Meet the Staff

At deVOL we believe that our team of highly qualified staff is our best asset. Our customers appreciate putting a friendly face to a name. Click on the pictures of our staff below to read about them and read their entries on our award winning blog.

Directors

Paul O'Leary

Director

Paul O'Leary

Director

BA (Hons) Product Design

Paul failed to pass his A-levels at school, achieving only in Art. He took a foundation course in Art and Design at Loughborough Art College. He then failed to be accepted onto a Fine Art Degree course, and failed again the following year to gain a place on a Furniture Design course. He retook his A-levels, doing evening classes at the technical college. With some newfound determination, he got the grades he needed and gleefully embarked on a degree in Product Design. Paul graduated from Loughborough University in 1987 with a 2:1 and co-founded Insight Design Consultancy.

The business failed to win enough commissions in a recession and folded in its second year. Paul and two of the partners tried their hand at restoring classic cars, but it soon became clear that the task required many years of experience in mechanics and panel beating. They ended up selling Austin Healey wrecks to an Italian car restorer and supplying parts. With that business also floundering because of the lack of available stock, the partners, Paul, Phil deVries and Will Jameson decided they had one more chance before accepting that they would need to get a proper job, so they each went home for the weekend to think of something.

Phil’s idea was the best: restore and sell antique pine furniture. They all agreed this could work, Paul even had some experience working at The Old Pine Shop in Ross on Wye over a couple of summers. Their first sale was a flop, only one person turned up, a neighbour interested to see what was going on. Completely broke, Paul put a desperate ad in the local paper: “Half price door stripping, £5 per door, no VAT.” For the first time, the phone was ringing, and they were collecting doors from nearby Leicester, Nottingham and Derby. Often loading the first tank at 6am, and spraying down the last doors at midnight, they were stripping 60 doors a day from a rented garage. Clambering around atop a caustic tank, sinking doors clad in overalls, gas mask, gauntlets and wellies, it was a horrible job, but they were happy, they were making ends meet for the very first time.

Will saw sense and got an actual graduate job, leaving Paul and Phil to follow their dream of stripping enough doors to buy some woodworking machinery to do what they really wanted, which was to make their own furniture.

With a £600 80-year-old Wadkin table saw and a £150 Wadkin morticer, equally ancient, they made their first piece of furniture, a Welsh dresser commissioned by Paul’s Mum. The business moved to a 2,000 sq ft workshop, down an alleyway on Baxtergate in Loughborough, where they set up a stripping room, a workshop with 5 carpenter's benches, and a display area to show their wares. With restored pieces of antique pine furniture, alongside farmhouse-style tables that they had made, they started taking one-off commissions, until one day they decided to cut the middle drawer out of a dresser base and replace it with a Belfast sink. The first deVOL sink cabinet was born, and bespoke pine kitchen commissions followed. 'deVOL' being an amalgamation of Phil deVries and Paul O’Leary’s surnames, and coincidentally, LOVed backwards.

In 1998, with the business barely able to pay the rent, Phil decided to leave and buy a small holding in Portugal with his wife. He came back many years later to earn extra money, and now works 40 weeks of the year at Cotes Mill, managing all the works on the estate.

On his own, Paul was nervous, so he decided to downsize, moving to a small shop in the village of Quorn, where he planned to make furniture from the back room and live upstairs. But, as soon as he put some posters of their work in the window, they suddenly had a new clientele. The affluent villages nearby had budgets Paul could only dream of, homeowners happy to spend £5,000 on a kitchen. Instead of downsizing, Paul increased the number of carpenters, gave up the stripping, and specialised in designing and making kitchens full-time.

Paul tells this story to encourage budding entrepreneurs to never give up; multiple failures do not make you a failure.

deVOL now employs 400 staff, has showrooms in Leicestershire, London, Bath, New York and Los Angeles. Along with Managing Director, Robin McLellan and Creative Director, Helen Parker, deVOL made two TV series for the Discovery Channel, 'For The Love of Kitchens', both series receiving Emmy nominations, and now shown all around the world.

Paul’s dream was to one day run a modern-day Bauhaus, where designers and makers from every discipline work under one roof to create household wares that were as close to perfect as possible, but in an old-fashioned way. The deVOL style still reflects the detail and proportion that Paul and Phil experienced restoring old pine furniture in the late 80s. You can read the whole sorry story in 'The deVOL Kitchen', published by Penguin Random House.

Robin McLellan

Managing Director

Robin McLellan

Managing Director

BSc (Hons) DPS Industrial Design & Technology

Robin started a one year placement at deVOL in 2005 and returned as a permanent member of staff after completing his degree in Industrial Design and Technology at Loughborough University with a First Class Honours degree.

Robin started selling his wood turnings at a shop in Worcester at the age of ten. By the age of twenty, Robin had acquired an extensive home workshop, including two lathes. He has an incredible knowledge of the properties of even quite rare timbers, as well as a thorough knowledge of traditional carpentry techniques.

With the practical skills he has at his disposal, Robin quickly became a highly regarded member of our design & development team and became influential in streamlining production, working closely with Ben Creed. He also ensured that each cabinet met our specifications to minute tolerances.

Robin was promoted to Production Manager in 2008 and to a share­holding Managing Director in 2011. From the moment Robin walked into my shop as a student with an oar sticking out of a hold-all, he has never ceased to impress. Robin is as ambitious and dedicated as he is talented and trustworthy. deVOL kitchens Ltd will no doubt continue to flourish as Robin slowly but surely takes responsibility for everything that makes deVOL special; the most important being our staff, who are an exceptional bunch of creative, honest and hardworking people.

Robin’s interests include renovating property, white water kayaking and building vintage motorcycles.


Helen Parker

Creative Director

Helen Parker

Creative Director

Helen joined deVOL as a Kitchen Designer in 2004 after a lengthy sabbatical raising a family, she quickly proved that she has the wherewithal to guide prospective clients through the kitchen design process.

Helen was promoted to the position of Creative Director in 2011 after showing an innate ability to forecast trends and give deVOL a style direction. She was given the task of redesigning deVOL's kitchen displays both at Cotes Mill and our first London showroom, this included designing new pieces of furniture to add to our existing Classic and Shaker ranges. One of our favourite of Helen’s designs is the beautiful deVOL Curiosity cupboard which launched in 2016 and has already become a firm favourite with our customers. Designed with the ‘old museum’ cabinets in mind, this piece is simple, functional and works in just about every room of your home.

Although Helen no longer designs kitchens directly for our customers, she oversees and helps with the training of all deVOL’s kitchen designers both at Cotes Mill and in London and is still very involved with all aspects of the kitchen design service.

deVOL’s easy, cool and understated style is Helen's inspiration and her original approach to our look is quite unique. Over the last thirteen years that Helen has been with the company it has changed from a small Leicestershire business, to a household name. Helen's passion and desire to create a special look for deVOL has proved to be the making of this company.

She works with Tim, our photographer, on all the styling and imagery for the company, organising photoshoots both in-house and in customers’ homes. deVOL’s timeless, original and impeccably styled photography is one of the key things which have helped us to become such a well regarded name in the design and interiors industry.</p><p>Helen is also involved with the design and writing of text for all deVOL brochures and advertising, regularly being asked to submit editorials for local and national magazines and newspapers such as Elle Decoration, Homes & Gardens, Livingetc and The Sunday Times, she has become a voice of knowledge when it comes to interiors and stylish living.

When we design new kitchen ranges and work on collaborations and new projects Helen is a key member of the deVOL Design Team. Her amazing eye for style and knack for getting things just spot on were very important in the design and launch of our Sebastian Cox Kitchen range in 2015, which has gone on to win multiple awards for its unique urban rustic look.

Helen is also responsible for styling, sourcing and buying all the antiques and gifts on display here at the Mill and has introduced an exciting and eclectic range of products old and new. As well as sourcing products from all over the world, Helen has been working closely with our deVOL potter and ceramicist to create a small but growing collection of classic stoneware in the most beautiful soft muted colours, the pieces are practical and simple and they will be around forever.

Most recently, Helen has been responsible for designing our incredible new London showroom and townhouse in the historic square of St. John, Clerkenwell. A design that has already got the media and interiors world talking; with soft pink and green walls, cupboards painted in our new ‘Clerkenwell Blue’, a wall covered in our very own dark green metro style deVOL tiles, oil paintings hanging from the walls, quirky palm trees and houseplants, antique chandeliers and kooky Majolica pottery, Helen’s brave and inspired choices have created an evocative and carefully considered space in which to display our bespoke Classic English cupboards.

Helen is a keen blogger and is always actively ensuring deVOL and its image is kept classic, on trend and eclectic. She loves food, unusual ingredients, exploring markets and local restaurants, spending time gardening and watching world movies. Helen’s hobbies are a kind of extension of her work at deVOL, all of the things Helen loves are a part of her job. She is hoping to get the deVOL food truck up and running this year and create a lovely vegetable garden at the Mill too; all of these things are intrinsically linked to her home life in the loveliest way.




Cotes Mill Kitchen Designers

Katie Creed

UK Sales Director

Katie Creed

UK Sales Director

BA (Hons) Textile Design

Katie graduated from Nottingham Trent University in 2009, specialising in print and embroidery; her style focused on graphical line drawings of iconic London imagery. Soon after graduating Katie started working in our flooring business, Floors of Stone Ltd. Katie was excellent with customers and gained expertise in all aspects of sales, logistics and customer service. Katie became office supervisor as the business grew, until she was offered a place on the kitchen design team at deVOL. Katie had always been interested in interior design, so the move satisfied her desire to use her creative skills in her job. Katie quickly got up to speed designing on CAD and guiding clients through the kitchen design process.

In 2015 Katie was appointed as Head Kitchen Designer, her friendly and approachable personality, design flair and impeccable organisational skills made her the perfect person for this job. She now works closely with our team of designers at the Mill, discussing their projects and helping each designer create the very best and most practical design for their customer’s space.

Katie likes to have a good nosey at all of the potential projects we receive on a daily basis, but the best bit is seeing photographs of the finished rooms and hearing from happy customers who love their new kitchens.

Although Katie spends most of her time helping our team of designers, she still enjoys having her own kitchen clients when she can, there’s nothing better than working closely with a customer and seeing a project through from beginning to end. The Kew and Bath Shaker kitchens are a couple of Katie’s favourite projects that she has worked on. Not only were the customers lovely, making the design process a dream, but the finished kitchens look so clean and beautiful. Simple designs always make the best ones.

Katie loves working at Cotes Mill, being surrounded by friendly and creative people and working in a place where there’s always something new going on. She especially likes seeing all of the new ceramics coming out of our little studio and is looking forward to the very first deVOL jewellery collection. Katie has just bought a new house, which needs some serious renovating, so she can now totally relate to customers in a similar position!

In her spare time she likes to sew, print and makes her own furnishings, most recently, she has started making paper-mache lights, a very messy process but rewarding in the end! Travelling is another of Katie’s passions, with her favourite destinations so far being the USA, Canada, Berlin and Stockholm.

Helen Balshaw

Kitchen Design and Training Manager

Helen Balshaw

Kitchen Design and Training Manager

BA (Hons) 3D Design

Helen studied 3D Design at Loughborough University, graduating in 2013 with a 2:1 in 3D design. Shortly after graduating, Helen joined deVOL as a Kitchen Designer at the Cotes Mill headquarters and in September 2017 made the big move down to London to become a member of the design team in our Tysoe Street showroom. She has since returned back to Leicestershire to work at Cotes Mill.

Before joining deVOL, Helen worked as an assistant at The Lightbox Gallery, The Eden Project and also spent time teaching as a volunteer in Sri Lanka. Alongside her degree, Helen also undertook internships with product and furniture designer Michael Marriott and at Next in their homeware department.

Not only does Helen spend her days designing deVOL Kitchens, but she also helps to train our new Kitchen Designers, teaching them everything they need to know to design a practical, beautiful space that fulfils the customers’ needs and upholds deVOL’s principals and aesthetics. Discovering the things that our new staff excel in, as well as the things they find a little trickier, and helping them to grow in confidence in all aspects of their job is something Helen finds really rewarding.

Helen’s favourite project that she has worked on so far is The Peckham Rye Kitchen, a wonderfully bold, daring and eccentric room and the most talked about deVOL Kitchen ever. This space was different to anything Helen had ever designed before and it reminded her that the most challenging projects are always the best and the most rewarding.

If Helen had to pick one of her kitchen designs that she would most like to have in her own home, it would be The Park Kitchen Nottingham. It’s such a light and bright and open space with so many interesting details like the little round window seat and wonderfully high ceilings. The perfect mix of practical fitted furniture and freestanding bits and bobs, this kitchen is a delight and also features a retro Smeg fridge, something Helen has dreamed of having ever since she was little!

Helen’s absolute favourite thing about working at deVOL is all the lovely people she gets to work with, as well as having the opportunity to meet lots of interesting customers and help them to create lovely kitchens that they will get to enjoy for many years to come.

In her spare time, Helen loves doing lots of creative things. Since specialising in paper folding design in her final year at university, she’s been a bit obsessed with origami and making decorations, homewares and cards out of waste paper. Helen is also passionate about going to church and getting involved with volunteering projects. At the moment she is volunteering with a night shelter that her church helps to run in London, this is something Helen has always wanted to do.



Francesca Froggatt

Head Kitchen Designer

Francesca Froggatt

Head Kitchen Designer

BA (Hons) 3D Design

Francesca graduated in 2017 with a 1st class honours degree in 3D Design: New Practice from Loughborough University. She harbours an innate passion for the Arts and has worked as a creative across the creative industries in Eindhoven, NL and the United Kingdom. During her time in Eindhoven, Francesca worked on humanitarian design projects at Hassani Design BV and at Studio Nacho Carbonell, Eindhoven, leading a small team of interns in the creation and manufacture of surreal, sculptural artworks and furniture pieces using a diverse range of materials and processes.

