About Handspring Design
We design and make timber structures that respond to their landscape and the people who use them
Our Story
Founded in 2005, Handspring Design emerged from a passion for timber and a commitment to creating a sustainable business making structures that enhance their environment. Based at Ecclesall Woods Sawmill in Sheffield, we combine traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design to create unique timber structures.
Early on Handspring merged the skills of Graeme Ritchie and Scot Fletcher to form a partnership and then Limited company. We had both left other jobs with the desire to be more practical and creative in our daily work lives while being as ecologically minded as possible.
After moving to Ecclesall Woods the business grew, absorbing the skills of a recently graduated architect Joe Tenner, who still works remotely in a design capacity, and other apprenticed craftspeople. It's the kind of business at an amazing location that people gravitate towards, and over the last 20 years we have been blessed to have some amazing craftspeople—both male and female—find and work with us.
Most stay for years, but eventually everything changes and in its latest incarnation Scot is still at the helm but with a relatively new workshop, design and support team.
Our Values
Sustainability
We use FSC certified UK timber and sustainable practices throughout our process, from sourcing to construction.
Quality
Every piece is handmade in our workshop using traditional joinery techniques that ensure structures last for generations.
Community
We create spaces that bring people together, enhancing public spaces and private gardens across the UK.
People
The skilled craftspeople and collaborators behind Handspring Design
Whilst I design and manage all of what we do, being on the tools doing complex precise woodwork is what gives me most joy.
Needs to be outside, particularly if there is a sniff of sunshine! Enjoys the physicalness of working with big timbers, working in a team and has amazing stamina for sticking with tasks.
Loz Lewis. Likes a challenge and a logical set of tasks that he can get absorbed in.
Currently the youngest member of the team, but we are likely to have a new apprentice so that will change. Fionn has finished an apprenticeship with us and is becoming a very well rounded carpenter, who needs to be always busy.
Joe has spent quite a few years in the workshop but now lives away and so does design remotely. He is a 3D wizard and can turn any of my complex sketch ideas into solid appealing visuals and workshop drawings.
We have been working with Wayne and Steve from the beginning and they do all our steel fabrication. careful, precise and always ready to problem solve.
Very experienced carpenter and collaborator on some of our more complex jobs and also makes amazing doors and windows which fit into our domestic projects.
Supports the business and keeps the boxes crossed.
A relatively new design addition, Joe has an engineering and timber framing background and his knowledge and experience of this has been a great addition to the team.
Our Work Across the UK
A selection of projects from across the country, showcasing the breadth of our work from Scotland to the South Coast.
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Projects
Sustainability
Sustainability isn't just a buzzword for us – it's at the heart of everything we do. From sourcing local FSC certified timber to minimizing waste in our workshop, we're committed to responsible practices.
Our structures are designed to last, using natural finishes that allow the timber to age gracefully and blend harmoniously with their surroundings. We believe in creating pieces that tread lightly on the earth while serving communities for generations.
Read Our Full Sustainability Commitment
Ready to Start Your Project?
Let's discuss how we can bring your vision to life in timber