Celebrating 15 Years of Freedom Joinery

After reaching 15 years in business this year, Carl Smith of Freedom Joinery discusses celebrating this milestone, and the origins and future plans for the company. 

How and when did Freedom Joinery begin? And what sparked the idea to start the company?

The company I was working for as workshop foreman were about to close permanently. Using the redundancy and a bank loan I took a gamble on myself.

Why did you decide to become a joiner as soon as you left school?

Woodwork was my favourite subject at school and apparently I was a natural.

What inspired the name “Freedom Joinery,” and what does it stand for?

I wanted the name to convey the philosophy and projects we take on.

What was your vision for the company when you first opened your doors? Has that changed over the years?

To continue a traditional trade in a modern world. That has not changed, the techniques are still used for the majority of our projects.

A sustainable philosophy has always been part of your story. Why is that so important to you?

It is no secret nowadays that our climate has changed and is changing, I have always felt in a profession that uses natural resources that it is used wisely and where possible if it is used, use every gram of the product. As an example nothing of the timber board is wasted, every off cut will get used somewhere, even the wood shavings are given to a local horse riding school.

Has there been any memorable projects or defining moments you’d like to highlight?

Sometimes it is the most simplest things that are most memorable like a Bee Hotel for my local primary school to an exterior Accoya flight of stairs for a reptile building in our local country park.

Do you think being a bespoke joinery specialist still gives you a unique advantage in today’s market?

Certainly as each year passes there seems to be less choice ‘off the shelf’ so the need for bespoke items are increasing.

Do you have a favourite type of project? E.g. windows, staircases, doors, or something completely bespoke?

Stairs are my most common type of project which are all made to measure. Bi-Fold doors are increasingly popular but then I also often get traditional projects like box frame sliding sash windows.

How has the joinery industry changed since you started?

Technology has changed a lot since I started in 1987. I thought I had seen it all when I bought a Yankee Spiral screwdriver. How can it get better than this I thought. Now we all used battery power tools for everything. I still use a Rod Board for drawing full size drawings. Adhesives have changed a lot over those years and the dawn of Processed Timber is a game changer in the industry.

What trends do you see shaping the future of bespoke joinery?

Just like fashion trends tend to repeat so there will always be traditional joinery but with modern timbers that will last the distance.

What are your hopes or plans for the company looking forward?

Hopes are that we got to do this again in 2035 celebrating 25 years.

And lastly, what legacy do you hope Freedom Joinery will leave behind?

I would like the legacy to be that we are known to be thoughtful and ethical in our approach to the projects we take on.

For more information about Freedom Joinery, visit: Freedom Joinery – Bespoke Woodcraft & Joinery Services