We Are Shape
Our purpose is to enrich people’s lives with beautiful, functional, bespoke kitchens & joinery that are perfectly tailored to their aspirations, lifestyles and personalities.
Our Vision
We design, manufacture and install beautiful, highly functional kitchens and joinery-led interiors that are as unique as our clients. We have a passion for creating inspirational spaces to live and work that are tailored to their aspirations and lifestyles.
We hold a deep respect for traditional artisanal techniques and fine natural materials, paired with a devotion to excellence in craft and design and the latest technologies.
Our Story
Established in 2016 by brothers Robert and Richard Streather—an architect and a craftsman—Shape began from humble beginnings in a small barn in Pangbourne. In a short space of time, Rob and Rich have developed and positioned Shape as one of London’s leading premium bespoke kitchen and joinery companies. Now residing in a new 10,000 sq ft workshop in southeast London, we combine the latest technologies and digital fabrication techniques with expert artisans and traditional craftsmanship to deliver an unrivalled quality of bespoke joinery that exceeds the expectations of our clients and professional partners.
Robert is the Managing Director and oversees the highly talented design team. His extensive experience in the construction industry, working as an architect on luxury residential and commercial projects, has been invaluable to the founding, success and continuing development of Shape. It’s through his inherent understanding of the built environment that we can technically and creatively identify and develop the unique opportunities of each space. Aligning this with the client’s requirements we can unlock the full potential within each project.
Rich is the Production Director and craftsman and leads our London workshop, managing a team of skilled artisans and joiners, through the numerous stages of a project. It’s under his leadership, his eye for detail and uncompromising quality control that Shape has built their reputation.
Our Values
We are a company with strong values, which stems from being family run and owned. We always listen to and care about our employees, service, product and clients. We pursue excellence in everything we do, from the first conversations to final installation, our attention to detail and desire for perfection ensures we exceed expectations.
We are proud to champion British manufacturing, retaining design, digital fabrication and craftsmanship, all in house, ensuring we remain in complete control of the quality and process throughout the project.
Our Difference
We are architecture-led, which means we understand the value of good design. We are guided by an inherent desire to create spaces that empower and inspire our clients and partners.
Offering an empathetic, professional and enthusiastic design approach, always striving to identify the unique opportunities within the brief and create designs that are not only highly functional but also beautiful.
Combining traditional craftsmanship with the latest technology, which gives us the ability to deliver an unrivalled quality of service and product that exceeds expectations and enhances the quality of life and wellbeing of the inhabitants.
We use our talent and depth of experience to realise the client’s vision into ergonomic and architecturally beautiful interiors built with integrity. The spaces we produce are tailored to our client’s exacting standards and lifestyle – spaces that can be admired and enjoyed for generations to come.
Our Process
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Brief & Budget
We first need to establish the brief for the project. We will begin with a design consultation to better understand your likes/ dislikes, personalities, aspirations and expectations for the spaces and joinery. We will discuss materials, precedents and any specific storage/ accommodation requirements, as well as budget and timescale. We encourage you to share photos of the spaces and any available measurements or drawings, in addition to any precedent imagery. This is a great opportunity for us to get to know you so that we can tailor our designs to meet your every need.
End of Stage Checklist
- Signed Terms & Conditions.
- Deposit invoice issued & paid. 25% Contract sum.
- Brief & scope agreed.
- Initial survey.
- Programme issued identifying key dates.
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Concept Design
Utilising the brief we will start to develop the designs and explore which materials and finishes best meet the brief and budget. This will include 2D plans, elevations and sections, material palettes and full precedent studies, as well as 3D visuals. We will coordinate with any external consultants and incorporate their information and products into our designs/ models. We will prepare a presentation document that we will review with you in person. Following our meeting and once you have had an opportunity to formalise your feedback we will then make any required amendments and re-issue for final feedback ahead of sign-off. We allow two revisions to allow suitable opportunity for feedback and that we’re able to masterfully engineer the perfect bespoke product for you. Upon sign-off, we proceed to the technical design stage.
Checklist
- Signed concept design drawings.
- Chosen material palette(s), finishes, fixtures & fittings.
- Updated & approved budget to account for any changes during the design process.
- Balance invoice No. 1 issued & paid. 35% Contract sum.
- Confirmed installation date.
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Technical Design
With the approved concept drawings most of the collaborative design work we undertake with you is now complete. The project is handed over to our highly talented technical design wizards who use a program called Solidworks to prepare the production 3D models. We manufacture directly from these models so time is well spent here to avoid any issues further down the line.
Checklist
- Contractor issue services drawings.
- Fabrication package.
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Production
Based in south-east London, our 10,000 sq ft workshop is where your joinery becomes a reality. We utilise the latest technology combined with traditional craftsmanship methods and techniques to bring the designs to life. Every care and attention to detail is followed to ensure each aspect is to our high standards and quality. Through appointment, we offer you the opportunity to see your joinery in production.
Checklist
Balance invoice No. 2 issued & paid 5 working days prior to delivery. Final invoice. 40% Contract sum.
Pre-installation survey.