In London, Francesca worked as Studio Manager of Kennedy Woods Architecture, a rapidly growing Architecture studio in the heart of Peckham, where she gained experience in 2D CAD drawing, interior design, and furniture specification. In her hometown of Lincolnshire, Francesca has helped to pioneer numerous creative endeavours to encourage interest in and engagement with the Arts across the county.

Francesca joined deVOL as a Kitchen Designer in 2017. She loves to get to know her clients and designs every kitchen to perfectly suit each customer's individual needs and tastes. Francesca's sense of style is influenced by her nomadic lifestyle, growing up in fields, up mountains, or on horseback, and trawling Lincolnshire's treasure-filled antique shops for gems. She loves to be at one with nature and is most at home covered in dirt with her dog Peanut.

Emma Wraithmell

Senior Kitchen Designer

Emma Wraithmell

Senior Kitchen Designer

BA (Hons) Furniture Design

Emma graduated from De Montfort University in 2008 with a degree in Furniture Design. She joined deVOL towards the end of 2014. Her role focuses on drawing up customers kitchen plans and guiding them through the design process turning their ideas and requirements into their dream kitchen. Prior to working for deVOL she worked in Liverpool as an Interior Designer where she enjoyed working on a variety of projects and gained a greater understanding and love of interiors.

Emma has a passion for cooking and travel and loves to experience new foods and cultures. She is also an avid viewer of The Great British Bake Off and enjoys recreating what has been baked on the show. In her spare time Emma loves being outside and enjoys visiting the Lake District to go on walks. Having recently purchased her first home, Emma can't wait to take on the project of re-designing the interiors.

Hannah Vincent

Senior Kitchen Designer

Hannah Vincent

Senior Kitchen Designer

BA (Hons) Furniture

After graduating from Buckinghamshire New University, Hannah Joined deVOL as a Kitchen Designer at our Cotes Mill showrooms. During her time at university her designs were chosen to exhibit at both May Design Series 2015 and New Designers 2016.

Hannah has worked with a number of Public Art Groups including ‘Future City’ and ‘Public Works’ and has been a part of projects, such as ‘A Masterclass in Sitting’ and the ‘Last Chair Arch of High Wycombe’. She also won a public seating competition in 2015 commissioned by Berkley Homes, in partnership with Future City, Public Works and High Wycombe Council.

As a big fan of craft and wood working, Hannah enjoys learning about and experimenting with a whole range of materials and even specialised in the use of alternative materials in her final year at university.</p><p>Hannah also loves to fill her home with an eclectic mix of handmade, one-off ornaments and furniture.

Josephine Bell

Senior Kitchen Designer

Josephine Bell

Senior Kitchen Designer

BA (Hons) Fashion Communication

Josephine studied Fashion Communications at Northumbria University where she particularly enjoyed exhibition design and visual merchandising. Before joining deVOL as a Kitchen Designer, she worked at as a Visual Merchandiser and then as an Interior Designer. Josephine’s best experience so far has been working in Älmhult, Sweden, on an exhibition that focused on the new home furnishing products for the coming year. She loved discovering the identity of Swedish design and getting inspired by the amazing shops in Malmö and Copenhagen.

Now, she loves creating beautiful and functional kitchens for deVOL’s customers that reflect the period and style of the property.

In her spare time, Josephine enjoys walking in the Peak District with her dog, Fenton, Interior Design and styling, shopping for antiques and going on holiday to Northumberland.

Lucy Bedford

Senior Kitchen Designer

Lucy Bedford

Senior Kitchen Designer

BA (Hons) Fashion Management

Lucy graduated from Nottingham Trent University in 2018 with a First Class Honours degree in Fashion Management, where she attained a knowledge of the retail market and business strategies. Whilst completing her degree, Lucy also gained her Diploma in Professional Practice and her dissertation was selected to be shown at Graduate Fashion Week.

In April 2021, Lucy joined the team at deVOL's historic Cotes Mill home as an Assistant Kitchen Designer. This role includes assisting the senior designers in every aspect of creating beautiful kitchens for our customers all over the world, including working on the room layout and design elevations, as well as putting together itemised quotations.

From a young age, Lucy has enjoyed drawing and designing. In 2014, she won first prize in the ISA Area & National Art Competition. Since then, she has developed her love for design, including upcycling antique pieces of furniture.

In her free time, Lucy enjoys cooking and creating new recipes with her partner. A typical Sunday includes visiting her family, going on a long dog walk with their sausage dogs, Darcey and Belle, finished with a Sunday roast dinner.

James Hamilton

Senior Designer & Projects Manager

James Hamilton

Senior Designer & Projects Manager

A (Hons) Product Design

James graduated in 2021 with a 2:1 in Product Design from Nottingham Trent University. He officially joined us at deVOL in 2021 as an Assistant Kitchen Designer, but he actually spent his university placement year working as a Production Assistant at deVOL's Shepshed workshop, specialising in our Sebastian Cox and Shaker furniture.

As a designer, his main interests lie within architecture and the built environment, in particular, small space design. For James’s major project at university, he designed and built a more affordable full-scale garden office in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the cultural shift towards hybrid working. He recently sold this garden office, and it is now being used for a small business.

Growing up in rural Gloucestershire, James has a strong appreciation for the outdoors, gardening and sustainability/upcycling. He’s also a keen traveller, inter-railing around Europe and exploring the east coast of Australia in a campervan! When he’s not off on exciting trips he likes to keep active, running, swimming and playing golf and cricket.

Michael Wenban

Senior Designer & Projects Manager

Michael Wenban

Senior Designer & Projects Manager

A (Hons) Product Design

Michael graduated with a 2:1 in Product Design from Nottingham Trent University in 2021. Using his artistic flair, he was able to take an innovative approach to solving the problems faced in design briefs.

Finding a way to bridge a keen interest for art and problem solving, Michael spent a year on placement in the kitchen design industry where he developed a strong interest in all things 'interiors'. Michael joined the deVOL team as a Kitchen Designer at our Cotes Mill showrooms in Leicestershire in 2021. Although a lot of the design process takes place behind a computer screen, Michael loves interacting with deVOL customers all over the world. He particularly enjoys being able to bring all the elements of a new kitchen together to create a space that is not only beautiful but functional too.

Art, particularly drawing portraits, is one of Michael's passions, as well as exercise and enjoying the outdoors. Cotes Mill is a constant source of inspiration and he feels very lucky to be able to enjoy the lush, sprawling grounds and countryside surrounding the historic building.

Miranda Whitby

Leading Kitchen Design Technician

Miranda Whitby

Leading Kitchen Design Technician

MA Design & BA (Hons) Graphic Design

Having graduated with a BA (Hons) in Graphic Design from the University of Chester, Miranda realised that she wanted to take a more three-dimensional approach to design. She went on to complete her MA in Design, focusing on interiors and exploring how people interact with their surroundings in commercial environments.

Before joining deVOL, Miranda worked as a bathroom designer and visual merchandiser which taught her about creating cohesive design schemes that are functional and engaging. As a Kitchen Design Assistant at our Cotes Mill showroom, Miranda is there to offer support to and learn from our talented team. She also uses her technical skills to draw up designs and quotes for each of their projects. Miranda particularly loves working on homes with lots of character and enjoys creating designs that are sympathetic to the age and style of the property.

Having spent a lot of time walking in the Lake District and Lancashire, the countryside is a particular source of inspiration that she likes to bring into the home. Miranda also really enjoys city breaks where she can experience different cultures, cuisines, and architecture; her current favourite is Bruges.

Poppy Taylor

Design Coordinator Assistant

Poppy Taylor

Design Coordinator Assistant

BSc (Hons) Psychology (Educational and Developmental)

Poppy joined deVOL in July 2023 after achieving her degree in Psychology (Educational and Developmental) from Nottingham Trent.

As an Assistant Design Coordinator, Poppy is responsible for booking our appointments and is one of the very first people our lovely customers will talk to when beginning a project. Poppy replies to initial enquiries, advises on our process, and collects all the information our kitchen designers need prior to a consultation.

In her spare time Poppy enjoys running and walking her dog, Alfie, to local cafés for coffee and lunch. Poppy is also a keen traveller and loves to take short city breaks around the world.

Barbara Druzdzel

Design Coordinator

Barbara Druzdzel

Design Coordinator

BA (Hons) Interior Design

Barbara graduated from the University of Derby in 2020 with a degree in Interior Design. From there, Barbara joined an interior design studio in Leicester where she got to exercise her love for the more technical side of the industry. 

In April 2025, Barbara joined deVOL’s Cotes Mill showroom as a Design Coordinator. As the first point of contact for UK and overseas kitchen enquiries (big and small), Barbara fields emails and phone calls covering all sorts of topics, from general queries about our furniture and accessories to more technical questions about our cabinetry and design process. Day-to-day, Barbara liaises between our customers and designers, putting together approximate costs, booking in appointments and ensuring the deVOL team have all the information they need to get started on plans and quotations. 

Outside of work, Barbara is a house music DJ in Leicester and plays as a duo with her fiancé! She also loves running, hiking, painting, cooking over the top dinner parties and BBQs, as well as playing with her little dog, Boris.

St. John's Square, Clerkenwell

Matteo Allodi

Showroom Manager & Senior Kitchen Designer

Matteo Allodi

Showroom Manager & Senior Kitchen Designer

BA (Hons) Fine Art

Matteo graduated from Loughborough University in 2015 with a first class degree in Fine Art. During his final year, he designed a series of sculptures ranging in scale and size, which explored the materiality of wood, concrete and glass, some of which were added to Loughborough University's private collection. Matteo's work has been exhibited across the country, and he was invited to exhibit his work at the Affordable Art Fair in Battersea in 2015.

After graduating, Matteo returned to Loughborough University as part of the marketing team for the engineering department, before joining deVOL in 2017 at their Cotes Mill showrooms as a Kitchen Designer. In June 2018 Matteo made the move down to London and is now designing kitchens from our Tysoe Street showroom, which is located just off the fabulous Exmouth Market.

During his weekends off work, Matteo enjoys visiting friends and binging on good food! With a strong interest in crafts, he still makes sculptures in his spare time and has also recently purchased leather making tools as he is eager to learn a new skill!

Iain Chatburn

Senior Kitchen Designer

Iain Chatburn

Senior Kitchen Designer

BA (Hons) Photography

Iain graduated in 2008 with a 2:1 from Falmouth University. He first worked in deVOL’s Creative Design Office from 2013; managing magazine advertising, updating websites, proof-reading brochures and also photographing floor tiles. Iain is now one of our kitchen designers based in the new London showroom. He is fascinated in the design process where a customer’s initial ideas become a finished kitchen design. After graduating Iain was involved in the Nottingham Arts scene, with a role as Digital Coordinator at Surface Gallery. Here he curated several exhibitions, including an international exhibition of short film, subject which he has a great interest in.

Iain's own art practice take cues from nature, with a strong grounding in Fine Art. A degree project combined photography stills and computer graphics to create an interactive point-and-click adventure game. Living in Cornwall gave the chance to dive regularly and learn underwater photography. A passion for travel also has helped produce a portfolio of photos in East Asia as well as a year teaching English in South Korea. Other hobbies include foraging wild mushrooms and cooking.

Kristina McIntyre

Senior Kitchen Designer

Kristina McIntyre

Senior Kitchen Designer

BA (Hons) Textile Design

Kristina joined deVOL after graduating in 2019 with a First Class Honours degree in Textile Design. As part of her course, she studied abroad in Milan and completed an internship with THE UNSEEN, a material innovation R&D house based in London. As part of her final year at university, Kristina developed a collection of tactile interior surfaces inspired by minimalism and Scandinavian culture.

As a Kitchen Designer and coming from a background in textiles, Kristina really enjoys getting to know her clients and helping them choose the perfect colour and finishes for their new kitchen. The best part of the job for Kristina is hearing lovely feedback from her clients and seeing the final finished deVOL furniture looking beautiful in her customer's home.

In her spare time, Kristina enjoys cycling and visiting her parents in Scotland and taking her two Australian Shepherds, Maisie and Luna, on long dog walks in the Scottish countryside. Kristina also has Scandinavian roots and enjoys frequent trips to see her family in Norway and tries to go snowboarding whenever she gets the chance!

Sam Atkins

Senior Kitchen Designer

Sam Atkins

Senior Kitchen Designer

BA (Hons) Furniture and Product Design

Sam graduated from Nottingham Trent University in 2020 following a four year Furniture and Product Design BA Honours degree, including the completion of a 13 month internship - project managing and designing bespoke fine English cabinetry with a cabinetmaker in Guildford. His dissertation explored defining ‘classic’ design, how and why individual perspectives differ and the importance and power that design can have. Sam’s final piece was a Shaker-inspired sideboard following principles of quality, craftsmanship and functionality. This piece caught the eye of the Conran Shop and was shortlisted at New Designers for the Conran Shop Design Award.

Sam joined deVOL in July 2020 at Cotes Mill where he worked for six months before joining the team at the St. John’s Square showroom, London.

Sam loves working with his customers, taking their initial ideas and developing these into beautiful spaces. He has always loved designing and making pieces of furniture and was fortunate enough to be awarded a Young Furniture Makers Design Prize (sponsored by the Furniture Makers’ Company) in 2016 for his final piece for Product Design A level, a folding table.

Sam has always been a keen artist and photographer and has exhibited his work in a number of venues. He also has a real passion for music and is an accomplished classically trained singer. He was a tenor scholar throughout his time at university and still performs regularly with choirs and as a soloist. In his spare time, Sam often travels to visit and catch up with friends and family across the UK.

