Our Team

When did you start working at Border Oak? October 2004, I remember it well because our first baby, Minnie, had just arrived and I was suffering from sleep deprivation. Minnie is 21 now and works at Border Oak in her University holidays.

Your interests: In my dreams I’m a professional skier and a cricket pundit. But in reality I enjoy spending time with family and friends, and anything to do with sport (watching, playing, coaching). Oh, and I like food. A lot.

What do you like best about your job? All my work colleagues are great (I have to say that as I work with my wife and sister-in-law) and I enjoy the office banter (most of which is aimed at me). We genuinely do have a great atmosphere at work – it’s laid back, but professional and we get stuff done – even though what we do is complicated with many variables and super specialised.  I also really enjoy seeing the clients’ dreams come to fruition – I’m constantly amazed that we can draw something on paper which then ends up being built, sometimes on the other side of the world. Nothing beats seeing our finished projects in the flesh and hearing the clients responses – it really does makes you feel very proud to work at Border Oak.

Your favourite Border Oak House? Perhaps romantically (definitely nostalgically) I have a soft spot for the first house that Merry and I built: the original Pearmain Cottage (which featured on Grand Designs in 2003). It was our first home and we worked so hard to build it – we couldn’t believe it was actually ours.  Definitely the best thing we ever did.  That Grand Designs episode still seems resonate with clients after all this time, which is lovely and we have been commissioned to build 100s of Pearmain Cottage variations since.  We met Kevin McCloud recently at a dinner party (more than 20 years later)…..and he remembered us despite our grey hair!

Anything else of interest? I worked for Border Oak on site as a labourer for 2 lovely bricklayers, Billy and Hylton, back in 1996 when I was 19. I was searching for my next step in life and Border Oak acted as something of a refuge for me, until I could workout what I wanted to do.  The brickies were great characters, and taught me a lot about life (not so much about laying bricks) and I consider myself very fortunate to be taken under their wing. There are some great stories from those days I could divulge, but I won’t…….

When did you start working at Border Oak? In 2012 – my brother Ed had worked at Border Oak for a while and he mentioned a new position that may fit my skill set.

Your interests: I like playing guitar and spending time with my family.

What do you like best about your job? Working as part of a happy team – and having such a brilliant product.

What’s your favourite Border Oak feature? Probably the famous Border Oak Porch – beautifully made, and the perfect addition for any home. Others try to imitate but it has never been equalled.

When did you start working at Border Oak? 2015

What do you enjoy most about your job? Getting involved in all aspects of the build process, and watching projects develop from an idea into a stunning home. It’s also heartening to see what a very diverse range of budgets can achieve.

What’s your favourite aspect of the Border Oak range? I like the fact that no two projects are the same. The craftsmanship of our workforce still astounds me, and it’s a pleasure to witness the creation of endless ideas and innovations.

Other facts that might be of interest: The management of project finances might be considered the epitome of boredom to normal folk, but it ticks my boxes. Fortunately focusing upon the end-goal (i.e. delivering a project on time and on budget) and the beauty of Border Oak’s buildings, keeps me sane (ish). 

When did you start working at Border Oak? 2005

Your interests:  I love to travel and visit new places, home and abroad. When I’m not at work I enjoy spending time with family and friends, going on long walks and eating good food. I also enjoy a good film and theatre visit when time allows.

What do you like best about your job?  Traveling all around the country meeting interesting people from all walks of life. It is also a privilege to help develop the design of our clients new homes – and then get to see them living in them once we’ve built them. I also get to work with an amazing team of very talented people who make coming to work a pleasure.

What’s your favourite Border Oak design? That’s a very hard question as we have designed so many different and amazing homes over the years, and I luckily get to see every design we produce. It all really depends on the location and plot setting I guess – but if I were pushed for a category then it would probably come down to either one of our barn style houses or perhaps a Georgian inspired design in brick.

When did you start working at Border Oak?  I can’t remember – a long time ago. I came (with my colouring pencils) to help with a small presentation and never left.

Your interests:  Anything to do with houses – old and new – and interiors, art and architecture. I also love orchards, hedges, meadows and rivers. But my children are my biggest ‘interest’ – I still find them fascinating (as only a mother could).