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Installation
Whether in-house or using one of our many preferred sub-contract fitters we will oversee and manage the installation of the joinery with a meticulous attention to detail to ensure our exacting standards are met. This is a critical stage of the project and is where the hard work in the earlier stages is evident. Once installed, our obsession with the details doesn’t end, we will fully inspect each piece with you to ensure you are 100% satisfied before asking you to sign it off as complete.
Checklist
- Completion sign-off.
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Handover
Upon completion we will issue you with a full handover pack within which you will find a full set of drawings, technical information and details on how to care for your new joinery. To ensure the works completed have met and exceeded your expectations, we would ask for your feedback on how we have done and how we can improve, which will be via an online survey.
Checklist
- Shape completion pack.
- Feedback form.
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Aftercare
In addition to our completion pack that offers advice on how to care for your new joinery, we return for a free-of-charge aftercare visit six months after installation or at the end of the defects & liability period, whichever is later. Following this, we offer 3 aftercare packages should you want ongoing support and piece of mind.
Our Team
By drawing on Rob’s inherent understanding of the role of the Architect, as well as our commitment to overseeing the overall project, we have first-hand experience of the demands, needs and responsibilities of other construction professionals and trades. It’s through this that we serve to alleviate coordination & procurement pressures with the delivery of our products and projects.
We work collaboratively with several leading architects, interior designers and contractors on luxury residential & commercial projects across London and the home counties.
We encourage engagement as early in the construction process as possible, drawing on our technical expertise and comprehensive knowledge of the latest materials, textures and finishes, we provide construction professionals the enhanced ability to transform their ideas from concept into reality.
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Rob
Managing Director
Rob
Managing Director
Since leaving university in 2012 as a qualified Architect, Rob has gained extensive experience in the construction industry working in high-end residential & commercial sectors. This experience has been invaluable to the founding, success and continuing development of Shape.
A perfectionist, Rob is always striving to make company wide improvements and efficiencies, whether this is to our operating systems, products and services, or our client and employee satisfaction & culture. He’s highly motivated, hard working, a problem solver and forever dedicated to fulfilling a brief and exceeding the expectations of our clients. His inherent thirst for knowledge and keen interest in new products, finishes and technologies is a key driver in Shape’s progression.
Understanding the benefit of teamwork, he’s continually looking to build new partnerships & relationships with like minded and complementary companies, as well as strengthening and developing existing ones. Outside of the office, he’s a keen sportsman, cook and all round nice chap!
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Phoebe
Technical Designer
Phoebe
Technical Designer
I’m a natural morning person with an adventurous streak. I’ve recently learned to sail and now jump at any opportunity to crew a boat.
My dream destination is Sri Lanka, inspired by the incredible things I’ve heard about the country and the cuisine I’ve discovered in London.
When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats Nutella—with absolutely anything!
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Rich
Production Director
Rich
Production Director
Rich is The Maker. Fresh out of school, he started his working career in construction as a builder, which is where he found his true love and passion for working with wood to create beautiful joinery. His attention to detail, desire for perfection and work ethic are inevitably what has led to where he is today and in founding Shape with his brother Rob.
Rich oversees the production and fabrication at our 5000sq ft workshop, managing a skilled team through the various stages of a project. From initial drawing reviews to CNC operation, timber preparation, hand tooling and assembly, Rich is a true craftsman with raw talent. He excels in everything he lays his hands to, whether this is crafting his own beautiful guitars or demonstrating his wizardry on the machines. This combination of digital fabrication techniques with his skills as a maker are hard to match and give Shape’s joinery ‘the edge’ over other joinery companies.
Outside of solving the design & fabrication challenges that are thrown at the workshop team, Rich enjoys spending time outdoors, cycling, playing golf and snowboarding. He’s also a keen musician and proclaimed petrol head.
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Rebecca
Business Development Manager
Rebecca
Business Development Manager
At the weekends, I love getting outdoors—nothing beats a sunny walk by the sea.
If I could wake up anywhere tomorrow, I’d be travelling around New Zealand with my family. With three lively kids who always keep me on my toes, it would certainly be an adventure to remember!
The one song guaranteed to get me on the dance floor is Wonderwall by Oasis.
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Craig
Senior Technical Designer
Craig
Senior Technical Designer
In my free time, I enjoy cycling, listening to all kinds of music and going to gigs.
If I could wake up anywhere in the world tomorrow, it would be Japan—a country I’ve always wanted to visit.
My ideal dinner party guests would be Noel Fielding, Bob Mortimer and my nan, which would certainly make for an entertaining evening!
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Sonny
Cabinet Maker & CNC Technician
Sonny
Cabinet Maker & CNC Technician
In my spare time, I love watching films—both old and new—and listening to records. I enjoy all kinds of music, but The Cure and Talking Heads are among my favourites.
If I could wake up anywhere in the world tomorrow, I’d choose Ha Long Bay in Vietnam, taking in the incredible scenery while drifting across the water.
If I could have a drink with anyone, it would be Keith Moon. From the wild stories I’ve heard, it certainly wouldn’t be a quiet evening!
Tell Us About Your Project
It starts with a conversation, whether it’s a bespoke kitchen, joinery package, commercial enquiry or standalone piece of furniture, Shape London can help with all your bespoke joinery needs. We take great care to really get to know our clients and it’s because of this that we are able to create pieces that are truly unique, perfectly tailored to your lifestyles and personalities.