Our workshop manager, Daniel Joseph, gives an insight into our inhouse joinery department, his path into the trade and most memorable projects.
Why did you decide to train as a joiner?
I initially wanted to be a veterinarian or architect. However, my grandad and uncles worked as a carpenter, joiners and surveyors, and when I saw what they could make with their hands, imagination and skill, I was inspired to do the same.
I worked in Halfords at the weekends and for a joinery shop during the week as a trainee from when I left school. The joinery company paid for my day release to Hammersmith & West London College where I obtained a Carpentry & Joinery NVQ Level 3 qualification with distinction. Since then, I’ve worked for both traditional joinery companies and shopfitters.
What does a typical day look like?
My role is quite dynamic and varied. On a daily basis, I liaise with suppliers, clients, site managers and surveyors, manage any issues that arise, order materials, and coordinate all production activities to meet deadlines.
My role also involves training workers, ensuring safety standards are met, implementing workshop machinery, supervising the workshop facility and job tracking.
I can often be found visiting sites to carry out surveys and measure for joinery work. I then produce digital drawings using SketchUp software in an easy-to-understand format for our clients and the workshop team.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I’m very creative, so really enjoy designing and making joinery that people appreciate and will last forever.
My grandad was one of the first people to inspire me into a joinery career. I remember asking him where his front door was from, and he told me he’d made it himself. He passed away several years ago now, but the house he lived in still has the same front door as the owners clearly appreciate the bespoke craftmanship.
What’s been your most memorable or unusual project?
I’ve got quite a few to choose from! I’ve worked on joinery products for brands including Gucci, Armani, Burberry, Body Shop, and McLaren, and created a large, oval reception desk for the Victoria and Albert Museum.
But for Thames & Newcastle, my most memorable project to date was the creation of a curved, illuminated wine cabinet for a private homeowner. It was made from oak and to fit perfectly under the stairs.
What are the main benefits of your inhouse joinery team for clients?
We can literally turn our hand to anything so can design and build whatever a client needs. For example, if someone requires elaborate Victorian skirting that’s obsolete, we can grind profiled cutters to meet exact requirements without having to rely on other specialist companies.
What would you say to others thinking about a career in joinery?
Make sure you work with a reputable company, ideally with experienced people who understand the importance of traditional techniques. Technology will open more opportunities for joiners so it would be worth exploring these options such as the use of computer numerical control (CNC) equipment which can enhance traditional processes.