Ella Cowie

Kitchen Designer

Ella Cowie

Kitchen Designer

BA (Hons) Architecture

Ella graduated from the University of Manchester in 2024, obtaining a degree in Architecture. During her final year, Ella’s work focussed on designing a library for a small, traditional cotton textile town in the North. The design was inspired by weaving sheds and how natural light enters spaces. This project was chosen to represent the university in a Dezeen article, and a model of Ella’s building was shortlisted in The MSA Modelmaking Awards, partnered with Stanton Williams.

In January 2025, Ella joined deVOL as a Kitchen Design Assistant at our beautiful St. John’s Square showroom in London. This role involves drawing up designs and quotes for our customers and assisting the team wherever they need it. Ella particularly enjoys working on projects with lots of character, especially heritage or listed buildings.

Outside of deVOL, Ella enjoys playing tennis with her family and competing in lacrosse matches at weekends. You can also find her exploring new restaurants and galleries around London, with a focus on textiles exhibitions.

Tysoe Street, Clerkenwell

Megan Wright

Showroom Manager & Senior Kitchen Designer

Megan Wright

Showroom Manager & Senior Kitchen Designer

BA (Hons) Interior Architecture

Megan graduated in 2017 from Oxford Brookes University with a degree in Interior Architecture.

Before joining deVOL, Megan worked as an in-house interior designer in private members clubs which she helped to set up in London, Hong Kong, Singapore and China.

In April 2022, Megan became part of our Tysoe Street, London team where she is training to be a Kitchen Designer. While assisting our design team with customer projects, Megan will learn everything she needs to know to design a functional and beautiful kitchen that both fulfills the customer's needs and upholds deVOL's design principles.

When Megan's not at work, she makes little lino prints and spends lots of time sketching and doodling, cooking for friends and family, running and swimming in the sea at any opportunity! An office full of cyclists here at deVOL has also encouraged Megan to get a bike, which she now commutes to work on every day.

Katie Alderson

Senior Kitchen Designer

Katie Alderson

Senior Kitchen Designer

BA (Hons) Decorative Arts

Katie graduated from Nottingham Trent University with a First class honors degree in Decorative Arts, designing and creating lighting, homewares and jewellery. Her graduate collection was awarded Highly Commended at New Designers and labelled by Trend Bible as 'One to watch'. She exhibited at various galleries and shows across the country including Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair and Lustre.

Following her degree collection’s success, Katie was one of four applicants accepted onto the YA Silversmithing programme in Sheffield completing orders and developing new products in her own studio.

Before joining deVOL as a Metalware Designer, she worked as an interior designer and visual merchandiser. She spent the last 2 years travelling across 12 countries and driving around Australia in her self renovated campervan. Out of work, Katie enjoys discovering cosy coffee shops and beautiful interiors, watching documentaries and planning her next trip away.

Guy Clayson

Kitchen Designer

Guy Clayson

Kitchen Designer

BA (Hons) Product Design

Guy joined deVOL in 2023 after achieving a 2:1 degree in Product Design from Bournemouth University. As part of his degree, Guy undertook a placement year at a small commercial kitchen company where he fostered his interest and understanding of kitchen design.

As a Kitchen Designer, Guy’s main responsibility is to support the team at Tysoe Street with a fascinating array of deVOL projects, assisting with drawing and quoting for new customers and learning from our experienced designers how to bring our customers' ideas to life.

Before joining deVOL, Guy worked as a ski instructor in Whistler, Canada and a chalet host in Val D'Isere, France so the mountains and the snow are a passion and big part of his life. In his spare time, Guy loves to immerse himself in the outdoors by playing golf and going on scenic walks with his cocker spaniel, Lola.

Ayesha Murray-Smith

Kitchen Designer

Ayesha Murray-Smith

Kitchen Designer

Product Design & Technology BSc Hons

Ayesha studied Product Design & Technology at Loughborough University, graduating in 2016 with a 2.1. Following her degree, Ayesha worked as a kitchen designer for eight years before joining deVOL in 2024. Working from our Tysoe Street showroom in Clerkenwell, London, Ayesha enjoys transforming our customers' ideas into beautiful kitchen designs. 

In her spare time, Ayesha enjoys going on hikes and travelling with her husband. In 2023 they completed a challenging five-day trek in Patagonia. When she’s not out enjoying nature, Ayesha loves to spend time at home, reading and cooking new recipes or exploring the bars and restaurants of London.

Jack Beck

Kitchen Surveyor

Jack Beck

Kitchen Surveyor

BSC (Hons) Computer Aided Product Design

Jack graduated from university with a degree in Computer Aided Product Design, with his final project focusing on methods of improving the surface finish on 3D printed parts.

In August 2019, Jack joined the deVOL team as a Kitchen Surveyor. This role sees Jack travel all over the UK to our lovely customers' homes, where he measures up their kitchens with true precision prior to installation to ensure a perfect fit each and every time. Old properties, wonky walls and unexpected structural changes on site are a common occurrence in kitchen projects, so Jack's skill and attention to detail is vital. Once the rooms are measured, Jack will then create the CAD drawings for our project management team before the furniture goes into production in our Leicestershire workshops.

Outside of work, Jack's hobbies include football and playing guitar.

Olivia Lamb

Showroom & Kitchen Design Assistant

Olivia Lamb

Showroom & Kitchen Design Assistant

BA Hons Interior Design

Olivia graduated from Bath Spa University in 2024 with a degree in Interior Design. Whilst there, Olivia studied both residential and commercial projects, often working with the beautiful listed buildings synonymous with Bath. For her final project, Olivia designed a self-funded community restaurant, offering affordable or free fresh meals. 

In August 2025, Olivia joined deVOL’s Tysoe Street showroom in London’s bustling Exmouth Market. As a Showroom and Kitchen Design Assistant, Olivia ensures our furniture displays always look beautiful and tidy each day and helps the design team with their meetings by drawing up project plans and putting together quotations.

When she’s not exploring new countries, Olivia loves to cook and find new places to eat around London with her friends.

George Street, Bath

Petra Baker

Bath Showroom Manager

Petra Baker

Bath Showroom Manager

BA (Hons) Textiles: Innovation and Design

Petra first joined deVOL in 2016 as Design Coordinator of our Tysoe Street showroom after graduating from Loughborough University with a degree in Textiles: Innovation and Design. Over the next four years, she transitioned into the role of Kitchen Designer and was a key part of the London team. In 2020, Petra left the big city to manage and run a boutique cafe in the West Wales countryside before moving to Bristol a few years later. It was perfect timing as we were just about to open our latest showroom in Bath and we were delighted by the idea of Petra coming back to deVOL as Showroom Manager at 17 George Street.

During renovations, Petra was one of our main people on site and was instrumental in making sure everything was set up and running smoothly for the showroom opening in October 2023. Her new role is focused on training, supporting and managing the Bath team to ensure we give the very best customer service and that the showroom displays are as beautiful as can be. She's always on hand to show customers around and chat about projects of all shapes and sizes, and is particularly excited to be designing kitchens for the incredible period houses around this beautiful city.

Outside of deVOL, Petra loves camping, wild swimming and road cycling. When she's not on an adventure, you'll most likely find her pottering around antique shops and searching for delicious artisan coffee or back at home renovating, painting walls and sewing accessories.

Alice Baldwin

Assistant Showroom Manager

Alice Baldwin

Assistant Showroom Manager

BA (Hons) Textile Design for Fashion & Interiors

Alice graduated from Bath Spa University in 2016, where she studied Textile Design, focussing on fashion and interiors. This passion for design and salvaged and pre-loved items led Alice to set up her own lifestyle shop, specialising in vintage handcrafted furniture and homeware.

In June 2023, Alice became one of our first new hires for our latest showroom in Bath. It was fantastic to have her on site ensuring everything was all set up before we were ready to open in October. In her role as Assistant Showroom Manager, Alice helps the day-to-day running of this magnificent place, booking in design appointments and making sure everyone who visits us has the best possible experience. She also really enjoys helping our lovely customers bring their ideas to life, drawing up plans and quotations for all sorts of different projects.

When she’s not at work, Alice is busy renovating her own Victorian terrace house, filling it with antique finds and her floristry creations, or taking a walk in the countryside with her partner and dog, Wesley.

Emma Winchester

Senior Kitchen Designer

Emma Winchester

Senior Kitchen Designer

BA (Hons) Business Administration

Emma graduated with a degree in Business Administration where she studied an array of subjects from marketing, economics, strategy, logistics, accounting and more. After her studies, Emma began working in marketing but soon decided to follow her passion, retrain and pursue a career in interior design.

Whilst completing an interior design course at KLC School of Design, Emma worked at Little Greene as a colour advisor, before joining deVOL as a Junior Kitchen Designer in May 2022.

Emma began her deVOL career working from our historic St. John's Square townhouse in London before making the move down to Bath in October 2023, to be part of our amazing George Street team. Emma helps our design team with all customer kitchen projects, as well as showing visitors around and being a friendly and welcoming face in the showroom.

In her spare time, Emma loves cooking, painting and exploring new places, with past trips including a few months travelling around South America where she hiked and camped through the Andes.

Jordan Mulley

Senior Kitchen Designer

Jordan Mulley

Senior Kitchen Designer

BA (Hons) Product Design

Jordan joined deVOL in 2017 as a Kitchen Designer after graduating from Nottingham University with a 2:1 in Product Design. During his final year at university, Jordan designed and created products that utilised natural materials and made the most of both modern and traditional production methods. Jordan’s major project was a Shaker-inspired bar stool with a hidden rotating seat mechanism, designed to add functionality and comfort to a traditional bar stool without taking away from its natural, simplistic beauty. This design was selected to be exhibited at the 2017 New Designers exhibition which is where Jordan met the deVOL team.

Jordan began working at our main showroom in Cotes Mill for his training period, before joining the team at our Tysoe Street showroom in October 2017, where he takes customers' project ideas and inspirations and helps them to create their dream kitchen.

In his spare time, Jordan likes to keep active, going rock climbing and to concerts with his friends. To relax, he enjoys taking trips to the cinema to see the latest films.

Bond Street, Manhattan

Paul Endacott

US Sales Director

Paul Endacott

US Sales Director

BA (Hons) Industrial Design & Technology

Paul studied Industrial Design and Technology at Loughborough University, graduating with a 2:1 in 2013. During his studies he took a placement year job where he helped to produce products, merchandise and furniture for Coca-Cola for use at the London Olympics.

After graduating, Paul worked for a small product design consultancy where he worked on a diverse range of products from high-tech medical products all the way to coffee packaging.

Paul joined deVOL and began working at Cotes Mill to learn the ropes as a Kitchen Designer. He then moved to the Tysoe Street, London showroom in September 2015 where he undertook the role of Assistant Manager. Paul quickly worked his way up to become Manager of the Tysoe Street showroom, and in June 2017 moved over to manage deVOL's amazing St. John's Square showroom and townhouse.

In April 2019, Paul made the move to New York to become the manager of deVOL’s new Bond Street showroom in Manhattan, as well as spending time designing the most beautiful kitchens for our lovely customers. In 2023, Paul was made deVOL's US Sales Director. Since then Paul has moved back to the UK but remains our US Sales Director, managing the US side of the business as well as overseeing the Bond Street showroom. His friendly personality, impeccable organisational skills and passion for design make him the absolute perfect person for this job.

Paul is a very active person. He has swam competitively at a national level, played for Loughborough University’s water polo 1st's team and has taken to competing in triathlons since finishing university. Most of his holidays revolve around skiing, golf or tennis.

Annah Morrish

Showroom & Design Manager

Annah Morrish

Showroom & Design Manager

BA (Hons) Furniture and Product Design

Annah graduated from Nottingham Trent University in 2017, specialising in Furniture & Product Design. Once graduated, Annah joined deVOL at Cotes Mill and after learning the ins and outs, she moved to join the team at the St. John's Square, London showroom in November 2017.

In 2022, Annah flew across the pond to join the New York team as a Senior Kitchen Designer and in 2023, became Bond Street's Design Manager. In this role Annah oversees designs for all our North American projects, using her considerable experience to make sure each kitchen has that unique English feel that makes our designs so special. Annah has created really impressive kitchens for homes all over the world and her work has been featured across social media and in some of the top design magazines.

Outside of work, Annah is a keen runner, completing the New York Marathon in 2024. Using New York as a base for more travelling, Annah has made recent trips to California and Iceland and is currently planning her next adventure!

Elise Barlow

Showroom Manager & Design Coordinator

Elise Barlow

Showroom Manager & Design Coordinator

BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies

Elise graduated from Sheffield Hallam University in 2009 with a 2:1 in Early Childhood Studies, with a focus on development, inclusion, and the health and culture of children. This gave her the chance to experience a variety of early years settings as well as the opportunity to spend 6 weeks working in a school and orphanage in Mumbai.

Although she will always have a passion for working with children, Elise's career path shifted when she became a Brand Development Manager for the luxury interior brands Sanderson, William Morris & Co, Zoffany, and Harlequin. Being surrounded by beautiful fabrics and wallpaper sparked her interest in interiors and design, something she used in her personal life to renovate and design her own house. This passion for interiors and design then transitioned to a professional career when she started working for deVOL as a Design Coordinator.

In 2024, Elise moved from our Tysoe Street showroom in London and joined our incredible team at Bond Street, taking over as Design Coordinator and Assistant Showroom Manager. As a Design Coordinator, Elise is our customers’ first contact at deVOL, guiding them through the initial stages of the design service and managing incoming enquiries. As the Assistant Showroom Manager, Elise helps to make sure everything at Bond Street runs smoothly.

In her spare time, Elise enjoys spending time in nature, camping or keeping active by climbing, running or attempting to surf! She’s a keen cook and has been enjoying the chance to explore all the great food spots that New York has to offer but most weekends you will find her escaping the city in search of the best wild swim spots.

Phoebe

Assistant Showroom Manager

Phoebe

Assistant Showroom Manager

BA (Hons) Furniture and Product Design

Phoebe graduated from Nottingham Trent University in 2020 after studying for her BA (Hons) in Furniture and Product Design.

