Close understanding of the process of manufacture lies at the heart of Charles Rutherfoord's furniture design. The wide range of materials employed comes from collaborating with cabinet makers, steel workers, upholsterers and glass workers.

Major commisions include collections for a dacha near Moscow and a 19th Century house in Portland, Oregon. Other pieces have been commisioned for houses throughout the world.

Furniture designs are enhanced by an understanding of the past that was gained researching and cataloguing furniture at Christie's. His furniture has been exhibited in London, New York, Tokyo and Milan.