Don
I am a carpenter at heart, and it's what I do best. I left school and went to college, and then after that I went to university pretending that I could be some sort of academic. I don't regret doing that because it's life and it all counts, but all the while I knew that what I really wanted to do was make cool stuff with my hands.
I have travelled and worked with lots of different people in a lot of different countries. In 2002 I settled in at Carpenter Oak in Devon and I enjoyed nearly 17 years with them, eventually becoming one of their senior carpenters. In 2019 though, it was time for a change at last.
I took a break with my family and we headed north into Scandinavia for 3 months. We lost track of time in the 24hr daylight, going whichever way the wind blew; skateboarding, riding, surfing, and just spending time with ourselves and our new friends.
After that amazing trip we landed back in Devon where I spent a few months with some friends in Kingsbridge. We made some cool stuff and had a fun time, then the global lurgy kicked off and I was given the gentle shove that I needed to take responsibility for myself.
I have to say that I massively value the good relationships I have made with all the friends I have worked with, and I can still be found in all their various workshops as and when they need a hand, but now you are most likely to find me in my pwn workshop on village farm in East Portlemouth.
I have been incredibly fortunate over the last few years to have had a string of really great customers and projects. Unsurprisingly, some of the smallest ones have been the most fun and rewarding, but throughout 2023 I found myself stepping things up a notch to help create what is now the cafe and artisan centre at Village Farm. As an added bonus I now share my workshop right next door with John and Naomi McShea, who both give me an unbelievable supply of imaginative and creative energy.
My Philosophy
Making things from timber is what I know best, but I have a pretty broad skill-set which includes some building skills, some mechanics and also some metalwork. I like a challenge and I make an effort to avoid doing the same old stuff.
Having said all that, I am not a fan of smoke and mirrors.
If I can't help you then I will either collaborate with some of my amazingly talented friends, or simply suggest somebody else for you to call.
My work is a massive part of my life, and I want my life to be fun, rewarding and useful.
I am not in a rush to get it over and done with.