Growing up doing art and crafts, Phoebe slowly refined her passion over the years through school, university, design competitions and working at her family's pottery business. These experiences, alongside working for a bespoke kitchen company at university, meant she was keen to pursue a career in the design industry.

After spending two years as a Kitchen Designer at Cotes Mill, in 2022 Phoebe moved to join the team at Bond Street. Now, as a Senior Designer, Phoebe works on projects all over the US and really enjoys guiding her customers through the process.

When not designing, Phoebe likes to scout out new areas, including discovering live music venues and comedy shows across New York. When not exploring the city, she likes to brew her own wine, read and cook delicious new recipes!

Corbin Morgan

Assistant Design Manager

Corbin Morgan

Assistant Design Manager

BFA Industrial Design

Corbin graduated from Brigham Young University in Utah in 2021 with a degree in Industrial Design. One of his final, and favourite, projects involved designing and selling bar stools made from beautiful reclaimed wood from a local barn.

Corbin joined deVOL straight from college as a Kitchen Designer and was promoted to a Senior Kitchen Designer in 2024. During his time at Bond Street, Corbin has worked on some very cool projects, including one featured on the second season of our TV show, ‘For The Love Of Kitchens’.

With a love for language and travel, Corbin spent two and a half years living abroad completing his religious mission in the Balkans, studying biology in South Africa, studying global leadership and engineering in the UK and studying design in the Netherlands.

In his spare time, Corbin loves baking, photography, playing the guitar and hiking in national parks. He also recently completed his first ultra marathon, 100 miles long!

Emily Kwok

Kitchen Designer

Emily Kwok

Kitchen Designer

BFA Industrial Design

Emily studied at Brigham Young University with a BFA in Industrial Design where she was awarded IDSA's Student Merit Award. She then went on to get a MA degree in Design Research, Writing and Criticism at the School of Visual Arts in New York. Emily's senior project was a board game designed to help children learn better communication skills within guided counselling programmes. 

After graduating, Emily completed an internship with a furniture and lighting company in the Netherlands, before returning to her hometown in Utah and working as a graphic designer for a film studio. Emily joined the NYC deVOL team as a Kitchen Design Assistant in 2023. Her role involves helping the other designers with their projects by drawing up lots of lovely deVOL kitchens and assisting in design meetings. Emily also takes on her own projects and is always a helping hand around the showroom. 

Outside of work, Emily is heavily involved in the art community - she curates shows, does ceramics, paints and writes poetry. She has recently gotten into film photography and is interested in putting a book together of all her poems and photos. When she's not being creative, you may find Emily hunting down the best NYC food spots. Her parents owned a restaurant so she loves to go out and try new dishes!

Gabrielle Lechleider

Kitchen Designer

Gabrielle Lechleider

Kitchen Designer

AAS Interior Design & BA in Elementary Education

Gabrielle graduated from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill with a degree in Elementary Education, leading her to teach mathematics for seven years in Washington D.C. and New York City. Gabrielle then decided to return to school to study Interior Design where she graduated with Presidential Honours. During these studies, Gabrielle had a class focused on kitchen design where she fell in love with this aspect of design.

In 2023 Gabrielle joined the NYC team as a Kitchen Design Assistant and in 2025 was promoted to become a Kitchen Designer. Gabrielle has worked on a wide range of wonderful kitchen projects of all shapes and sizes across the US. Gabrielle works closely with the design team and customers, discussing designs, preparing drawings, and bringing thoughtful attention to detail on each and every project.

Growing up in Salt Lake City, Utah, Gabrielle developed a love of hiking, snowboarding and just generally being outdoors. When travelling, Gabrielle often looks for places where she can enjoy the landscape and spend time outside exploring - her most recent holiday was to Kauai, Hawaii! Gabrielle also enjoys running, sewing, cooking, exploring New York's restaurant scene and admiring the city's beautiful architecture.

La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles

Alexa Hardman

Showroom & Design Manager

Alexa Hardman

Showroom & Design Manager

BA (Hons) Architectural Studies

Alexa graduated from the University of Nottingham in 2012 with a 2:1 degree in Architectural Studies. After realising that architecture wasn’t the right path for her, she chose to focus on her favourite room in the house: the kitchen.

Following four years as a Kitchen Designer, Alexa joined the deVOL team as Assistant Manager of the Tysoe Street showroom. In 2017, she was promoted to Manager, where she oversaw the day-to-day running of the London showroom and enjoyed guiding customers through the kitchen design process.

In October 2025, Alexa made the exciting move to the West Coast to become the Showroom and Design Manager of our Los Angeles showroom. Alexa oversees all our wonderful projects here, as well as working on her own designs for customers, and ensures the showroom runs seamlessly.

Outside of work, Alexa enjoys visiting art exhibitions and spending time eating and drinking with friends and family. She’s also a keen traveller and is always planning her next sunny getaway.

Claire Fowler

Showroom Manager & Project Coordinator

Claire Fowler

Showroom Manager & Project Coordinator

BA (Hons) 3D Design

Claire joined deVOL after graduating from Loughborough University with a First Class Honours in 3D Design, specialising in ceramics.

For her final project, Claire worked alongside deVOL to create a collection of functional kitchenware that explored simple and utilitarian forms with a focus on coloured clay to add a contemporary twist. She was awarded first prize for Enterprise and Innovation at her degree show, as well as the ‘New Designer of the Year - Runner Up’ at the New Designers 2016 exhibition in London.

Claire began working at Cotes Mill in the summer of 2016, just as the ceramics department was starting up. She was responsible for developing and making the tableware ranges, as well as producing our tiles and pendant lights. As the studio grew and more products were introduced, Claire began overseeing the day-to-day running of the ceramics department, ensuring that deVOL’s high standards of craftsmanship were maintained from start to finish, as well as working on new products with our directors and product design team.

In October 2025, Claire moved to LA to become the Showroom Manager and Project Coordinator of our showroom in West Hollywood. She now oversees the smooth running of the showroom and is the first point of contact for anyone interested in working with deVOL on a project.

Outside of work, Claire enjoys staying active - she’s a keen cyclist, runner, and swimmer - but will never say no to a pint at the pub!

Amelia Walburn

Senior Kitchen Designer

Amelia Walburn

Senior Kitchen Designer

BA (Hons) Product Design

Millie graduated from Nottingham Trent University in the summer of 2021 with a 2:1 in Product Design. For her final year project, Millie created a design ‘Pebble’, which aimed to enhance the mental health and wellbeing of healthcare staff throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. This piece went on to be selected as part of the The Lost Graduation show in Milan in September 2021.

Having spent her placement year working in sustainable contract furniture, Millie went on to design luxury and bespoke sofas and chairs before joining deVOL in November 2022. This experience with high-end furniture meant she was perfectly placed to join the incredible team of kitchen designers at our Tysoe Street showroom in London.

Millie made the move over to the West Coast in October 2025 to become a Senior Kitchen Designer at our showroom in Los Angeles. She loves meeting with our customers and drawing up beautiful plans for their new spaces.

In her free time, Millie enjoys exploring LA with friends and finding new places to eat, as well as playing tennis at the weekends.

Isabel Poland

Senior Kitchen Designer

Isabel Poland

Senior Kitchen Designer

BA (Hons) Industrial Design and Technology

Isabel joined deVOL after graduating from Loughborough University in 2022 with a degree in Industrial Design and Technology. In the same year, Isabel won the Royal Society of Art Student Design award, earning her a fellowship and a feature in Wallpaper Magazine.

Having worked as an interior designer during her university placement year, Isabel began honing her interest in helping people create beautiful spaces in their own homes, leading her to deVOL. Isabel worked her way up from assistant to Senior Kitchen Designer over three years at our St John's Square showroom in London. She then made the move to Los Angeles in October 2025 as part of the team tasked with opening our new base on the West Coast. Isabel has really enjoyed getting to know lots of lovely new customers since moving to LA, and can't wait to see more of her kitchen designs come to life.

When she's not at work, Isabel loves catching the sunrise on the beach in Santa Monica in the mornings and keeping active, especially with an early Sunday morning hike! Making the most of the wide variety of food in LA, Isabel has been particularly keen on sampling the famous street tacos around the city and a plethora of great sushi spots! So far, she's not missing rainy London!

Edward Cooper

Project Manager

Edward Cooper

Project Manager

MEng Architecture with Environmental Design

Edward studied Architecture with Environmental Design at the University of Nottingham, graduating in 2021 with a First Class Degree. During his studies, Edward developed a passion for designing sensitive and welcoming spaces, with a rigorous examination of building materials and the embodied and sequestered carbon related to them. At university, Edward won a competition to design and build a pavilion at Wirksworth Art Festival using reclaimed pallets. Edward’s final year thesis project, a bamboo pavilion, went on to be constructed in the Milton Keynes Council office.

Some other exciting projects Edward has been involved with include creating and running a VR environment at TEDx Bath for Yasmeen Lari's humanitarian housing project in Pakistan, as well as designing and building installations in both 2022 and 2023 for the Forest of Imagination Art Festival in Bath.

Here at deVOL, Edward is part of our Project Management team, first working in Leicestershire and then moving over to sunny LA in 2025. Working closely with our Kitchen Designers, Edward guides our customers from 2D drawings to fully completed kitchen cupboards, ensuring each detail has been thought through and works beautifully in practice.  

In his free time, Edward enjoys furniture making and fine woodworking, using reclaimed wood and predominantly hand tools. Creations have included coffee tables, play shelves for his nephew and items for his workshop. Edward also likes to go climbing outdoors and taking long country walks.

Project Management Team

John Purcell

Senior Projects Manager

John Purcell

Senior Projects Manager

BSc (Hons) Furniture Design & Manufacture

John achieved a First Class Honours degree from Buckingham Chilterns University College in 2005 and worked as a Kitchen Designer and Project Manager for Laings in Edinburgh until joining deVOL in 2010. It soon became clear that John's manufacturing knowledge and project management experience qualified him to not only design kitchens but to oversee the whole project through to completion.

For a project to run perfectly to plan requires a meticulous approach and an unflappable attitude. John has proven himself to be the perfect man for the job and customers are reassured by his obvious expertise and warm and friendly manner.

John enjoys helping his family out on occasion, making furniture and doing interior refurbishments, but mostly is happy going to the odd gig and having a night out with friends.

Olivia Smith

Head UK Project Manager

Olivia Smith

Head UK Project Manager

BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Venue Design

Olivia graduated from the University of Derby in 2017 with a BA Honours in Interior Architecture & Venue Design, where she gained a thorough knowledge of the technical aspects to building as well as producing socially, culturally and environmentally responsive design proposals.

Whilst completing her degree, Olivia also attained her Diploma in Professional Practice and Project Management. Throughout her course, Olivia particularly enjoyed working with clients on current projects, including Urban Regeneration schemes which worked towards improving Derby and Nottingham city centres. During her final year, Olivia worked on the full architectural and interior renovation of Derby Assembly Rooms with Marketing Derby, where she used her creative flair and technical eye to create a design proposal that was not only innovative and practical, but also fully sustainable.

Now, Olivia loves managing our kitchen projects where she uses her knowledge and eye for detail to make sure every project runs smoothly from the sale to the installation and to deVOL’s extremely high standards. As a Project Manager, she liaises with our customers, Production team and Kitchen Designers on a daily basis to ensure our customers are happy throughout every step of the kitchen manufacture, delivery and installation process.

Olivia began travelling to places all over the world from a young age, experiencing the diverse cultures of Japan, India, Kefalonia, Belize, Costa Rica, Aruba, Jamaica and many more. Her plans for travel in the future include more exploration of countries closer to home such as the South of France, Switzerland and Sweden.

In her spare time, Olivia loves baking, antique shopping for her new home and keeping fit with a British Military Fitness group. She also has a passion for classic cars and enjoys driving her Nissan Figaro, with her Wire Haired Hungarian Vizsla, Worcester, as her passenger.

Alice Ball

Head US Project Manager

Alice Ball

Head US Project Manager

BA (Hons) Decorative Arts

Alice graduated with a First Class Honours in Decorative Arts from Nottingham Trent University. Before joining the deVOL team as a Project Manager in the summer of 2019, she worked in fashion and textiles manufacture.

Overseeing the smooth running of deVOL projects all over the world is the main focus of Alice's role and after working at our Cotes Mill headquarters for a little while, she is now based at our Shepshed workshop where she is able to see the process of our furniture being made on a daily basis. Alice really enjoys working with the deVOL project management team and being so closely connected to the workshop. She also loves meeting and connecting with many different people during the whole kitchen design process and, of course, seeing the beautiful finished kitchens.

At the weekend, Alice enjoys cooking and taking her spaniels out for lovely long walks.

Abdul Maniyar

Team Leader & Project Manager

Abdul Maniyar

Team Leader & Project Manager

BA (Hons) Fine Art

Abdul joined deVOL in 2020 after graduating from Loughborough University with a degree in Fine Art. During his studies, Abdul was particularly interested in notions of construction and deconstruction, and the way we consciously or unconsciously perceive art. Throughout his degree, Abdul experimented with video, sound, painting, collage, film and digital photography, sculpture, and print, and so we were very excited to see him apply this creativity to his work at deVOL.

As a Project Manager, Abdul is used to juggling several strict deadlines at once, all whilst helping our customers with any queries they might have about their project.

In his spare time, Abdul enjoys visiting the cinema or heading out on long walks across the UK. He’s also a keen sportsman, regularly playing football, basketball, tennis and badminton.

Charles Oyediran

Project Manager

Charles Oyediran

Project Manager

BA (Hons) Product Design

Charles joined the project management team at deVOL in 2019, where he is a key member of the staff offering technical support to our customers and making sure each project meets the level of excellence we expect.

