Before joining Waters & Acland, Aidan Donovan was already thinking deeply about design, but it was through our two-term Designer Maker course that his ideas were given a practical and refined outlet. Based in Manchester, Aidan now runs a successful studio producing narrative-driven furniture built to last, blending modernist principles with the charm of folk-art and vernacular forms.

“I am a narrative-focussed furniture designer and maker using sustainably-sourced, British timber to make beautiful pieces for the modern home,” Aidan writes. His work is known for combining strong visual identity with subtle, personal storytelling. Whether through bespoke commissions or small-batch production, each piece he creates is designed with longevity, meaning, and hand-crafted detail in mind.

Training at Waters & Acland gave Aidan the foundation to build his own distinctive practice.

he says — an experience that sharpened his skills and shaped his commitment to quality craftsmanship and sustainability. Like many mature students, Aidan came to the course with a clear sense of direction, and his time with us helped turn that creative clarity into a tangible career.

Since graduating, Aidan has exhibited at leading design shows including London Design Week, the Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair, and the Cheltenham Celebration of Craftsmanship & Design, where he was Highly Commended for New Talent. He also took second place in the prestigious Alan Peters Award for Excellence in 2021.

Aidan’s work has been featured in World of Interiors, Living Etc, The Woodworker, and Country Living: Modern Rustic—a reflection of the unique aesthetic he’s developed since his time in the Lakes. Every piece tells a story, and every story is grounded in the tactile beauty of British hardwoods and timeless techniques.

The Amphora Cabinet was a private commission designed to discreetly store a treasured watch collection — completely hidden inside a fully functioning lamp. It’s an incredible piece and a testament to how far Aidan has come in his professional career as a furniture maker.

To see more of Aidan’s work, visit his website — aidandonovan.co.uk — or give him a follow on Instagram: @aidandonovan.design