Brian started learning carpentry at a young age, beginning with his father, who was a Shipwright. He spent his teenage years helping with the restoration of the unique North Devon sailing barge (Wendy) at his father's boat building firm, honing his carpentry, joinery, and boatbuilding skills.
Due to the decline of the shipbuilding industry in London, Brian joined a family firm of builders in Ilford called H. Firmin & Sons ("Firmin") as an Apprentice Carpenter & Joiner. There, he met a fellow craftsman named John, and they have worked together ever since. Firmin later merged with senior executives at Melville Group. During his apprenticeship, Brian had the opportunity to work on Grade I and II listed buildings, including the complete underpinning and refurbishment of The Red Lion Hotel in Colchester (1989-1991), as well as the conversion of the 'Bridge House' on the Isle of Dogs into luxury flats. He used skills learned from his boat building training, along with his father, to complete these projects.
Firmin also undertook refurbishment works on Co-Op funeral parlors, a 10,000-bottling plant at St. Ivel (Walthamstow), and new-build houses in Romford, all of which benefited from Brian's exceptional craftsmanship. After leaving Firmin to pursue a self-employed career as a Master Carpenter & Joiner, Brian became a trusted local community member, working for celebrities and UHNWIs in Bishops Avenue, Hampstead Garden Suburb, and Highgate. His projects included the installation of bulletproof windows, secret rooms, bomb-proof offices, hardwood flooring, paneling, and intricate marquetry panels in hardwood floors for notable individuals such as Ivan Sharrock (The Last Emperor & Blood Diamond - Films), Salman Rushdie, and the ex-head of MI5.
Brian was instrumental in the complete refurbishment of both Harrods Cafe and The Atlantic Bar and Grill (Glasshouse St. London), where he refitted the Circle bar for a music video featuring Luther Vandross and Mariah Carey. These high-profile projects were executed with absolute discretion and required Brian's dedication of over 12 hours a day. Additionally, Brian was entrusted to oversee the ongoing works for all four of KPMG’s London offices in Salisbury Square, Dorset Rise, Puddle Dock, and Farringdon Road. Here, he played a pivotal role in constructing and modifying the senior partner's offices in relation to the Shell Oil merger and other highly confidential, multi-billion-pound contracts, demonstrating unwavering professionalism throughout.
Brian moved to Wimbledon as he was headhunted by an decorated entrepreneur who owed an established South West London Property refurbishment company to work on loft conversions, extensions, and high-end refurbishments in SW London, Wandsworth, Wimbledon, Clapham, Fulham, Cobham, and Oxshott.
He was then subcontracted to the main contractor for the NHS. Over the last 5-6 years, including throughout Covid-19, Brian completed newly built hospitals, care centers, high-dependency units, and theaters. His exceptional work on a £35m hospital refurbishment resulted in no snagging issues, impressing the project management team at the NHS leading to four additional NHS contracts. The Clerk of Works was confident in Brian's team's work, allowing them to snag the project one month before completion.
Something that is unheard of in the building industry.
In addition to his work in healthcare, Brian has also completed refurbishments for Sam’s nightclub in Brentwood, Essex, and the Great Northern and Great Eastern Hotels in London. He built and fitted out the New Orleans paddle steamer in Henley Upon Thames in 1999, restored and refurbished the Thames Barge Lady of the Lea in St. Katherine's Marina, London, and restored and refurbished the Topsail Schooner Helga, located at Gallons Marina in East London.
More recently, Brian has worked at Virgin Media O2 sites, replacing fire doors and carrying out remedial works. He has completed various works at Canary Wharf Offices, including 170 remedial fire doors, high-end front doors for private clients, and new and remedial doors in hospitals, clinics, and educational facilities.
Most recently (February 2024) Brian & John have completed works to refurbish a property in Bayswater, two pub refurbishments and refurbishment of Ivy Brasserie. In addition, Brian has completed minor works, re window and door refurbishment. Brian enjoys travel, tennis, fitness, friends and a relaxed way of life, concentrating on work, family and Brian’s hobby of building a track race car (now finished) and on the road!
Brian has worked as a Carpenter and Joiner ever since completing his indentured apprenticeship (30+ years). He has lived in Wimbledon since 2008 and has worked locally in South West London and London generally. Due to the absence of qualified British tradesmen in SW London (and beyond) Brian has re-joined John to work together and travel to carry out works (See most recent 2023-2024). Brian has now formalised his trading with a new limited company to engage larger contracts whilst also retaining smaller projects.
Past work carried out in 2024
Past work carried out in 2023 - see photos on recent projects page)
Past work carried out in 2022
(With John)
Please see Projects page for references and photos
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Specialist Carpenters and Joiners in London
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