Fiona & Paul. A trimmer and a boat builder.
Swish Customs is run by Fiona Powell, a marine and automotive upholsterer trimming since 1995, with her partner Paul, a boat builder by trade, on the woodwork, fitting and everything that has to be square before the upholstery goes on.
Small on purpose
Every job goes through our own hands, from the first photo you send to the last fixing. That’s the point of a small workshop.
Fiona Powell
Trimmer & ownerMarine and automotive upholsterer since 1995. Fiona patterns, cuts and sews everything that leaves the workshop, and is known for carrying a signature detail, the star from her marine canopies, through to the vans and cars she trims. Lifelong VW owner; the workshop van is her own T6.1.
Paul
Boat builder & fitterA boat builder by trade, Paul handles the woodwork, bases, frames and fitting: bed frames re-welded to height, ply panels hand-routed, brackets designed and made. If the upholstery sits perfectly, it’s usually because the structure underneath does.
Our own van, on the cover spread.
VWt ran an eight-page feature on Fiona’s T6.1, a long-wheelbase van bought to carry two e-bikes that turned into a full camper build, with the seats, bed, cushions, panels and storage bags all trimmed in the workshop and the woodwork by Paul.
Lots of unique, bespoke furniture and upholstery. Nothing off the shelf, and all of it removable.
- Twin swivel captain’s seats in black leather & carbon Alcantara
- Pull-out bed converted to a removable bench
- Marine-grade textured vinyl panels with a star motif
- Storage bags on the quarter panels and barn door
Three things we won’t compromise on
Pattern from the real thing
Never a template. Your seats, your hull, your panels, marked up and patterned so the fit is exact.
The right material for the job
Marine-grade where it lives outside, automotive leather and wool where it lives inside. Samples in your hand before you decide.
Finished means finished
Fitted, checked and handed back complete, with the structure underneath as good as the trim on top.
Come and see the workshop.
Visits by appointment. Bring the boat, the van, or just a few photos and a fabric idea. Hevingham, Norwich, Norfolk, NR10.
Tell us about your boat or vehicle.
A couple of photos and a rough idea of what you’re after is plenty to start. We’ll come back to you with options, materials and an honest estimate.