WHAT WE DO
Working closely with some of the world’s most highly regarded architects and interior designers as well as private clients, we combine traditional artisanship with innovative techniques to design, develop and manufacture joinery and furniture pieces to almost any specification. We create everything from freestanding pieces of furniture to top-to-bottom joinery for kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, dressing rooms, studies, cinema rooms, wine stores and more.
We prefer to think of ourselves as furniture engineers. No matter how complex the project, we are committed to delivering innovative design solutions that are beautiful and functional in equal measure, flawlessly finished every time.
We are recognised for our quality and approach rather than a particular design aesthetic. This means we can work to any style, from traditional and highly decorative to contemporary or minimalist. The array of finishes we are able to achieve is endless. As we specialise in working with a multitude of materials from timber veneers to glass, metal, stone, fine fabric or exquisite leathers, nothing is beyond the realm of possibility.
From design concept through to installation and aftercare, our clients value our personal approach and the superior level of service our team of experts deliver at every stage. By handling a project from start to finish and down to every final detail, our dedicated project managers ensure that everything comes seamlessly together, on time and on budget. Having our own installation team, as well as our close proximity to central London, means we are able to be flexible and well equipped in response to special requirements or changes to projects on site.
MEET THE TEAM
JOE GRAY
Design Director
After studying Furniture Design & Craftsmanship at BUCKS New Uni, Joe joined Kaizen in 2014 as an enthusiastic draughtsperson, and took responsibility for transitioning the team from Autocad to our advanced 3D design software, Solid Edge. Joe went on to become Technical Design Manager and is now our Design Director. Joe’s aim has been to optimise the development and presentation of Kaizen’s technical drawings to ensure that they stand apart from any other. “One of my greatest accomplishments at Kaizen is what our drawings have become, with the help of our dedicated Design Team. I feel exceptionally proud” says Joe. “But it’s the opportunity to keep on learning from others that really keeps me driven. I am a firm believer that the best ideas are never created by one person but by a collaborative mind, and Kaizen really fosters this kind of working environment.” Joe also likes to get down on the workshop floor. “I love the smell of the freshly machined cedar as it’s taken from our machine shop to the benches. I’ll often find myself amongst the furniture, seeking that opportunity to examine the characteristics of the materials, how they react to the mix of design and functionality.” Outside of work, Joe loves spending time with his wife and two girls. He is a very sociable person and loves to get stuck into every activity. His Father was involved with motorsports, and many happy years spent at the racetrack fuelled Joe’s interest in cars. And with his Grandfather being an actor, Joe can, on occasion, also be found on the stage!
JOHN POLHILL
Production Director
John joined Kaizen in 2010 as a furniture maker when the production team was just five strong. As the company rapidly expanded, he progressed to Workshop Foreman and Workshop Manager, becoming Workshop Director in 2015, where he now oversees a production team of 25. “I’m responsible for all areas of production at Kaizen, for ensuring the smooth manufacture of every piece that we make. I work closely alongside our Design Director, Project Managers and Site Manager to make sure the whole process from instruction of a job to final sign off runs seamlessly” says John. “The best thing about my role is having the opportunity to be involved with the whole process of amazing furniture production, from the early stages of design to seeing the furniture develop and become a reality before our eyes. It has been my passion since I left college to take a drawing and bring it to life, and I love that my role allows me to have personal influence over the journey of every piece. What inspires me daily are the challenges that keep us on our toes, the beautiful materials we get to work with and the ever surprising end results that we achieve.” That Kaizen also recognises the families behind the employee, encouraging them to feel part of the team, John believes helps to keep morale high. “This is something I really value. My role allows me to bring my two passions in life, my family and furniture making, together very nicely.”
PAULIUS PETRUSEVICIUS
Installation Manager
Paulius first sharpened his tools during his early years in Lithuania where he would help his Dad with the woodwork at their summer home, and he still proudly treasures his first handsaw and nail hammer. Inspired by his Dad’s skills as a craftsman, he followed in his footsteps and headed to Building Construction college in Kaunas. At 20 years old, Paulius left his hometown for a new life in London where he started out as a carpenter’s assistant. Driven by his passion for the trade, he progressed very quickly and was managing his own projects within a year. When Paulius moved to a joinery fit out company working on prestigious London projects, he found his niche in furniture making and installation, and joined Kaizen in 2013 as a Senior Installer. For the last seven years Paulius has been managing Kaizen’s site installation team. “With the flow of challenging new projects and such a professional team, there is no where I would rather work than Kaizen” says Paulius. “I am lucky that I get to do what I love here.” Paulius has three things that he does with his free time. Family is his priority – he has a wonderful wife and two children. He never says no to DIY at home, as woodworking is in his blood. But when not with his family or on the tools, he can be found happily spending his downtime fishing.
