Primary Structures is a design-led furniture and joinery company based in Leyton, East London, founded by me, Robin Shepherd.

I chose the name Primary Structures for the company as a subtle reference to my original training as an artist, in 2005 I graduated from Chelsea School of Art with a BA in Fine Art, Sculpture. Primary Structures was a group exhibition in the Jewish Museum in New York City in 1966, it’s considered the first show in which the artistic movement ‘Minimalism’ was established.

My work organically moved towards creating and building interiors and furniture, culminating in establishing Primary Structures in 2018. My background influences how I now work with individual clients, interior designers and architecture practices by bringing a considered perspective to the design process, as well as intuitive and detail oriented approach to the production process. This makes for a unique outlook on design and the craft of furniture making.

We regularly work with award winning architecture practices and interior designers, we recently worked on Emil Eve Architects’ Aden Grove project which won the Don’t Move, Improve! Home of the Year + Materiality and Craftsmanship award, amongst others in 2024. We have fitted retail spaces in world renowned department stores such as Harrods, Liberty London and Selfridges. We have also fitted out entire stores including the flagship store for L’estrange (Coals Drop Yard, Kings Cross, London) Sunspel (Mayfair, London) and Earl of East (Regents Street, London).

I now work from a fully equipped workshop in Leyton with a small team of makers, we produce bespoke fitted furniture such as wardrobes and kitchens as well as working with brands to create retail spaces. We use top spec hardware and finishes to ensure the furniture you invest in will be used and enjoyed for many years to come.