Favourite part of your job?  Everything apart from administration – which not my strongest suit. I’m very lucky, my job is pretty amazing. One day I might be working with the architectural team creating new house designs, the next I can be found on site annoying the builders, or making a presentation to a Parish Council and negotiating with a planning officer.  I’m also especially fortunate to work with great colleagues who are more like friends really. I will always be very grateful that I also spent a long time working with my father, John. He was the most intelligent, kindest, talented and generous person I know – learning from him was the privilege of my life.

Favourite Border Oak feature:  Our oak frames are just beautiful – because they are well designed and made by hand with care and diligence. I very much enjoy dropping into the workshop to see what the guys are making – it’s very impressive. And I feel a deep responsibility to ensure that the craft of oak framing remains relevant and desirable in the 21st Century – Dad revived the lost craft of oak framing and spent his working life trying to protect and preserve the skills. It is important to me that Border Oak is anchored by authenticity – we are aiming to create beautiful and sustainable homes that will last for centuries.

When did you start working at Border Oak? 1993 – I was a fresh faced teenager back then! I used to wait at Border Oak for my school bus and one day John put me to work and I have been here ever since.  

Your interests:  Entertaining, socialising, reading and travelling.

What do you like best about your job: I really enjoy meeting Border Oak clients and being a part of their journey. They become friends, and I love being invited to see their completed homes and staying in touch.

Your favourite Border Oak house? This is difficult as I’ve seen so many Border Oak houses over the last 25 years, but if I had to choose I would say St. Michael’s Cottage, our Show House in Kingsland. I’m there nearly every day and I still love it every time I walk through the door. The team think I’m joking when I say I’m going to move in!

When did you start working at Border Oak? April 2018 after 10 years’ experience within the oak framing industry and a few more years within the Customer Service sector.

Your interests: I am a keen tennis and badminton player and more recently a novice golfer. I also enjoy gardening and making unusual objects in my workshop at home using oak offcuts!

What do you like best about your job? Working as part of a passionate and creative team to provide our clients with the best possible customer experience and an Oak Framed Outbuilding design which suits their needs and exceeds their expectations.

Your favourite Border Oak house? I just love oak – its strength, durability and the way in which it improves with age and silvers at it matures. From our beautifully crafted Pearmain Porch to the amazing Redgate House, they are all amazing – it’s impossible to pick a favourite.

When did you start working at Border Oak?   Officially May 2007, but I’m John’s youngest daughter so Border Oak has always been in my blood.

Your interests:  Crafts, cooking, walking and spending time with family – as if working with most of them 5 days a week wasn’t enough!

What do you like best about your job? Meeting clients at the start of their journey and sharing in their excitement.

Your favourite Border Oak house? The house where I grew up, which was the very first Border Oak built and the catalyst for the whole company – it’s truly beautiful. Dad designed and built it himself, with his typical passion and eye for detail, craftsmanship and eccentricity.

Any other information that might be of interest? My Degree is in Ancient History and Archaeology so the fact that we are using traditional construction methods from the Medieval period makes me very happy.

When did you start working at Border Oak?   January 2024 – I am the new boy around here!

Your interests:  Mountain biking.

What do you like best about your job? I love the whole Border Oak culture. And you can’t beat a good spreadsheet…

Your favourite Border Oak house? I think the Lake House, in the Cotswolds, is pretty incredible.

When did you start working at Border Oak?  September 2011, but I have grown up around Border Oak as my father, Mike, worked here for a very long time and was a director

Your interests: Music, fashion, netball and rugby.

What do you like best about your job?  Every day is different and fast paced – I love being challenged and kept busy. I’m currently learning new skills in my role in Accounts and have completed the AAT Level 2 qualification. Accounts is great because I get to work with all departments across the business and so there’s never a dull day.

What’s your favourite Border Oak feature? I love exposed oak framing. And I particularly like the St. Michael’s Cottage, especially the arched braces which give a sense of craft and character.

When did you start working at Border Oak? 13th January 2025

Your interests? I like playing bridge, but haven’t in a while.

What do you like most about your job? As a company, we all seem to pull in the same direction, and everyone has been super helpful and approachable since I’ve started. Oh, and I like the precise art of measuring the houses to perfection!

