Rupert Taylor – Principle
With nearly four decades of professional experience, I specialise in bespoke cabinetry, fine joinery, and high-quality fitted furniture for residential and commercial clients.
Growing up on a farm in West Sussex fostered an early appreciation for traditional craftsmanship and working with natural materials. I began my career in 1987 with a five-year apprenticeship in reproduction antiques while working with Garvin Antiques and studying cabinet-making and joinery at college, where my work received several distinctions.
Following my apprenticeship, I developed my skills further creating bespoke kitchens with Kitecraft, a professional relationship I continue to maintain today when collaborating on specialist projects.
I later worked with the renowned joinery firm James Johnson & Co, where exceptional precision and attention to detail were essential in delivering high-end bespoke joinery.
My work has included commercial and residential projects in London, including developments associated with organisations such as Bank of America and Merrill Lynch at Canary Wharf, as well as private properties in areas such as Belgravia.
Today I work independently, delivering bespoke joinery and cabinetry with a focus on precision, craftsmanship, and exceptional finishing.
• Bespoke cabinetry and fitted furniture
• Handmade kitchens and kitchen installation
• Specialist joinery and architectural woodwork
• Restoration Heritage work
• High-end residential joinery
• Outdoor projects
To hone my joinery skills I worked with the renowned James Johnson & Co (Specialist Joiners) Where millimetre perfection was paramount when creating expensive and unique pieces. When working on the up-scale projects the company is predominantly involved in there are no margins or error which requires them to use only the best craftsman. I am lucky enough to still enjoy a good relationship and continue to work with them from time to time when my skills are required.
I’ve also worked heavily in commercial construction sector which gave me the experience of working in large construction teams where cooperation between the trades was essential. I’ve been involved in projects for the police headquarters, courts and schools to name but a few. Through word-of-mouth, I’ve worked on several prestigious commercial projects in and around London including the FSA in Canary Wharf, Bank of America and Merril Lynch.
My background in cabinet-making, desire for perfection and an eye for detail has become well known and as a result I’ve been ultimately entrusted to oversee projects within multi-million pound contracts. As my reputation has grown I’ve been invited to work on exclusive residential projects in the houses of Belgravia, Eton and Sloane Squares. Often, prestigious clients wanted more than just good quality craftsmanship – they were looking for exceptional creativity, and I enjoyed being able to provide unique solutions.
I eventually returned to my Sussex roots, setting up my workshop in an area where my family have lived for over 100 years. I have been lucky to gain many loyal customers who return time and time again and who are kind enough to recommend me to their friends and family.
I pride myself on my attention to detail, cleanliness in my working environment, courtesy and honesty. I also relish the opportunity to exercise my creative eye and enjoy being able to make my clients dreams a reality. I enjoy a challenge and being able to create solutions that others have had difficulty with, or where I can push the boundaries of unique design.
I believe that a testament to craftsmanship is the quality of the final finish. As a result I’ve often been brought in to “finish” another tradesman work which usually results in my gaining another client
Many clients have budgets to which they have set for a project. By understanding these budget constraints I can recommend alternative materials and methods in order for the project to come within price constraints.
For peace of mind I am also, fully insured and CRB checked.