Being a new business, we have spent the last few years developing our identity and portfolio. This began with a choice of name, one we settled on outside a pub named the Seaview. A great pub, although ironically on this occasion the harbour view was interrupted by a series of vans belonging to tradies, probably enjoying a few pints after a day's work. Amongst sea glimpses, we chose Stratum Designs and our journey into modern marquetry began.

Being very new to this, it appears that we made an oversight. I am reminded of a humorous story that was relayed to me during a Ski trip in Tignes, a resort in the French Alps at an elevation of 2100 metres.

A bunch of friends decide to go Skiing and travel by coach from the UK. (Sadly, I don’t recall the name of their chosen resort). Boarding at Bristol bus station, they are full of anticipation for the crisp white slopes and the unmistakable clean air found at altitude. Their journey is long, but at its end results in immediate concern. Disembarking the coach, they stand on the hot tarmac, surprised by the heat being radiated. They observe ice cream vendors, a lightly dressed chap selling sombreros, and most importantly their elevation. Approximately one metre above sea level. The beach, a stone's throw away.

The location is wrong. Someone booked tickets to a destination with a name very similar to the place with their alpine aspirations. I guess this meant a change in holiday experience, or some new tickets.

It was our journey, working towards the 2024 Surface Design Show that shone a light on our choice of name. During the run up to the show, their media team created a social media about us, but they linked it to a different company - Stratum Design. No ‘s’. They are based in Madrid and make decorative wall hangings depicting various popular skylines. Neat, but not us, or what we do. 

The team at SDS were informed, and the post rectified. This raised immediate concern and illustrated how easily we could be overlooked in a google search. It prompted us to consider a change of name. 

The SDS gave us great exposure, and has presented a range of directions that our marquetry might explore. Amongst many conversations, we spoke with the Contract Flooring Journal publication, individuals that expressed great interest in our Marquet Parquet product, representatives of interior design studios who enquired about the possible applications for our product and fashion designers with eyes for jewellery, couture and shoes decorated with our marquetry. These conversations developed into projects, and have become a very real direction for us.  

We realised that a name change was not a problem, rather a positive move. The choice would better reflect our projects and activities, making what we do clearer to others around us. Ultimately, the business would make more sense to new clients.

It's the marquetry that makes us who we are. The character it brings to the table top. The ability to personalise its appearance. That is why we settled on Stratum Marquetry. A name with focus and clear intention.

We are not where we thought we were, but realise where we actually are. Stratum Marquetry will allow us to fully develop a limited range of furniture. And in conjunction with what we have learned, will be able to present this to the right people, and in the best light. 

We are at the beach.