Hi Ndmaitre: Here is a more recent thread which might help.
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?htech&1001889380&read&keyw&zzikea%20and%20rack
By going with the DIY Ikea rack, based on Caterham's (Ken's) directions, your brother's skill's may be better put to task implementing "adjustable" spikes (for the bottom of this DIY rack as well as all of the shelves) into the design. If he does lacquer work then perhaps a custom finish to suit your taste (veneering the tables may alter the sonics)?
I have found Maple (which is otherwise highly praised) to be many bricks short of a load when compared to the Neuance shelving that Ken manufactures. If the Ikea platforms/tables perform @ even 70% of the Neuance's level, then this would be a sound (as well as economical way to go).
The tables themselves are not unattractive (we have been using one for a TV stand for a couple of years), but since you have a pro in the family I'm certain that they could look even better.
If you want to go whole hog then ask your brother to design a rack which will accomodate the Neuance shelving. This would add expense as far as the shelving goes, but the way I look at it is "once it's done it's done".
Either way would be a good way to go though, IMO.