Before coming to deVOL, Charles studied Product Design at Nottingham Trent University where he developed a strong interest in material process and properties. His degree project focussed on furniture, with the aim of reducing waste during a product lifecycle, and he was invited to display this work at the “New Designers” show.

Even when he’s not at work, Charles loves to take on small craft projects, particularly bladesmithing and metalwork.

Emily Taylor

Project Manager

Emily Taylor

Project Manager

BA (Hons) Furniture: Design & Make

Emily first started her training as a furniture maker at the young age of 15, working with a local company and learning the processes of design conception all the way to fitting new pieces in the home. Emily then went on to study at Rycotewood Furniture School, where she worked on several projects, focusing on minimalism and collaborating with Ercol, the Gordon Russell Museum, and the AHEC Foundation. She even took on some commission work for Oxford Council where she designed and made several of their museum cases.

In 2021, Emily joined our project management team, where she helps to ensure that each and every deVOL project runs smoothly and to our exacting standards.

Emily’s passion for furniture design spills into her life outside work, where she enjoys taking on furniture projects for her own home as well as collecting houseplants to go alongside them. When she’s not designing, Emily is a keen cook, and enjoys walking with friends and going camping.

Jade Fletcher

Project Manager

Jade Fletcher

Project Manager

BA (Hons) Education Studies & Physical Education

Growing up in a family of builders, Jade has always had an interest in design and interiors. In 2020 she joined our team of Project Managers.

Working between our Leicestershire workshops, Jade takes your deVOL design and makes sure every step of the project runs as smoothly and easily as possible, right up to installation. Always at the end of the phone, Jade will be with you every step of the way to make sure your kitchen is exactly as you imagined!

When she’s not at work, Jade enjoys spending time with her family and Labrador, Lottie, as well as cooking delicious meals for her daughter, Marleigh.

Katy Sluman

Project Manager

Katy Sluman

Project Manager

BEng (Hons) Product Design Engineering

After graduating from Loughborough University with a degree in Product Design Engineering, Katy joined deVOL as a Project Manager in January 2022.

This is a key role at deVOL and includes problem solving and offering technical support to our customers, as well as liaising with our designers and production team to ensure each and every kitchen is completed on time, and to our extremely high standards.

Katy is a keen painter and also describes herself as a big environmentalist, with a passion for nature and sustainability. She also likes to keep active by playing Ultimate Frisbee, and has received Duke of Edinburgh and Jack Petchey awards for her dedication to scouting.

Matt Fern

Project Manager

Matt Fern

Project Manager

BA (Hons) Furniture Design

Matt has a wealth of experience in many areas of kitchen design and manufacturing which made him a great addition to the deVOL team. He trained as a cabinet maker before undertaking a degree in Furniture Design, which focused on mass manufacturing techniques and design innovation. After graduating with a First Class Honours, he worked as a Project Manager and Designer for a number of years, producing designs and layouts for our clients and liaising with the workshop.

Before joining deVOL at the start of 2015 as a Kitchen Designer and Project Manager. Matt has a young family and loves to play a bit of squash when he gets the chance.

Emily Logie

Project Manager

Emily Logie

Project Manager

BA (Hons) Graphic Design & Illustration

Emily joined deVOL in 2022 after graduating from Loughborough University with a First Class Honours in Graphic Design & Illustration. In the course of her studies, Emily had several of her illustrations exhibited at design shows across Leicester. She also studied film production, ceramics and graphic design at the University of Michigan and even worked on a short film that went to the Traverse Film Festival.

Here at deVOL, Emily works in our Project Management team, liaising with customers and designers to make sure every project runs smoothly with a beautiful final result. Emily particularly enjoys conducting site surveys, where she can meet customers in their homes and really help them visualise what their kitchen will look like.

Creative even outside of work, Emily spends much of her spare time illustrating greetings cards, posters and adult colouring books. When she’s not busy sketching, you can catch Emily cycling, visiting art galleries, and looking after her small family of houseplants.

Man wearing a gray sweater over a blue shirt in an indoor setting

Cameron Seaton

Project Manager

Cameron Seaton

Project Manager

BA (Hons) Graphic Design & Illustration

Cameron joined deVOL in November 2024 as part of our brilliant project management team. Our Project Managers are a vital part of the deVOL design process, taking over from our kitchen designers once all the drawings are in place, and staying in touch with our customers right through until the very end of their project, when all the cupboards and accessories have been installed. Day-to-day, this means Cameron is responsible for liaising with our customers, answering any and every question they may have, as well as as finalising and verifying drawing details for our design and production teams.

When he’s not in work, you can still find Cameron working with furniture, crafting his own storage units as well as charcuterie and chopping boards. Cameron is passionate about sports and his weekends are full of watching or competing in all sorts of active endeavours.

Woman with long blonde hair smiling in a softly lit indoor setting

Kat Day

Project Manager

Kat Day

Project Manager

BSc (Hons) Psychology

After 8 years working in the motorcycle industry, Kat joined deVOL in December 2024, having been keen to pursue her interest in interiors and design.

As part of our project management team, Kat talks our customers through their final design and ensures every little detail is just right, so their kitchen installation goes smoothly. Kat is in touch with lots of different deVOL departments, from designers, to production, to logistics, ensuring everyone has all the information they need. You can also find Kat in our workshop, checking each drawer, door and cupboard meets our exacting standards, before they are sent out to our customers’ homes.

Kat is a big animal lover and a keen traveller, and spends her free time skiing and attending music festivals!

Woman with blonde hair wearing a dark sweater indoors

Molly Jackson

Project Manager

Molly Jackson

Project Manager

BA (Hons) Textiles: Innovation & Design

Molly joined us in October 2024 from Loughborough University, where she studied Textiles: Innovation and Design and specialised in print design and interiors. Molly’s final major project explored the history of the Shepshed Lace Company, inspired by her grandparent’s work there.

Molly now works in Shepshed herself, as part of deVOL's fantastic team of project managers. As a Project Manager, Molly oversees each element of our kitchen orders, right through from design completion to sign-off and installation, working closely with our lovely customers throughout.

In her free time, Molly enjoys going on walks, hanging out with her friends and baking sourdough bread!

Izzy Young

Project Manager

Izzy Young

Project Manager

BA (Hons) Interior Architecture & Design

Izzy graduated from Nottingham Trent University in July 2024, where she studied Interior Architecture and Design. This degree consisted of visiting many different sites, researching their history, creating concepts, designing spaces, making models and creating 3D visuals/renders for public spaces.

Joining deVOL in November 2024 to assist our project management team, Izzy was promoted to be a Project Manager herself in 2026. Izzy’s role involves completing site surveys at the very beginning of our design process and working with both our kitchen designers and customers to ensure the very final design looks beautiful and functions perfectly, too. Before any cupboards leave our workshops, Izzy will check each item to make sure it meets deVOL's exacting standards, and then liaise with our fitting team to ensure every piece is installed perfectly.

In her spare time, Izzy likes to read and go for walks with her Dachshund, Edie, and family. Izzy is also a passionate equestrian, having ridden horses since she was three years old and competed in dressage and show jumping.

Reception and Customer Services

Scarlett Wheeler

Cotes Mill Showroom Manager

Scarlett Wheeler

Cotes Mill Showroom Manager

MSc Applied Equine Science

Scarlett emigrated to Australia with her family when she was 17 where she lived for 5 and a half years. Whilst living in Australia she completed a Bachelor of Media at the University of Adelaide. Scarlett took the opportunity to explore the vast country whilst living down under and visited Sydney, Melbourne, Ayers Rock and The Great Barrier Reef. Upon returning to the UK, Scarlett studied for an MSc in Applied Equine Science from Writtle College Essex whilst working as a horse groom.

Shortly after completing her MSc, Scarlett joined the deVOL team in June 2015 at our Cotes Mill showrooms. Scarlett's friendly, helpful and smiley manner makes her the perfect person to work on our reception desk, greeting all of the lovely customers that visit us each day and making them feel welcome. Scarlett's hard work and dedication saw her promoted to showroom manager in October 2018 where she continues to keep everything running smoothly.

Scarlett also deals with all deVOL Accessories purchases, she liaises with customers to take their orders, arrange delivery and ensure this process is smooth and enjoyable. This can be orders for anything from our popular Aged Brass taps, Handcrafted Knobs and Handles, our beautiful Hanging Rails and Hooks, right down to oak Chopping Boards and Laundry Maids from the Wooden Accessories range that we launched many years ago.

Another of Scarlett's roles at deVOL is organising, pricing up and displaying all of the deliveries of beautiful new stock, the lovely and unique extras that are intermingled and for sale around the Cotes Mill showrooms. Gifts, cards, books, stationery, unusual things for your home and garden, and of course a selection of fabulous vintage and antique pieces that we source from all over the world.

In her spare time, Scarlett loves spending time with her horses, Archie and Pogo, as well as seeing her friends and family and going on holidays!

Georgina Wrench

Assistant Showroom Manager

Georgina Wrench

Assistant Showroom Manager

BA (Hons) Photography

Georgina graduated from Nottingham Trent University in 2011 with a 2:1 in Photography. Her final project went on to win two awards and inspired her to create two books and stage her own solo exhibition.

Georgina joined deVOL in 2019 as a Showroom Assistant and was quickly promoted to Assistant Showroom Manager in 2020. Her day-to-day tasks involve welcoming customers to our lovely Cotes Mill showroom as well as assisting with customer enquiries and orders. Georgina's favourite part of her role is helping to create inspiring displays, using her visual experience to make sure our showroom is reflecting deVOL's creative vision at all times. Georgina loves seeing how our Creative Director, Helen, works first-hand.

In her spare time, Georgina enjoys spending time with her family, taking beautiful photographs, spending time camping in nature and learning new creative skills.

Liberty Wisehall

Senior Showroom & Online Advisor

Liberty Wisehall

Senior Showroom & Online Advisor

Joining the deVOL team in July 2023, Liberty is based at our historic Cotes Mill headquarters in Leicestershire. As our Assistant Customer Advisor, she is often the very first point of call for customers requiring help and advice with their online shop orders. Day to day, you'll find Liberty answering queries, advising on product specs and ensuring everybody has a happy and easy shopping experience with deVOL.

Liberty is a trained professional dancer and before joining deVOL, she spent five years working within the production show cast for Princess Cruises, travelling the world and interacting with guests from a vast variety of different countries and cultures.

As a qualified yoga teacher, Liberty regularly runs yoga workshops. In her spare time, she enjoys being outside and riding her horse, Toby, in the beautiful countryside.

Chloe Beniston

Office & Showroom Advisor

Chloe Beniston

Office & Showroom Advisor

Chloe started at deVOL in April 2025, joining the showroom team at our inspiring Cotes Mill headquarters. A busy day may see Chloe answering customer emails and phone calls, welcoming visitors to the showroom, advising on the extensive range of home accessories that we offer, ensuring the kitchen displays are tidy and looking beautiful, and lending a hand to anyone that needs it! All this expertise is put to work in her own home, where she’s planning several large renovation projects.

Outside of deVOL, Chloe is a student at the Open University, studying towards her Business Management degree, and you can frequently find her on the netball court, having played for the last 10 years. Further afield, Chloe enjoys travelling, with recent trips including swimming in the Great Barrier Reef and volunteering in Costa Rica. 

Rhys Cory-Lowsley

Customer Service Manager

Rhys Cory-Lowsley

Customer Service Manager

BA (Hons) Social & Political Science

After completing a degree in Political Science at the University of York, Rhys went on to be a manager at a local chain of pubs. Following this, he worked at a local gin company as a distiller before moving on to looking after UK sales & brand management there.

Rhys joined deVOL in 2019 as our Customer Service Manager at the Cotes Mill headquarters. This very important role sees Rhys looks after all aspects of the customer experience, from giving tours around our beautiful showroom and grounds, to helping people popping in to look at our eclectic range of gifts and vintage furniture, right through to those who are having a full deVOL Kitchen fitted. As the general point of contact at Cotes Mill, Rhys will do his very best to help you out or point you in the direction of the best person for your query, ensuring you have an easy and enjoyable experience with deVOL.

Cozy pubs, cool bars and big meals out are some of Rhys' favourite things, and he also makes a great cup of tea, so if you ever do visit us at Cotes Mill, look for Rhys! One day, he would love to own his house and maybe even have a deVOL Kitchen!

Furniture Production Team

George Smart

Manufacturing Director

George Smart

Manufacturing Director

BA (Hons) Industrial Design & Technology

George joined deVOL in 2010 on a one year placement and returned as a permanent member of staff after completing his degree in Industrial Design and Technology at Loughborough University with a First Class Honours degree.

During his placement year George held various responsibilities including being part of the design team, managing dispatches and dealing with orders for accessories. Since returning to the company full time, his role has developed and he now manages the everyday production at our workshops on Jubilee Drive and at The Locks.

It is George’s responsibility to ensure that the manufacture of every deVOL Kitchen runs as smoothly as possible. He maintains a strong link between Project Managers, the production team and all of the workshops to ensure that everyone has the information they require to complete each stage of manufacture. Working closely with our Workshop Managers, George puts quality control checks in place; these ensure all of our furniture passes through each process at deVOL’s impossibly high standards with no exceptions. George also helps to develop new processes and improve the production methods already in place to push the company forward.

The problem solving aspects of George’s job is something he particularly enjoys and knowing just how much effort is put into every single deVOL cupboard means he takes a lot of pride in the furniture we design and make.

George has always had a keen interest in furniture and wood due to his Grandad, who made a career in carpentry. He has always enjoyed constructing his own pieces of furniture and during his final year at University George designed and made a plywood bicycle for children that had an adjustable frame to allow it to be raised as the child grows.

In his spare time George enjoys a wide range of sports including cycling, running and skiing. Since buying his first house he has taken on many new projects and spends most weekends decorating or building things to fill it with.