Do you have a favourite Border Oak feature? The individual architecture of each of the buildings, vernacular oak framing is just amazing!

When did you start working at Border Oak? 2019

What do you like best about your job? I enjoy the mental challenge of estimating; considering every aspect of a build, planning how much time, which materials and the type of work that will be needed throughout the entire the project. I really try to get a picture in my mind of what we are trying to achieve.

Your interests: I’m an avid reader and enjoy cooking and spending time with friends.

Your favourite Border Oak house? Little Farm Barn I think. It’s light and spacious with exposed oak trusses and vaulted ceilings.

What might surprise people about you? I’m the founding member of a Gin Club, we meet every Friday.

When did you start working at Border Oak? January 2007

Your interests: Running around after 2 young children doesn’t leave much time for anything else. But I’d never say no to a Wine/Gin/spa day if I had the chance?!

What do you like best about your job? The variety – every day is different.

Do you have a favourite Border Oak feature? Our cruck frames and the Border Oak porch – both are beautifully crafted and really encapsulate what we can do. I love them so much I added both to my home!

When did you start working at Border Oak? A very, very long time ago! I will need to check with someone…..

Your interests: I’m a keen badminton player which keeps me active,  and I enjoy Hatha Yoga, which helps me relax.

What do you like best about your job? Helping our clients achieve their dream home and striving to keep our distinctive products and specification fresh and unique.

What’s your favourite Border Oak feature? Our ability to mix the traditional with the contemporary – always paying close attention to performance and workmanship. It’s not always easy to get the balance right, but I think we do.

What might surprise others about you? I’m passionate about the environment and part of my role at Border Oak is having responsibility for the sustainability credentials of our product & our company. As the UK’s leading oak frame company we have fully embraced the Chain of Custody certification scheme (FSC and PEFC) which is something I am very proud of. I’m currently researching a variety of tree planting projects to sit along side this. We constantly search for environmentally friendly products, processes and methods – and we have a proven track record as early adopters and innovators in this sector, including underfloor heating, super insulation and glazing innovations, airtightness, renewables and lighting to name just a few features that were once considered ‘niche’ but that Border Oak embraced and have since helped to make mainstream.

When did you start working at Border Oak? July 2007.

Your interests: Travel, food & drink, golf, socialising with friends & family.

What do you like best about your job? Seeing the end results and hearing back from satisfied clients.

Your favourite Border Oak house?  I do like the Pearmain Cottage, where the oak frame is a hidden surprise on the inside – but I actually live in one so maybe I’m a little bit biased!?

When did you start working at Border Oak? 1990. Which is a whole other century ago!

Your interests: Live music, photography, travel and classic cars.

What do you like best about your job? Being able to have a positive impact on peoples lives as well as a lasting impact upon the built environment.

Do you have a favourite Border Oak project? I have many favourites from my 28 years with Border Oak – but the Ishiya Chocolate Factory in Sapporo, Japan is particularly special. We built an entire and authentic oak street facade, inspired by Liberty’s of London, to hide a huge confectionary factory. Strange but true. And spectacular.

When did you start working at Border Oak? 2003

Your interests: Growing vegetables, bicycles, model railways and marbles. Every year I compete with my team the Handcross 49ers at the British Marble Championships (we were Cup Winners in 1997 and Runners Up in 2012).

What do you like best about your job? Working in an office where there is always an expert on every subject on hand – there are plenty of brains to pick!

What’s your favourite Border Oak feature? We are working on an oak gutter at the moment; I’m keen to see how that turns out.

Anything else of interest?  I’m responsible for all the hand drawn images of Border Oak houses,  and if you look closely you’ll always find a cat somewhere in my sketches.

When did you start working at Border Oak?  I originally started work at Border Oak in 1996 but in 2002 I trained as a Building Inspector at Shropshire County Council. I rejoined Border Oak in 2014.

Your interests: Spending time with my family, shooting and fishing.

What do you like best about your job? The opportunity to be involved with the process of helping people to achieve their dreams.  I also enjoy reviewing a successful project and knowing you’ve been a large part of what made it work.

What makes Border Oak unique? My favourite Border Oak feature is the skill, care and love we all put into every project – we really do want to deliver the very best.

