ShoparoundJoseph Walsh has made a name for himself producing furniture with curves that mirror the human form. Recent commissions include work for hotels, liturgical furniture for a number of churches and work for the Japanese Embassy in Dublin.

Organic forms, Irish woods and attention to comfort are the key concerns, according to Joseph, who combines artistic design with quality craftsmanship to create striking pieces.

"Comfort is the primary concern. We take the human form and work around it" he explains. The 25-year-old designer began his career in traditional furniture-making, specialising in Irish farmhouse-style designs. But travelling exposed him to different techniques and designs.

"Inspired by the boat building techniques of Scandinavia along with ambitious forms created by leading designer/makers, I began to find my own individual path."

Joseph works predominantly with native Irish hardwoods such as oak, ash, elm and sycamore as well as rare native timbers olive ash and rippled sycamore.

Connemara marble and precious metals also feature in some pieces.

The furniture is made using traditional cabinet-making techniques, wood-working methods used in boat-building and a range of home-developed techniques.

One of his signature pieces is the Chaise Longue (€7,500), which is sculpted to the human figure and made to support the body evenly for complete relaxation.

Another very popular design is the Figure of Six Chair, which costs €2,500. The curious and innovative design is made from one piece of woodJoseph is founder of Create, a group of 20 Irish contemporary furniture makers. His work will be on display at the Interior Design Show 2005 in the Main Hall of the RDS this weekend. It will have over 60 exhibits.

Joseph Walsh Furniture, Fartha, Riverstick, Co Cork, 021-4771759, www.josephwalshb