Alex Shephard

CNC Workshop Manager

Alex Shephard

CNC Workshop Manager

BSc (Hons) Genetics

Alex studied Genetics at Manchester University. For his final year project, he studied the development of fish circulatory systems. Alex oversees the operation of our CNC machines, during his studies he designed and constructed laboratory equipment rigs.

Before working supervising deVOL’s CNC department, Alex spent time working in our Shaker kitchen workshop, learning the production processes of our kitchens and then working as part of the production team. This also allowed Alex to develop an understanding of the workings of the warehouse and the dispatch system for kitchens.

Alex is an avid rugby fan and regularly plays for for Loughborough Rugby Club 2nd team. He also enjoys watching American football, which he played throughout his time at university, and has recently taken up archery and scuba diving.

Dominic Madden-Kennedy

Production Manager

Dominic Madden-Kennedy

Production Manager

BA (Hons) Illustration

Dominic joined the production team at deVOL after graduating from Birmingham Institute of Art and Design in 2014 with a 2:1. He spent a few months in the workshop building up his carpentry and joinery skills which helped develop an understanding of the company and its processes. Dominic then joined the production team where he now produces cutting lists for bespoke furniture and helps with the general day to day workings of the office and workshop to keep things running smoothly.

Dominic is a very practical and creative individual and is always working on one creative project or another, anything from making picture books, animations and even a life sized mdf yeti. His passion for woodwork stems from his grandad who was building currachs (fishing boats) for local fisherman up into his mid 90's.

Adam Giles

Production Manager

Adam Giles

Production Manager

BA (Hons) Product Design

Adam joined the deVOL team in 2015 after graduating from the University of Derby with a 2:1 in Product Design, focusing on furniture and industrial design with a particular interest in woodwork and prototype modelling.

Although Adam initially joined as a Project Manager, his impressive eye for detail and a keen interest in technical drawings and manufacture soon saw him move to our production team where he produced drawings and cutting lists for our Shaker kitchens and wooden worktops as well as working on some aspects of our bespoke Classic English range. It wasn't long before Adam began training new employees and took on the responsibility of managing the production of all Sebastian Cox projects. In this role, he played a significant part in streamlining production, allowing for growth and improving efficiency.

Adam became Production Manager in 2022 and now oversees deVOL's production, managing the team and our kitchen projects from the design through to dispatch, with a main focus on our Sebastian Cox and Shaker ranges.

In his spare time, Adam enjoys doing arts and crafts with his children as well as hand-making candles and soaps. You'll regularly find him at the gym or the pool or going on long walks with friends and family and his Border Collie Cross, Bella. 

Ben Shephard

CNC & Operations Manager

Ben Shephard

CNC & Operations Manager

BA (Hons) Architecture

Upon finishing his A levels Ben went to work for Caterpillar Building Construction Products in Leicester on a year's placement where, as a Manufacturing Engineer, he was responsible for designing and prototyping tooling and jigs for use on the production lines. Ben then went on to study Architecture at the University of Plymouth, graduating in 2011, with particular interests in vernacular architecture, materiality and the use of emergent design systems.

Whilst studying, Ben also took part in several student workshops and led a design and build project in which a team of students created outdoor showering facilities from locally grown bamboo and reclaimed wood.

After graduating Ben spent several months working and travelling in Europe, first building yurts and a round-wood timber framed roundhouse for use as holiday accommodation in the Dordogne, and then on a large scale restoration project turning an old stone farmhouse into accommodation and teaching spaces for an arts retreat in Italy.

Ben's interests include cycling, photography and greenwood carpentry and he has recently completed a willow weaving course, learning to make hurdles and salmon traps.

Peter Dale

Production Assistant

Peter Dale

Production Assistant

Pete studied Furniture and Product Design at Nottingham Trent University before moving to Devon to study and work alongside some of the UK's best bespoke furniture makers. Whilst in Devon, Pete learnt the intricacies of furniture making, from the raw timber to the finished piece, all created by hand

After running a small bespoke furniture business for a while, hand-making pieces for clients, Pete went on to help out local art and design galleries with installations. Pete utilised CNC technology and married it with hand-finishing methods to produce elegant solutions for his clients' needs, some of which Pete took to Designjunction in 2015 to exhibit and sell.

Now at deVOL, Pete's love for designing and making with real wood is coupled with his love for one-on-one client-based customer service. Pete enjoys getting to know the customer to fully understand what each individual project needs. 

Out of hours, Pete loves to play the drums and has been lucky enough to tour around the world playing shows with friends and some more well-known artists. This has provided him with amazing opportunities to live in New York and Los Angeles and see many other countries, which have inspired his creativity and passion for design.

Josh Bass

Production Supervisor

Josh Bass

Production Supervisor

CHE Furniture Design

Josh joined deVOL in 2017 as a Production Assistant after graduating from Sheffield Hallam where he received a CHE in Furniture Design.

After completing his degree, Josh went on to work in the design and manufacture of student accommodation. In this role he was administering projects in the UK and Ireland, producing cost plans, manufacturing orders and designing bespoke pieces which required attending site for meetings and fitting progress reports. He also took part in a couple of short courses in Architectural Modelling and CAD at Nottingham Trent University.

During his spare time Josh enjoys restoring classic cars, is currently working on a few wood and metal projects, and enjoys going clay pigeon shooting.

Sam Bend

Production Supervisor

Sam Bend

Production Supervisor

BA (Hons) Furniture: Contemporary Design

Sam graduated from Bucks New University in 2014 where he had studied Furniture: Contemporary Design. Sam has always had passions for woodworking and technology so during his time at University he particularly enjoyed experimenting with CAD software and CNC machines as well as developing skills in fine cabinet making. He has since showcased ranges of furniture at both the New Designers exhibition and the May Design Series.

Based in our office at Cotes Mill Sam works as part of the production team creating both CNC programs and technical drawings for the workshop to make our designs into reality. During his time at deVOL Sam has used his extensive material knowledge to get involved in the manufacture of all kitchen ranges and furniture.

Outside of furniture & woodwork Sam enjoys getting into a project and getting his hands dirty especially if there is an engine involved. He has a passion for old vehicles and motorcycles and frequently attends events all over the country with like-minded individuals.

Tom Best

Senior Workshop Manager

Tom Best

Senior Workshop Manager

After spending three seasons working as a ski technician in Les Deux Alpes and running his own catering business in the Isle of Man, Tom joined deVOL in August 2005 to assist with the development of deVOL's new offices. Tom is such a warm and supportive character and after a few years of training and making furniture at deVOL he became the natural choice for new apprentices to turn to for help.

Tom was promoted to Assistant Workshop Manager in 2008 and then to Workshop Manager when deVOL opened it's second workshop.

Tom is a keen snowboarder, blues guitarist and vocalist. Since joining deVOL Tom has become a proud father of two lovely daughters.

Ryan Brind

Senior Workshop Manager

Ryan Brind

Senior Workshop Manager

Ryan has ten years of experience in the woodworking and manufacturing industry and is a very highly motivated member of our team who is always pushing himself and the workshop he manages. Ryan has an exceptionally broad range of skills that equip him to tackle any job and he is instrumental in the continuing development of deVOL’s Real Shaker range of furniture.

In his spare time, Ryan enjoys playing rugby and is a talented golfer with an impressive handicap.

Ryan has just completed the renovation of his house and is now undertaking the construction of an extension, of which he will carry out a large portion of the work. There seems to be nothing that Ryan will not take on and excel at.

Gavin Jennings

Senior Workshop Manager

Gavin Jennings

Senior Workshop Manager

Gavin joined deVOL in 2015 following a long career in retail. As a trained Guitar Luthier, Gavin has considerable knowledge of woodworking and this, combined with his exemplary work ethic, saw him promoted to head of the Fascias Department in 2017. Gavin’s role now involves overseeing the ordering of timber and all processes leading up to our beautiful kitchen furniture heading off to be painted.

Outside of deVOL, Gavin is a keen cinephile, collecting original movie posters and memorabilia. On the weekends you can find him visiting film conventions or travelling to locations from his favourite scenes, to document 'then & now' comparisons for his Instagram page.

Gemma White

Senior Workshop Manager

Gemma White

Senior Workshop Manager

Gemma completed a National Diploma in Healthcare at Stephensons College in Leicestershire, before pursuing her passion for food and working as a chef for four years. Gemma loves everything to do with food, from cooking to baking to eating out, and always picks her holiday destinations based on the cuisine! 

After a slight career change, Gemma joined deVOL to help hand-paint all of our beautiful furniture and quickly proved herself to be an extremely skilled and hard-working member of the team, now working as deVOL’s Workshop Manager.

Gemma will always have a love for hand-painting and still gets to use her skills from time to time, going on site to customers’ homes to complete any painting remedial work, from a full repaint to the last little finishing touches.

When she’s not in the spray shop, Gemma has also been polishing and ageing all of deVOL’s gorgeous mottled copper worktops. Her wide skill set and amazing work ethic make Gemma a highly valued member of the deVOL team. 

In her spare time, Gemma loves to read, particularly Shakespeare and books based on true historical events, such as the Second World War. She also loves spending time with her husband and dog after a long day at work!

Justin Whelband

Workshop Manager

Justin Whelband

Workshop Manager

Justin has always had a keen interest in DIY after spending lots of time learning from and working with his father, who shares his love for carpentry. After leaving college he spent 9 years working and gaining experience within the family business, making UPVC windows, doors and conservatories.

In 2014 Justin joined deVOL as a bench joiner and after showing great skill and utter determination to create furniture of the absolute best quality, he was given the position of Assistant Workshop Manager.

Justin continued to show his skill and great attention to detail and was promoted to Workshop Manager in early 2016. Now in charge of our Real Shaker Kitchen production, Justin ensures every single kitchen that leaves our Loughborough workshop is made on time and to deVOL’s impossibly high standards.

A year and a half ago Justin took on the challenge of buying his first home and renovating it single-handedly from top to bottom; a very testing and demanding project, but so worth it in the end. Justin loves getting stuck into these types of projects and is always thinking of what he can put his hand to next.

In his late teens Justin played semi professional football and although he’s no longer playing, he still enjoys keeping fit by running, regularly going to the gym and walking his dog. Travelling is another of Justin’s passions; he’s been on trips to Asia and America and also loves visiting the Lake District for a piece of the good old English countryside!

Kyle Barfield

Workshop Manager

Kyle Barfield

Workshop Manager

Kyle joined deVOL as a Finishing Shop Assistant in 2015. Before joining the team in our Loughborough workshop, he previously worked two jobs as a Decorative Glass Manufacturer and at Aldi as a Night Stock Assistant. The decorative glass company also owned a mechanical rodeo bull and surf simulator business, which Kyle assisted with during quieter periods and thoroughly enjoyed.

Whilst working for these companies, Kyle took real pride in his jobs which required lots of attention to detail. An interest for DIY and wood working projects lead Kyle to join deVOL. Remaining enthusiastic at work allows Kyle to do the best possible job and ensure every piece of furniture is finished to deVOL's very high standards. Kyle's dedication and passion for work made him a great addition to our team and lead him to become a Workshop Manager. 

In his spare time, Kyle enjoys playing the guitar and going for long country walks and is currently learning to snowboard too. Having recently become a father, Kyle is enjoying family life and he amazing experiences this brings.

Henry Teare

Sebastian Cox Range Manager

Henry Teare

Sebastian Cox Range Manager

BA (Hons) Business Studies

After working as a hair stylist in London's West End for 15 years, Henry decided to retire his scissors and join the deVOL team as a joiner in 2020. Now the Assistant Manager of our Sebastian Cox department, Henry can be found crafting freestanding furniture and wall cupboards and using his keen eye for detail to make sure every single item is completed to deVOL’s exacting requirements.

Outside of work, Henry loves to ski and swim outdoors and in 2017 he raised £20k for charity, swimming for 14 hours attempting to cross the English Channel. Ever the joiner, Henry spends his free time repairing bats for his local cricket team, which he also plays for, and hopes to make one of his own soon!

Reece Carter

Workshop Manager

Reece Carter

Workshop Manager

Reece joined deVOL in 2016 after completing his Level 1 Bench Joinery and Level 2 Site Carpentry Diploma at Leicester College.

Having worked across many areas of deVOL, starting as a fascia maker, Reece was instrumental in helping to create a highly productive door-making department. Since then, Reece has become one of our workshop managers, running both door manufacturing and the machine shop and helping to ensure every single part of every single cupboard is made to the incredibly high requirements that we demand at deVOL.

Outside of work, Reece is a father to two amazing little boys, Wilfred and Otto, and in his spare time he enjoys going to the pub with friends, gigs and gaming. Reece also loves to travel and some of his favourite destinations have included New York, Thailand, Vietnam and Bali but the bucket list is ever-growing!

Duncan Davidson

Workshop Manager

Duncan Davidson

Workshop Manager

BA (Hons) Sports Management

Duncan joined deVOL in 2019 as a bench joiner and quickly worked his way up to become the manager of our fascia department. Day-to-day, Duncan oversees the smooth running of the workshop making our Shaker and Classic English fascias. A real deVOL expert, Duncan is always on hand to assist our other workshop departments and ensure that every piece of cabinetry is made to our incredibly high standards.

Before joining deVOL, Duncan studied Sports Management at Bournemouth University, and even spent a year coaching soccer in Boston, USA. In his free time, you can find Duncan enjoying various sports, as well as walking his two dogs.

Lewis Hunter

Classic Range Manager

Lewis Hunter

Classic Range Manager

BA (Hons) Fine Art & MA Fine Art & Design Studio Practices

Lewis joined deVOL in 2012 after receiving his BA Hons in Fine Art and an MA in Fine Art & Design Studio Practices. Still a part-time artist, Lewis has used his artworks to raise money for children’s charities since graduating in 2010 and has even displayed his pieces at Mansion House in London for the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress.