Tell us a bit about your experience?  I’ve now got over 20 years experience in the construction industry and have a BSc (Hons) degree in Building Surveying.  I’m a corporate member of The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), Associate member of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists and an accredited SAP assessor. All pretty useful stuff.

When did you start working for Border Oak?  1994.

Your interests: Timber frame architecture, music, dog walking, golf, cooking, DIY and sightseeing.

What do you enjoy most about your job? I enjoy the fact that no two working days are the same. I think that’s largely down to the unrivalled bespoke service we offer. 

What’s your favourite Border Oak feature? Whilst I appreciate our more contemporary designs, I’m a traditionalist at heart and so enjoy the classical oak framed projects, with authentic features such as cruck frames and jettied gables. My favourite style of building would be something from the first Elizabethan era!

Can you tell us a bit about your experience? I used to manage the Border Oak Workshops and so have literal ‘hands on’ experience of understanding plans, and upholding traditional skills when crafting oak frames.  I have an MSc in Historic Timber Building Conservation, through York University.  I am also a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (MCIAT) as well as a Professional Member of the IOM3 (MIMMM) and a member of the Institute of Wood Science (MIWSc). Oak and oak framing is what I love.

When did you start working at Border Oak? 2012

Your interests: Rugby, mountain biking and music.

What do you like best about your job? I like developing and being involved in interesting projects, I also enjoy the working environment here, it’s fun, vibrant and professional. 

What’s your favourite Border Oak feature or house? I enjoy the bespoke nature of our projects, this always makes for fascinating and handsome buildings. 

Tell us a bit about your experience: I’ve had 15 years of experience in construction, starting as a qualified carpenter and joiner, and I’ve worked on Border Oak sites and in the Border Oak Workshop which I use a lot in my design role. I have also built a house with my wife Hannah – all of which hopefully helps me understand clients’ concerns and aspirations.  

When did you start working at Border Oak? 2014

Your interests: Travelling, fine dining, sports and socialising

What do you like best about your job? I enjoy the variety of challenges and projects, achieving client satisfaction and seeing how a design becomes reality. I enjoy the freedom to work independently and creatively, because the senior team trust us and our abilities.

What’s your favourite Border Oak feature? I love the simple beauty of an internal cruck frame with vaulted ceiling.

What other skills do you bring? I completed my degree in Architectural Technology and Design before starting at Border Oak and since working here have become an Associate member of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists. I’m always willing to expand my skill base to become a more complete person.

When did you start working at Border Oak? 2024

What do you like most about your job? A lot of things, every project is different and unique, it’s a delight in getting to know our lovely clients and guiding them in crafting their dream home. It’s truly invigorating to work in an environment where everyone is deeply passionate about what they do.

Do you have a favourite Border Oak feature? There are so many – there’s something truly majestic about our artisan-crafted oak frames—they are full of beauty because every piece is lovingly made by hand with meticulous dedication.

Tell us a bit about your experience:

When did you start working at Border Oak? March 2022

Your interests: I like spending time with my family, football and photography (when I get the chance!)

What do you like best about your job?  I love the design side of things and learning something new every day. It’s an added bonus that the people I work with and the work atmosphere is great.

What’s your favourite Border Oak feature? I think the quality, attention to detail and craftsmanship are impossible not to like. I really like our Barn style houses and also the smaller single storey houses like White Goose Barn and Meadow Cottage. 

When did you start working at Border Oak? August 2021.

Do you have a favourite Border Oak project? The gazebo we designed for the RHS Chelsea Flower show is one of my favourites, as it incorporates our traditional oak frames and craftsmanship with modern design and it won a medal!

What do you like best about your job? I love the creative side. Every project is different and unique, so helping people turn their dreams into reality is not only interesting, but enjoyable and feels worthwhile too.

Your interests? I love playing most sports, keeping fit at the gym, hiking around the UK, socialising & listening to music.

When did you start working at Border Oak? Jan 2020

Your interests: Travelling the world really excites me and I’ve been lucky enough to see a lot of countries already. Participating in all sports too, particularly golf.

What do you like best about your job? I thoroughly enjoy meeting varied clients across the UK and helping them design and achieve their dream home. We have a great work environment too – and its really refreshing and rewarding to work alongside colleagues that genuinely love what they do.

