Sometimes it helps to come at things from an unusual angle. That way you see new solutions to old problems. Sometimes you have to be brave to take the best of the traditional ways and disregard the rest for modern methods ­ but the results can be stunning.

Lester Hartmann is a craftsman in wood but throughout his professional life he has been called upon to find solutions to the way individual people actually want to live ­ and not the way others would impose on them.

A number of high profile barn conversions and other building projects have lead to a string of television projects which have broadened his level of expertise and won awards for their innovation and design.

The ingenious use of space is perhaps the most significant factor in all of this. Joint projects with the motor and boating industries extended the application of his work and extended the range of materials and techniques at his disposal.

Having the ideas is one thing, having the ability to carry them out is something else entirely and sound joinery skills are at the heart of all his work.

Good design coupled with the latest technology and old-fashioned craftsmanship may be a rare combination ­ but it’s a winning one.