about
A good window doesn’t just frame a view – it holds a story.
How It Started
It was my first day on the job. I’d just qualified as a carpenter and pictured myself marching onto the site – hammer, saw, and a bag of nails in hand – ready to build the world one beautiful home at a time.
Instead, I was handed a nail gun and pointed toward towering stacks of prefab house packs and MDF components. Not quite the timber-framed dream I had in mind.
Back in 2014, my idea of construction carpentry: traditional tools, solid timber, and hands-on craft clashed pretty hard with the fast-paced world of modern building sites.
No digs to the big developers (I’ll save that for another post). But during those early years, I picked up some solid skills and an even stronger urge to focus on something a little more… timeless.
Why Restoration Matters
Old buildings have always fascinated me.
There’s something special about them: not just the charm, but the mystery.
Why are they still standing strong while some new-builds start groaning by year five?
I figured it out pretty quickly. The materials, the shortcuts, the race to finish – it all adds up. But older homes? They’re built with care. They were designed to last, crafted by hands that took real pride in the work.
If you’re lucky enough to live in one of these places, you’re not just a homeowner, you’re a steward of history. You’ve got the chance to keep a tradition alive, one that’s held strong for over a century. That’s no small thing.
How It All Changed
While chasing a career in restoration, I crossed paths with Jim – a sash window restorer with more experience than most buildings have bricks.
He took me on as an apprentice, and right away I noticed something rare: no matter the issue, Jim had a “yep, we can fix that” kind of attitude. That mindset turned out to be essential in heritage work, because you never quite know what’s waiting behind that next window frame.
I’ll never forget my first day with him. There was a bee’s nest in the customer’s roof. Jim just smiled, rolled up his sleeves, and sorted it, barehanded. No fuss, no panic. We had work to do.
He showed me his method, tried, tested, and polished over decades. We still use it today. Jim helped me set up my own company and continues to be a mentor, problem-solver, and all-round legend.
Let’s Work Together
In 2024, my wife and I moved to Hampshire. Saying goodbye to our family, friends, and brilliant customers in East Sussex wasn’t easy, especially knowing we couldn’t just pop round for a cuppa anymore.
There were some bittersweet farewells with clients, too. But this is where you come in.
As I start fresh and build a new circle of clients here in Hampshire, I’d love to hear from you. Got a sash window project that needs a thoughtful approach, an experienced hand, and maybe a little elbow grease? Let’s talk.