Here at deVOL, Lewis manages the hard-working team responsible for making our Classic English kitchens. Lewis particularly enjoys focussing on ways to make the range more efficient without sacrificing the integral high quality of each piece of furniture.

In his free time, Lewis is a bit of a foodie and a big traveller. Catch him free diving in Thailand or climbing a volcano in Guatemala or just chilling on a beach.

James Brumby

Haberdasher's Range Manager

James Brumby

Haberdasher's Range Manager

BA (Hons) Photography and Video

Having achieved a BA Hons in Photography and Video at De Montfort University, James spent the next few years working and travelling across Finland, France and Cornwall. Spurred on by the enjoyment he got from renovating his first house, James decided to make a career change in 2017, and joined deVOL as a Bench Joiner.

James started out in our Shaker department, honing his skills building our freestanding furniture. Nowadays, James manages the incredibly talented team who construct deVOL's Haberdasher’s Kitchen, our most technical range of cabinetry.

In his spare time, James enjoys being in the outdoors, mountain biking, walking his two dogs, and spending time with his son.

Adrian Leitao

Workshop Dispatch Manager

Adrian Leitao

Workshop Dispatch Manager

Adrian came to the UK in 1999 after several years living and working across the US, Hong Kong and Macau, gaining experience in lots of different roles. Having already spent some time working in kitchen design, Adrian joined the deVOL team in 2018.

Starting as a Dispatch Assistant, Adrian became our Workshop Dispatch Manager in 2021. Adrian coordinates with many different deVOL departments to make sure that all our UK and international deliveries run smoothly so customers can get their beautiful new kitchens without any delays.

In his spare time, Adrian enjoys reading history and spending time with his family. He also finds time to play rugby at Loughborough RFC and enjoys watching his daughters play too.



Neil Linnett

Assistant Workshop Manager

Neil Linnett

Assistant Workshop Manager

Neil has been passionate about woodwork and has wanted to pursue this career since he was a teenager, completing an NVQ Level 3 in carpentry before joining the deVOL team in 2015.

Having worked in both our Despatch and Shaker Assembly departments over the past 8 years, Neil is a real expert in all aspects of deVOL furniture, and was promoted to Assistant Manager of our Shaker workshop in 2022. This role requires Neil to make sure that every single Shaker cupboard is made and finished to the incredibly high standard that we require of all our designs.

Outside of work, Neil enjoys spending his weekends walking his Red Fox Labrador, Ruben, or jetting off on holiday to ski or explore Caribbean islands.

Dale Morgan

Assistant Workshop Manager

Dale Morgan

Assistant Workshop Manager

Dale joined deVOL in 2018 as a Trainee Bench Joiner working on the Shaker range, with his main role being to assemble the final cabinets ready to be sent out to our lovely customers' homes.

Having mastered our Shaker furniture, Dale moved to our Classic English department, where he perfected hand finishing and assembling deVOL's bespoke kitchens. Before long, Dale was promoted to Assistant Workshop Manager, helping to ensure the smooth running of this busy department.

In his free time, Dale enjoys cooking, especially barbecuing, seeking out new recipes and even creating a few of his own! When he’s not cooking up a storm, Dale is busy with his family, heading out on his bike or going for walks.

Ceramics Production Team

Ellie Barton

Ceramics Workshop Manager

Ellie Barton

Ceramics Workshop Manager

BA (Hons) Design Crafts

Ellie graduated from De Montfort University with a First Class degree in Design Crafts, specialising in mould-making and slipcasting. For her final collection, she created a range of tableware and lighting, drawing inspiration from the juxtaposition between Brutalist architecture and traditional Japanese calligraphy. Her work was chosen to exhibit at New Designers, one of the UK’s biggest events for emerging talent, and she was also awarded the Albert Thomas Roberts Art & Crafts Scholarship Award at her degree show.

Ellie joined our growing ceramics department in the summer of 2019 and quickly became a key member of the team, assisting with all aspects of production. In 2021, Ellie became the Ceramics Studio Assistant Manager. Her main role is to ensure the smooth running of the studio and to continue to improve our processes.

Outside of work, Ellie spends time in her home studio, where she has her own kiln. She runs pottery workshops and takes part in many craft fairs selling tableware, homeware and jewellery. Ellie’s work is also stocked in a few local shops and has even been featured in Country Living Modern Rustic magazine. When she’s not at the wheel, Ellie can be found spending time with her family and young daughter, Everly.

Sophie Bennett

Ceramics Production Assistant Manager

Sophie Bennett

Ceramics Production Assistant Manager

BA (Hons) Design Crafts

Sophie joined deVOL in July 2022 after graduating from De Montfort University with a 2:1 in Design Crafts. Her final project was a curiosity collection of thrown ceramic jars, inspired by the fine details, patterns and textures found in Victorian Gothic architecture. For this collection, she was awarded ‘Ceramics and Glass Designer of the Year’ at New Designers 2022.

Day to day, Sophie assists and oversees ceramic production, particularly our porcelain lighting and emerald green tiles. She is also keen to lend her hand to creative problem solving and developing new products.</p><p>Outside of work, you can find Sophie at a show, whether this be live music, a food festival, a theatre trip or a drag performance.

Jade Mittoo

Ceramics Production Supervisor

Jade Mittoo

Ceramics Production Supervisor

BA (Hons) Fine Art

Jade joined deVOL in 2023 after achieving&nbsp;a First Class Degree in Fine Art at Nottingham Trent University. Her final project was a collection of large vases featuring intricate 3D designs inspired by her time in South Korea, where she studied East Asian Art History at Yonsei University.

At deVOL, Jade is our Ceramics Production Supervisor and a vital part of the team responsible for creating the ceramic designs for which deVOL has become so well known. She particularly focuses on our unique Lace Market Tiles and also helps to develop new glazes and expand our range of ceramic offerings.

When she’s not in the ceramics studio, Jade enjoys spending time with her three greyhounds, Banana, Pecan and Pickle, as well as playing computer games and cooking.

Metalware Production Team

Stephanie O'Leary

Metalware Operations Manager

Stephanie O'Leary

Metalware Operations Manager

BA (Hons) Jewellery and Accessories

Stephanie joined deVOL in October 2016 after achieving a First Class Honours in Jewellery and Accessories at Middlesex University, London.

During her time at university, she experimented with combining a wide range of materials and techniques. Mainly influenced by London architecture and scaffolding, Stephanie’s graduate collection ‘Fragments’ was inspired by geometric structures, industrial materials and minimalistic design. After exhibiting her collection at New Designers, Stephanie was invited to show her work across the UK in galleries such as Gill Wing in London, Kath Libbert in Saltaire and Lustre in Nottingham. Stephanie’s work was also selected amongst the top international jewellery graduates to show at Galerie Marzee in the Netherlands, the largest jewellery gallery in the world! Since then she has continued to show internationally and is soon exhibiting at Amsterdam and Munich Jewellery Week.

Stephanie now spends her days at Cotes Mill in her new metals studio, fettling, casting and hammering away at metal. Everyone has watched in awe as Stephanie showed us the basics of jewellery making, restored our amazing antique chandelier for the new London showroom, created the fixtures for our lovely new ceramic pendants and took on the task of making a brand new range of beautiful handmade door furniture for deVOL. Check out a video of Stephanie making our beautiful new brass cup handles.

Having grown up in North Wales, on the stunningly picturesque Isle of Anglesey, Stephanie enjoys a wide range of outdoor activities and exploring Snowdonia National Park. In her spare time you’ll find her making jewellery in her studio, at the local climbing wall or travelling back to Wales to see her family.

Tom Morris

Metalware Workshop Manager

Tom Morris

Metalware Workshop Manager

Tom studied and completed Level 2 NVQ in carpentry and joinery, as well as a Level 2 NVQ in maintenance. Throughout his studies, Tom worked as a baker at Morrisons, before starting his first full time job on a site.

He worked on site for a few years, working from the ground up, digging trenches, building walls, hanging doors and putting roofs on were all skills he gained whilst working there.

Since joining deVOL as a bench joiner in 2015, Tom has thoroughly enjoyed his new role. He developed quickly with a positive approach and a hunger to learn, which led to Tom becoming the Workshop Manager. He's enjoying managing his team and seeing the beautifully finished products go out to customers all over the country.

Tom is a family man with a young daughter, Olivia. In his spare time he enjoys watching sports and has a competitive streak when it comes to a game of table tennis!

PR Team

Zoë Parker

PR & Marketing Manager

Zoë Parker

PR & Marketing Manager

Zoë joined the deVOL team in 2012 after completing her A-Levels at Loughborough College where she studied English Literature, Art and Photography.

After working at deVOL’s beautiful Loughborough showrooms for a couple of years, Zoë’s dream of moving to London came true when we opened up our lovely little Tysoe St. shop in Clerkenwell.

Now working from the London showroom, Zoë manages all of deVOL's PR and marketing with the help of our PR and Marketing assistant, Letty. They gain deVOL great exposure in all of the top magazines and on the best blogs across the world. Zoë’s jobs include writing, designing and sending out press releases on our latest kitchens, products and news to journalists and bloggers, regularly contributing to the deVOL Journal and responding to the many editorial image requests we receive on a daily basis.

Managing all of deVOL’s social media platforms is one of Zoë’s favourite parts of her job, starting all of the accounts with zero followers, to seeing them grow to tens of thousands of followers is amazing. Interacting on a daily basis with customers, industry professionals and people who just love what deVOL do is such a cool part of her job.

Zoë is also responsible for booking, creating and sending off all of deVOL’s national and local adverts, reviewing our advertising offers and chatting with new magazines and journals to see if they’d be the perfect fit for deVOL.

In her spare time, Zoë likes to go out with her friends, go to gigs and festivals and help Letty tick things off her forever expanding London bucket list! Zoë also loves to travel, with recent trips to Berlin, Budapest, Amsterdam and Paris, next on her list is LA and New York!

Zoë Parker's blog entries >

Holly Bishop

PR Assistant Manager

Holly Bishop

PR Assistant Manager

BA (Hons) English Literature & Language

Holly graduated from the University of Nottingham with First Class Honours in English Literature and Language in 2017. She has always wanted to work in PR and has a keen interest in interior design, so joining the little PR & Marketing team at deVOL in 2018 was perfect.

Holly works with Zoë, Letty and Lydia, helping to manage the social media platforms, dealing with editorial requests, helping with press releases, writing content for the deVOL Journal and much more. She loves every aspect of her job, from watching the social media following continue to grow, to seeing deVOL's latest projects in the top magazines and on the best blogs.

In September 2019, Holly made the move to New York! She loves working in our beautiful Bond Street showroom and is having the best time exploring this incredible city and the rest of the States.

Lydia Winkfield

PR Coordinator

Lydia Winkfield

PR Coordinator

BSc (Hons) Human Geography & MSc Development Studies

Lydia graduated from the University of Exeter with a First Class Honours in Human Geography and then went on to study for her Master's in Development Studies at SOAS University of London, gaining a Merit. Looking to move away from academia into a more creative field, Lydia joined deVOL's PR and Marketing team in December 2020, working from the beautiful St. John's Square showroom. 

Having worked in social media previously, Lydia really enjoys creating engaging content for deVOL's Instagram and Twitter feeds, writing for the deVOL Journal and connecting with our customers online. She also helps the team to keep on top of all editorial features and contributes to the quarterly deVOL newsletter.

Outside of work, Lydia loves to travel. Recent trips have included visits to Malaysia, Singapore and Ghana, next up it's Japan! Closer to home she enjoys hunting down French bakeries, playing the piano, and spending time with friends.

Creative Design

Tim Cooper

Photographer

Tim Cooper

Photographer

BA (Hons) Photography and Video

Tim Graduated with a 2:1 from Lincoln University in May 2007 and joined deVOL that June. Tim's portfolio of work showed varied interests, social documentary and experimental film photography as well as stunt BMX videos taken during trips to Spain and Texas.

Tim has stayed with deVOL since graduating, photographing beautiful kitchens at our studios, showrooms and on location at our client's houses. His photos have appeared in numerous national and international interior magazines and newspapers including Elle Decoration, House & Garden, The World of Interiors and The Sunday Times. As well as Tim’s photos appearing in some of the best magazines in the world, they have also appeared on some of the top and most well respected design and interiors blogs such as Remodelista, Apartment Therapy and Dezeen.

Tim has also taken nearly all the photographs and videos for our other companies, with work ranging from filming our underwear model striding around a Nottingham shopping centre in his pants to the incredibly detailed photos of natural stone floor tiles that show every subtle difference in hue and texture.

Working closely with our Creative Director, Helen Parker, Tim has taken some of the highest quality interior and still life product photos we have ever produced; photographs which finally do our products justice. Our beautiful photography is what sells our kitchens, it’s so important to us to get every photo just right, whether it’s for our social media pages or a full page national advert. Tim has worked incredibly hard to perfect his art and his photos just keep getting better with every shoot.

Working with an in-house photographer on a daily basis seems to be the only way to achieve such stunning results. Tim's dedication and versatility has earned him the position of Design Office Manager and he now oversees the work of our other graphic and web designers as well as helping with our IT support, on-going SEO and kitchen brochure design and printing.

One of Tim’s favourite shoots was of our Classic English Clapham Kitchen, the cupboards were stunning and so substantial, they really did feel like they’d last a lifetime and it was a space you just wanted to spend time in. The Arts and Crafts Kitchen photoshoot is another highlight for Tim, with tall vaulted ceilings, huge windows and beautifully soft light; it was a photographer’s dream.

Most recently, Tim has been working on a series of beautifully shot short films to show the making process of some of deVOL’s newest products, including our handmade ceramic tiles, kitchenware collection and our brand new aged brass cup handles, some of which have been viewed over thirty thousand times each on our social media pages.

Tim has just finished a complete home renovation, gutting the whole house from top to bottom and starting from scratch. He even laid a parquet floor by hand over the whole ground floor, a long and meticulous task but so worth it in the end.

