Our dedicated team of craftsmen
The Bath Bespoke team are motivated, dynamic and talented and, without exception, take great pride in their work. Some of our team have a high level of expertise and some are just starting out on their journey—but they stand united by a love of what they do.
Having spent summer holidays as a child sweeping up workshop floors and glimpsing behind the scenes of traditional carpentry and craft it was no great to surprise that James went on to earn his stripes in the field, establishing a busy base of private commissions whilst working in a joinery.
Seizing the opportunity to develop these commissions into a business venture, he joined forces with school friend and Bath Bespoke Co-Founder Tom Jones-Marquez to establish the company in 2009.
James oversees production in the workshop and ensures every project that leaves the workshop is made and finished to the highest standards.
Tom has long been captivated by designing and making, having spent his childhood years making go-karts, treehouses and climbing frames with his dedication even extending to attempting boat designs in Microsoft Paint as a teenager…
After studying English Literature at Leeds, he returned to his hometown of Bath. Following a brief spell as a journalist he was drawn back to working in a joinery in Wiltshire with school friend and Bath Bespoke Co-Founder, James Etheridge. Whilst working on private commissions Tom and James took the leap and ventured into business together, starting Bath Bespoke in Tom’s parents’ garage in 2009.
Tom oversees Design, Sales and Finance for Bath Bespoke and will usually be your first point of contact working with clients on design ideas and concepts.
As General Manager, Brett Salako ensures everything runs smoothly in the workshop and the office. After working his way up to become Deputy Manager at a five-star hotel, Brett wanted to change his career direction and pursue his interest in the carpentry trade. He ensures every single project leaves our workshop with the highest standards of quality and design.
With a degree in Interior Design from University of the Arts in London, Nahla has a longstanding, keen interest in well-made and aesthetically pleasing product design. Having always wanted to fully utilise her degree and work in interior design on a full-time basis, she joined the team in 2020 after working in high-end retail and having established her own successful lighting range – Nala Lighting.
The link between design and the workshop production team, Nick joined the team in February 2020. He studied Theatre Set Design at the Welsh College of Music and Drama before going on to become an apprentice cabinet maker at Artichoke. He rose through the ranks to enjoy his time there as a production engineer for 12 years before moving on to become a freelance draughtsman specialising in fitted furniture. When he’s not translating designs into technical plans he can be found architectural model making under the watchful eye of Reginold, the rescue cat.
Having spent twenty years working in education, Gail joined the team in 2020 after looking for a change and more flexibility in her working life to allow her time to visit family abroad. When not diligently maintaining our finances, as a keen gardener, she can usually be found at one of her two allotments bringing to life her ambition to be one half of a modern-day Tom and Barbara!
Jo joined the team in November 2018. Having spent fourteen years working across art and design brands including Liberty, Heal’s, Christie’s auction house and Vitsœ she moved to Wiltshire eight years ago, setting up her own marketing consultancy. A veritable multi-tasker, Jo takes care of our website content, blog, social media channels, advertising, PR, photography and email newsletters helping to spread the word about our business far and wide.
Dan joined Bath Bespoke in the summer of 2016. He trained locally with an on-site apprenticeship 17 years ago so brings with him a wealth of experience for the trade and the area. Dan is a member of the team you will most likely meet when your furniture is being installed. His knowledge and skills ensure every piece is fitted to perfection.
Born and bred in the West Country, Kai has been a joiner, cabinet maker and site carpenter in his time. This man of many trades joined us in 2019 as part of our site team. When he’s not woodworking he likes to keep active in the gym or playing football.
Tom joined the Bath Bespoke team in October 2014 and is now the Workshop Manager. Tom’s a really skilled craftsman – a graduate in furniture design and manufacture who has an enviable knowledge of timber, design and joints. He’s one of our most experienced members of staff so we task him with many of our bespoke kitchen commissions – making and fitting everything with his trademark attention to detail. He’s a really popular member of the team, a lovely guy to have around and very dedicated to his work.
Ben is a highly skilled and conscientious Cabinet Maker. He blends traditional craftsman skills with modern concepts and designs and the projects he works on are always finished to the highest level. He is a highly valued member of the team and he always brings new ideas and solutions to the table.
Richie joined our team in 2016 as an Apprentice Carpenter. After studying Architecture at university, he then went onto manage bars for five years. He’s since returned to his interest in design and carpentry and is quickly learning the craft in a very hands-on way in the workshop. He’s an asset to the team, always a joy to work with and his work is always finished to the highest standard. Alongside his work, he loves riding motorcycles and reggae music.
After working in product design James took the opportunity to venture out from behind the computer and make with his hands, joining the workshop team in 2019. A keen cyclist and footballer, James keeps active at every opportunity but can also be found playing the guitar in his spare time.
Chris joined the team in 2015. His career as a Joiner began with an apprenticeship in a joinery workshop in Devon, since then his skills have led him to work in London, followed by Bristol. A keen paraglider in his spare time, he’s accurate and precise – qualities we love in our craftsmen and has become an invaluable member of the Bath Bespoke team.
Gareth joined the team in the summer of 2018. He’s an experienced joiner who was drawn to Bath Bespoke because of his passion for unique custom-made woodwork. After growing up in Prestbury near Cheltenham, he moved to Radstock 22 years ago and built a career in woodworking. Among other hobbies, Gareth loves to renovate and restore old Land Rovers – a hobby he also shares with his father.
Lukasz joined our team in 2015 and is responsible for much of the prepping and sanding in the finishing department. He is an important member of the team with a fine eye for detail and works tirelessly to achieve a flawless finish on all our joinery and furniture.