| 75 T T Kelly Deeks For the love of furniture Oakleigh Fine Furniture now operates across greater Christchurch and North Canterbury, providing custom furniture, kitchens, bathroom joinery, laundries, and full interior fit-outs. JOINERY Oakleigh Fine Furniture After 18 years in business, Christchurch master craftsman Richard Hutt continues to steer Oakleigh Fine Furniture through an ever-changing market with the same steady hand and focus on quality that built the business from the ground up. “This has probably been the toughest year we’ve had for a while,” Richard says. “But we’ve reconfigured the workshop, taken on another joiner, and we’re setting ourselves up for a stronger year ahead.” The company’s New Brighton workshop has recently been redesigned for greater efficiency, with new machinery and improved workflow allowing the six-person team to take on more bespoke projects. “We’ve eliminated double handling and made the space flow better,” Richard says. “The guys are all multi-skilled and old-school — we can make anything from scratch. We don’t need CNC machines or computers to do it.” That commitment to traditional craftsmanship underpins every job Oakleigh Fine Furniture takes on, from solid timber furniture to high-end residential joinery. “We design, supply, and install,” Richard says. “We manage the whole process, so our clients don’t have to worry about coordinating trades. When you’re living through a renovation, especially a kitchen, it’s a critical part of the home so you need everything to run smoothly and get back up and running as quickly as possible.” Richard, a trained cabinetmaker, says his years on building sites have taught him the value of good relationships. “I’ve met a lot of trades on site over the years, and I know who I want to work with,” he says. “We’ve used the same subcontractors for a long time. They turn up when I need them, do a good job, and we trust each other.” Oakleigh Fine Furniture now operates across greater Christchurch and North Canterbury, providing custom furniture, kitchens, bathroom joinery, laundries, and full interior fit-outs. An in-house design service helps clients visualise their spaces, whether they’re working from a photo, a drawing, or a full set of architectural plans. The business evolved significantly after the Christchurch earthquakes, when demand shifted from retail furniture supply to residential joinery. “We used to make oak furniture for major retailers but after the earthquakes, that market changed. We moved into more bespoke, high-end joinery, and that’s where our attention to detail can really shine.” One of the company’s recent highlights was contributing to a House of the Year award-winning project in Mount Pleasant. Oakleigh Fine Furniture created the kitchen, vanities, and wardrobes for the 400sqm home, which underwent a total transformation led by Williams Elvidge Limited. “I really enjoyed that project because the clients were so engaged in the detail,” Richard says. “They appreciated the craftsmanship and wanted to be involved every step of the way. It’s great working with people who value the expertise that goes into making something by hand.” Richard’s passion for solid oak runs deep. It’s the timber he trained with as an apprentice, prized for its durability and timeless character. “Oak has been solid in New Zealand for about 30 years now,” he says. “It’s hard, it’s durable, and you can stain it any colour. It’s still one of my favourites to work with.” With a loyal team, trusted network of trades, and a reputation built on skill and integrity, Oakleigh Fine Furniture continues to thrive on the values that set it apart. “We’re proud to be old school,” Richard says. “It’s taken a long time to build this business, but we’re stronger for it, and we love what we do.” Quality Service Guaranteed Results We specialise in all aspects of plumbing / Gas fitting and are dedicated to giving you fast, friendly and reliable service. Plumbing & Gas fitting - Maintenance • Bathroom Renovations & Remodelling • New Housing & Architectural Builds CONTACT US 022 6771237 admin@cbphl.com www.cbphl.co.nz
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=