Do you have a Border Oak house? They are all fantastic, whenever I see one I’m genuinely dumbstruck. I tend to veer towards our contemporary designs, with subtle but striking oak elements and lots of glazing. 

Anything that might surprise people? I once pulled tug of war against a crocodile in Cambodia – I lost! 

When did you start working at Border Oak? I started off in the Border Oak Workshop before moving into my current role in the office. This means I have practical experience of the framing element and so fully understand plans and the craft process each home goes through.

Your interests: Rugby mainly!

What do you like best about your job? Interacting with clients.

Do you have a favourite Border Oak feature? I love a cruck frame truss with a curved collar – it’s very labour intensive to make, but also incredibly beautiful. And I don’t think you can get much better than the classic Border Oak porch – they really complete any home.

When did you start working at Border Oak? December 2nd 2019

Your interests? I am currently involved in my own renovation project – restoring a run down country cottage into a family home, which takes up a lot of free time. I enjoy making the most of my time with my family and I love to keep fit and healthy. I also enjoy taking part in lots of country sports.

What do you like best about your job? What I like best about my job has to be the locations we work in, some of the areas we build in are truly amazing and it is a pleasure to be involved in these projects. I also have a passion for the product we supply and I’m trying to incorporate as much as possible into my own project.

Your favourite Border Oak house? My favourite Border Oak house has to be our Pearmain Cottage. It’s a lovely family home, showing off the Border Oak ethos in all of its glory.

When did you start working at Border Oak? September 2021.

Your interests: I enjoy keeping fit by cycling and running. I gained a place in the London Marathon in October 2021, running for Prostate Cancer. I was really proud of my achievement and who knows, I might even do it again in the future! I enjoy walking, particularly in the Brecon Beacons and the Black Mountains with my family. I am a keen drummer, having played since I was young.

What do you like best about your job? I enjoy being part of a team building somebody’s dream. I love the idea that a customer comes into Border Oak with their vision for a house and we are given the opportunity and trust to make that dream come true.

What’s your favourite Border Oak feature? I love oak, and the Border Oak quality of craftsmanship is really celebrated in the artistry of the exposed oak frame in all its glory.

When did you start working at Border Oak? August 2021

Your interests: I have just finished the renovation of my own house which has kept me very busy! I’m really interested in motocross, however I don’t compete anymore I just enjoy organising and promoting events.

What do you like best about your job? The projects are all completely different and it’s great to have variety. And everyone at Border Oak is so lovely so its a great team of people to work with.

Do you have a favourite project ? I couldn’t pick just one, everything we create is second to none.

When did you start working at Border Oak? October 2021

Your interests: I have two young children and love spending time on family adventures. Lots of muddy puddle dog walks, bike rides and trips to the park. When the stars align and I find myself with some free time I will usually be found on my bike or tramping the hills with the dog in tow.   

What do you like best about your job? It is never dull! A career in health and safety presents new challenges daily and you really do have to get involved in all aspects of the the business. Trying to keep everyone safe so they can return home to their loved ones is a big responsibility, but a worthwhile endeavour.  

What’s your favourite Border Oak feature? I have always been drawn to the classic Border Oak porch. I am lucky enough to own one and love the focal point it brings to our house. On summer evenings we will often be found perched on the bench under the canopy catching up on the day. In winter it is stacked full of logs and a wondrous array of wellies. Beautiful & useful – which sums up Border Oak.

We are incredibly fortunate to have a large team of experienced green oak carpenters – traditionally trained, true craftsmen.

Every oak frame we produce is made by hand, using medieval carpentry skills in our traditional workshop. We  select the finest Restoration Grade green oak for every structure which our carpenters – using their experience and knowledge, passed down from one to another – then transform into amazing buildings. We are very proud of every frame they make and in awe of their skills, which Border Oak have spent 40 years reviving, protecting and harnessing for the future.

Our carpentry team are also qualified Timber Graders. This enables them to professionally check each piece of oak that is delivered from our suppliers and to uphold our very high standards – after all it would be futile to hand craft a substandard beam. We know our expectation is unusually high, but our carpenters are making structures that will stand for centuries and bear the marks of each and every member of our workshop team. So it has to be right.