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    In the vibrant world of urban furniture design, creativity and functionality merrily go round a common pivot. And at the centre of this playground you’ll find Gurvinder Kharood – or Guv, as most of us call him.

    As Furnitubes’ Specification Manager, Guv is one of the steady hands guiding our vision of transforming outdoor urban spaces into realms of wellbeing. With his composed demeanour and thoughtful approach, Guv embodies the careful consideration we put into every project. But who is the man behind the specs? Let’s take a seat on a Fordham bench and get to know him better.

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    The art of specification

    At first glance, ‘Specification Manager’ might sound like a role that’s steeped in technical prowess and product catalogues. But for Guv, it’s all about people. 

    “It’s a key role,” he explains, “liaising and collaborating with landscape architects and designers for construction projects.” 

    Guv sees himself as a bridge between the creative vision of designers and the practical realities of construction. Whether it’s selecting the perfect bench for a hospital garden or choosing bollards for a town centre, Guv ensures that every product not only looks right but is right for the project.

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    Learning the ropes, Furnitubes style

    When asked about advice for newcomers to the field, Guv’s approach is refreshingly hands-on.

    “Start doing the role,” he says with a twinkle in his eye. “Don’t worry about reading catalogues. Actually start responding to emails and visiting customers.”

    This practical approach reflects the Furnitubes ethos – learning by doing, making mistakes, and growing from them. It’s an environment that fosters growth and innovation, something Guv clearly appreciates. “Furnitubes has that sort of human approach,” he notes warmly.

    What stands out for Guv about working at Furnitubes? “The different types of characters,” he says without hesitation. From the design team to the factory floor, Guv paints a picture of a diverse yet united workforce, all pulling in the same direction.

    And let’s not forget the projects. With his quiet smile, Guv shares, “Every day I’m dealing with a different project, a different scheme. It could be a hospital landscape, a park, or public realm in a town centre. That’s probably my favourite thing.”

    Dreams of innovation

    If Guv had his way (and a magic wand to make him Managing Director for a day), he’d focus on innovation. “I’d have the design team draw up some new furniture,” he muses. “Not too much, maybe one more range to release within two years.” It’s this forward-thinking approach that keeps Furnitubes at the cutting edge of urban furniture design.

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    The man behind the specs

    Away from the world of urban furniture, Guv’s eyes light up when he talks about his three-year-old son. “My favourite way to spend my time is with my son and my wife,” he says with evident pride. Family holidays and new experiences are what make Guv smile the most.

    And if he could pick any job for just one day? “I would be an astronaut,” Guv laughs. “I would have to go to space.” Though he’s quick to add, with a nod to his professional instincts, “I don’t think too many people would be happy if we started drilling holes in the moon to fix furniture down.”

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    A passion for sustainability

    When our chat turns to more serious matters, Guv’s passion for sustainability shines through.

    “The environment, carbon emissions, and sustainability – those three are very important to me,” he states firmly. He sees the construction industry as having a long way to go in terms of responsible practices, but it’s clear that for Guv, and by extension Furnitubes, it’s a challenge worth tackling.

    In Guv, Furnitubes has found not just a Specification Manager, but a champion for sustainable, thoughtful urban design. His calm demeanour, people-first approach, and passion for innovation embody the very essence of what Furnitubes stands for. 

    As our chat winds down, one thing is clear: with people like Guv at the helm, the future of our urban spaces is in good hands. And who knows? Maybe one day we’ll see Furnitubes furniture on the moon after all – carefully and responsibly installed, of course.