0005 - Project E20030B - Wardrobe Design - 01
How to Design a Custom Wardrobe: A Professional Step-by-Step Process from Site Survey to Parametric CAD Drawings
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1. The Site Survey: Foundation of Every Custom Wardrobe
The process begins with a precise site survey provided by the installation team. This document includes:
A floor plan showing wall outlines (black lines) and laser-guided measurements (red lines).
Floor-to-ceiling dimensions captured with an axis laser.
Sidewall elevations highlighting socket and light-switch locations.
Scribe measurements on both sides of the opening, plus back and side clearances.
Key technique: Always identify the smallest recorded dimension (in this case 10'10" floor-to-ceiling and 14'38" above the laser line) to establish the true working size. Any significant deviation (50–100 mm) is flagged immediately to the client and fabricators. Socket positions, door clearances, and carcass-to-floor gaps are also noted for later integration.
2. Reviewing the Client Concept Drawing
The design team supplies an initial concept with client-approved details: single drawer, adjustable shelf, LED top lighting, and socket placement on one side only. At this stage, the designer checks for inconsistencies (for example, unequal scribe dimensions of 36 mm and 37 mm) and proposes refinements:
Equalise side scribes and top scribe for visual balance.
Standardise the bottom carcass gap.
Confirm all electrical elements (sockets, LED drivers, and wiring routes).
These small adjustments dramatically improve the final aesthetic without altering the client brief.
3. Creating the Parametric 3D Model
Using sketch-based parametric modelling software, the designer faithfully reproduces every survey measurement:
Centre axis aligns exactly with the laser line.
Separate sketch blocks are created for the main cabinet carcass, side scribes, rear clearance, and door face.
Each block is extruded on dedicated layers for easy control.
Critical parameters (shelf height at 964 mm, overall cabinet height, drawer depth of 500 mm) are driven by user-defined values, allowing instant updates if site conditions change.
Textures such as oak melamine MFC are applied for realistic visualisation, while all electrical components are modelled with hidden dotted lines to remind fabricators of required cut-outs and access.
4. Production Drawings That Eliminate Mistakes
The final drawing set consists of four clear pages:
Page 1 – Front elevation with all doors shown and electrical elements (sockets, LED strips, drivers) indicated in hidden lines.
Page 2 – Multiple elevations, sections, and overall dimensions with equalised scribe gaps and 120 mm shelf set-back for optimal LED down-lighting.
Page 3 – Detailed sections through drawer (Blum runners) and hinges, including parametric rebate formulas that automatically adjust for panel thickness over 16 mm.
Why This Workflow Saves Time and Money
Including the site-survey reference page as standard practice catches misread measurements or unclear handwriting before panels are cut. A simple 20-minute review prevents days of rework, remakes, or site adjustments — a lesson every cabinet maker and furniture designer learns early in their career.
This methodical, parametric approach delivers precise, client-ready custom wardrobes that fit perfectly, look professional, and are easy for workshop teams to manufacture.
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If you are a cabinet maker, interior designer, or joinery workshop looking to streamline your custom furniture workflow, adopt this checklist-driven process. It ensures accuracy, improves communication with clients, and produces flawless results every time..
