This dining table was a commission by a lovely customer who really appreciated the time and skill involved in creating something from scratch.  The commissioning process begins with a simple chat about what is desired and required, likes, dislikes, seeing where the piece will be situated and maybe some images of things the client has seen that appeal.  From this talk a design brief is formed.  
 
The brief for this dining table was for sturdy 8-10 seater dining table, not too modern and with a stretcher for feet and the family dogs chin to rest on. 
 
After playing around with some ideas, Rachel was drawn to one of my very first sketches shown below with the small tick by its side.  From this initial sketch I worked up some quick scale models to look at the proportions in three dimensions.  Quite by accident I placed one of the frames upside down and found the shapes created could be quite striking and that a lightness and balance which improved the initial concept.
 
Another on site talk about details and the design was approved.  From this point the table progressed through the various stages shown below towards the final piece seen in the top photos in the Family's beautiful new Kitchen / diner.  Any options/details were talked through during the process of the build.  from the shape of the lower stretcher and how it met the leg frames to leg positions to suit how the table was to be used.  Once all the components were made I decided that it would be best to make the frame breakdown for any potential future requirements like moving or changing the siting of the piece.