plywood that minimize environmental impact without compromising quality.
In my workshop, I minimize waste through careful planning and cutting, repurpose off-cuts for smaller projects or donate them to local makers, and choose finishes with low VOC content that are safer for your home and the environment.
Perhaps most importantly, I design and build furniture with longevity in mind. A piece that lasts generations is the most sustainable furniture of all – unlike flat-pack alternatives that end up in landfill within years. When you choose Hykel Design, you're investing in furniture that's beautiful, durable, and gentle on the planet.
Why Bristol Clients Choose Hykel Design
There are many furniture makers out there. Here's what makes working with Hykel Design a uniquely positive experience for my Bristol clients.
One-to-One Service
When you commission from Hykel Design, you work directly with Alex from start to finish. No sales teams, no factory floors, no communication breakdowns. Just direct collaboration with the person who will design and build your furniture.
Local Knowledge
Based in Bristol, I understand the character of local homes – from Victorian terraces in Clifton to modern developments. I create furniture that complements your space and the architectural features that make Bristol homes special.
Reputation Matters
My business grows through recommendations. Every piece I create is an opportunity to demonstrate my commitment to quality, and I know my reputation depends on consistently exceeding expectations.
Ready to Create Something Beautiful Together?
If you're looking for a dedicated craftsman to create a bespoke cabinet, custom table, or unique piece of furniture for your Bristol home, I'd be delighted to discuss your ideas.
Every great piece starts with a conversation. Get in touch for a free, no-obligation consultation and let's explore how Hykel Design can bring your furniture vision to life.