In his spare time, Tim is a very keen cyclist and has cycled in the French Alps and Pyrenees. He likes walking and landscape photography, particularly in the peak district, working on his garden and hanging out with his cats, Barney and Betty. Exploring European cities is another of Tim’s loves, with his favourites so far being Berlin and Barcelona.

Huw Major Janes

Creative Design Manager

Huw Major Janes

Creative Design Manager

BA (Hons) Fine Art

Huw joined deVOL in November 2015 after graduating from Loughborough University with a First Class Honours in Fine Art. His education and many different creative hobbies have allowed him to develop a keen eye for design.

Huw has quickly worked his way up to become Creative Design Manager and is a key member of the team, overseeing all of deVOL’s graphic design work and putting his enviable patience and amazing teaching skills to work when training and helping new members of our graphics team.

It’s crazy how much stuff Huw knows, he is great at maths and is an absolute fountain of knowledge; we no longer use Google in the office, we now use ‘Huwgle’! Huw excels at anything he puts his mind to, he’s just really good at everything and is a true asset to deVOL.

Recently, Huw has been heavily involved in a lot of deVOL’s product and furniture design projects. Using 3D modelling software, he designed and created the curved seat pan for our beautiful new Bum Stool, the comfiest solid oak stool you will ever sit on.

Huw has been helping our jeweller, Stephanie, model and 3D print the master patterns of her cup handle designs to be used in the sand casting process for our range of beautiful brass door furniture. He has also been working on lots of other projects that we have in the works, including new lighting products, a deVOL table and chair and our vintage VW camper van, which we hope to transform into the deVOL food truck.

Proving that Huw really can do anything, late last year he travelled down to our lovely new London showroom and townhouse to hand-paint the deVOL logo above the showroom door. We watched in awe as he kept an impossibly steady hand and painted every little detail, every shadow and every highlight just spot on.

In his spare time, Huw remains a practising visual artist and musician; he designs and produces intricate geometric colour compositions, each responding to a specific piece of music. These designs have been executed as paintings, mosaics, digital images, prints and large-scale kinetic installations. Shortly after graduating, Huw’s work was shortlisted for a number of national and local graduate prizes – winning the runner-up prize for the LSA Student Award 2015.

Huw has a highly active presence in his local music community. Since 2010, he has been regularly recording and performing around the country in a hillbilly-style blues band called The Anteloids; playing drums, washboard and the saxophone. He is also one of the organisers for The Pig Applestock Festival; a local charity music festival held at Naseby reservoir in August. All of the funds raised by the festival are donated to the MS Therapy Centre in Leicestershire.

Find more about Huw’s work at his website: huwjanes.tumblr.com

Millie Leech

Graphic Design Assistant Manager

Millie Leech

Graphic Design Assistant Manager

Millie joined deVOL in the summer of 2021, with a big passion for graphic design, interior design and all things creative, as well as three years of experience working in a marketing and graphic design role, and two years within the design team at a furniture manufacturer.

Growing up in a busy household, surrounded by makers and craftspeople, Millie is very familiar with the smell of sawdust, the sound of tools and the sight of people crafting the most beautiful things from wood, which is what makes her feel so at home here at deVOL.

Within the Creative Design team, Millie produces artwork for advertising, creates branded materials, assists with keeping the website up to date, and helps out with lots of other exciting projects too.

Millie's keen interest in design has led her through various courses and classes, including a Foundation Diploma in Art & Design and a Diploma in Graphic Design, as well as taking part in short courses to learn new creative skills.

At the weekend, Millie likes wandering around antique shops looking for treasures for her home and spending lots of time outdoors, walking with her dog, running or biking, just as long as there is a coffee shop on route!

Farhan Syukri

Graphic Design Supervisor

Farhan Syukri

Graphic Design Supervisor

BA (Hons) Graphic Design

Farhan joined deVOL in September 2023 following his degree in Graphic Design at Sheffield Hallam University. During his studies, Farhan worked as a fashion photographer, and his images were used on Malaysian national TV, as well as a few local fashion magazines.

Here at deVOL, Farhan has a varied role supporting the Creative Design team in the many exciting projects they do. As a Graphic Designer, Farhan works from our beautiful Cotes Mill showroom, and can be found editing images from our latest photoshoots, creating mockups for our website, and designing beautiful postcards for the deVOL showrooms.

Outside of work, Farhan remains passionate about photography and enjoys the process of editing and creating the perfect shot. Farhan also has an interest in travel and humanitarian work. Whilst at university Farhan visited Kathmandu, Nepal, where he helped to install a water filter pump for several local villages. An avid gamer, Farhan enjoys esports but also appreciates a quiet moment reading.



Kishan Kunvardia

Web Development Supervisor

Kishan Kunvardia

Web Development Supervisor

DipHE Computer Science (Distinction)

Kishan graduated from the University of Westminster in 2020 with a DipHE in Computer Science. Joining deVOL in 2023, Kishan put his considerable expertise in SEO and Google Analytics to work immediately, helping to make it as easy as possible for people to find deVOL online. In addition to this, Kishan helps to manage the deVOL website, making style edits, and ensuring our stock management systems are running smoothly and effectively.

When he’s not at work, Kishan plays tennis for Charnwood Lawn Tennis Club, but he’s a keen musician, posting English and Hindi guitar and singing videos on social media, and he’s now learning to play the Bansuri flute! Kishan also loves to travel and aims to visit 100 countries, 36 down 64 to go...

Alysha Johnson

Web Development Supervisor

Alysha Johnson

Web Development Supervisor

MEng Aerospace Engineering

Alysha graduated in 2016 with a Masters in Aerospace Engineering from Sheffield Hallam University. For the next six years, Alysha worked as a Technical Sales Consultant in the software industry, but felt she needed to do something more creative, so retrained as a web developer. Alysha then spent a year learning languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python and React JS, alongside some frameworks such as Bootstrap and Django (drf).

Fulfilling her ambition to enter a more creative field, Alysha joined deVOL in September 2024 as a Web Developer in our Creative Design team. Her responsibilities now include producing new features on the website for product launches or content pages, maintaining and adjusting the styling on the frontend to improve UI, and supporting back end processes and systems, such as order management and dispatch.

Outside of work, you’ll usually find Alysha with her nose in a book or in the middle of a crochet project. Alysha has also been tap dancing for 4 years and takes part in a yearly charity dance for Children In Need to try and break the world record for the number of people tap dancing to the same song at the same time!

Product Design Team

Ben Creed

Product Development Manager

Ben Creed

Product Development Manager

BA (Hons) Multimedia, City and Guilds Cabinet Making

Ben qualified with distinction from Hereford Technical College as a cabinet maker in 1989 and worked for Paul Somers Interiors and Woodgate Woodcraft Ltd gaining valuable knowledge from experienced craftsmen.

Ben returned to college in 1992, and excelled in successive courses, namely: a BTEC in Art Design, a HND in Textiles and finally a First Class honours degree in Multimedia. Ben's college work was selected for 100% Design and the New Designers exhibition where he won the prestigious 1997 Design Guild Award. Ben's chubby carpet scooter sculptures and other imaginative works have been exhibited in London's Mall Gallery, as well as Durham, Berlin and The Maze Gallery, Turin.

Following his graduation, Ben worked for a year designing, making and fitting boat interiors before joining deVOL in 1998 as one of our cabinet makers. After 3 years Ben proved his passion, skill and determination to create beautiful furniture of the absolute highest quality and earned a promotion to Workshop Manager.

Ben is responsible for maintaining production levels and ensuring that the quality of materials, construction and finishing meet deVOL's extremely high standards, with no exceptions. Ben's unique blend of talents and experience are highly valued, and his creative input is regularly sought by the design team.

Ben’s impossibly broad knowledge of carpentry techniques and just about every type of wood there is made him a key part of the team when designing and making of our award-winning Sebastian Cox Kitchen range. Launched at Clerkenwell Design Week 2015, this kitchen has totally taken the design world by storm and has been awarded a Design Guild Mark as well as being named as Homes & Gardens ‘Kitchen Design of the Year’. Ben and the deVOL Design Team created a truly unique and innovative kitchen, something to be very proud of.

Ben's charming and unassuming nature endears him to all of our clients who clearly appreciate his attention to detail and his aesthetic viewpoint; he is a true asset to deVOL.

Ben Creed's blog entries >

Matt Hill

Product Design Manager

Matt Hill

Product Design Manager

BA (Hons) Furniture and Product Design

Whilst studying Furniture and Product Design at Nottingham Trent University, Matt designed a modular furniture system called 'ARRAY', which intended to challenge perceptions of furniture in a throw-away society as each design could be easily repaired or adapted to become usable in other pieces in the collection. The ARRAY Coffee Table was awarded the prestigious Innovation Award at the Young Furniture Makers' Awards 2018. 

Matt joined the deVOL team in 2018, two weeks before graduating from university. He is responsible for managing the manufacture and dispatch of all deVOL seating as well as helping with the development of our new Haberdasher’s Kitchen range. Matt has also been instrumental in setting up and running deVOL’s first 3D printer, helping to print a variety of components used in the casting of metalware and the development of other products too. 

Matt is really interested in traditional woodland crafts such as Windsor chair making, steam bending and spoon carving. He also still enjoys picking up a pen and sketching design ideas in his own time. Aside from design, Matt takes part in competitive shooting as part of the Nottinghamshire County Team for Small Bore Prone Target Rifle. 

Dan Mart

Product Design Manager

Dan Mart

Product Design Manager

BA (Hons) Product Design

Dan graduated from Nottingham Trent University with a First Class Honours in Product Design. During his studies, Dan designed a multifunctional lamp and a folding lounge chair, both of which were imagined for small space living. Dan showcased his chair concept at the 2019 'Young Furniture Designers' exhibition and 'New Designers', where his work caught the eye of the deVOL team.

In the summer of 2019, Dan joined deVOL as a Product Designer, creating and developing new ideas for our ranges of furniture, lighting, ceramics and metalware, including the coveted Heirloom range. Dan has a keen interest in homeware and furniture, making him an ideal person for this important and varied role.

Outside of designing, Dan has a passion for sport and particularly enjoys playing and watching hockey and football.

Joe Barnes

Product Designer

Joe Barnes

Product Designer

BA (Hons) Product Design

Joe graduated from Nottingham Trent University in 2020 with a First Class Honours in Product Design. Throughout his degree he enjoyed designing intricate pieces of furniture and his final year project, a table which aimed to tackle working and dining in the same space, was awarded top place in the ‘Design for Humans’ category.

From a young age Joe had a keen interest in making and spent his early years building go-carts from scrap wood. At deVOL, Joe utilises his deep appreciation and understanding of various materials to make sure each one of our new designs functions at the highest level while looking unique and beautiful.

Outside of work, Joe enjoys playing music and getting out in nature. On the weekends you can find him cycling, trail running, and hiking.

Adam Speight

Product Designer

Adam Speight

Product Designer

BA (Hons) 3D Design Furniture & Product

Adam joined deVOL in 2022 after graduating with a First Class Honours in 3D Design (Furniture & Product). Whilst at university, Adam was shortlisted for multiple awards, including Made’s ‘Celebrating Extraordinary Design Award’ at New Designers and the Young Furniture Makers Design Award.

First starting in our metalware department, Adam became part of our product design team in 2023. Focusing primarily on projects for our metal studio, he enjoys thinking up new designs and manufacturing processes. No day is ever the same and Adam loves taking an idea from an initial sketch to a final prototype or production-ready product.

Outside of deVOL, Adam is a huge fan of motor sport, something that inspires much of his design work, and he can often be found in his shed, tinkering on a new build.

Finn Webster

Product Designer

Finn Webster

Product Designer

BSc Product Design and Technology

Finn studied Product Design and Technology at Loughborough University, where he focused particularly on electronics, combining technicality and function with beautiful aesthetics. For his final project, Finn created a motorcycle safety device that monitored behaviours whilst riding and provided live feedback using accelerometers and gyroscopes.

At deVOL, Finn’s role is very varied. A typical day may see him designing new products, whether that’s for our metalware and ceramics studios, or fresh ideas for our ever-growing and much-adored lighting and furniture ranges. Finn also helps to produce our existing products, making bespoke Gaselier Lights on the lathe at Cotes Mill and managing the production of our much-loved Frilly Glass Lights.

Outside of work, Finn is a keen sportsman, having played both cricket and football at a county level whilst growing up and competing in lacrosse and javelin. These days, Finn enjoys cycling with his deVOL colleagues, stopping off at lots of coffee shops along the way!

Woman with shoulder-length hair and bangs wearing a dark sweater indoors.

Lucy Milham

Product Designer

Lucy Milham

Product Designer

BA (Hons) Furniture and Product Design

Lucy graduated from Nottingham Trent University in 2024 with a degree in Furniture and Product Design. During her studies, Lucy’s major project was a hand-carved wooden armchair, designed with a focus on sculptural form, comfort and tactile details. Lucy’s final year projects were selected to be showcased at New Designers and the Young Furniture Makers exhibition, and she was also invited to exhibit her armchair at an art gallery on Cork Street during London’s West End Gallery Night in 2024.

Joining deVOL in July 2025, Lucy is now part of our incredible team of product designers. Here, Lucy helps to research and create new home accessories to accompany our beautiful kitchens, focusing particularly on our much-loved lighting range.

Outside of work, Lucy enjoys sketching her own designs, exploring antique shops and markets, and working on her wood carving, making small models for friends.

Key Staff

Robin Chappell

Finance Director

Robin Chappell

Finance Director

With over 25 years of experience, Robin joined the deVOL team as Head of Finance in 2019. His previous roles saw him working in a variety of industries from FTSE 100 FMCG business to construction services to pharmaceuticals to civil engineering and even leisure.

During his time at deVOL Robin has been instrumental in supporting our finance department to keep up with the growth of the company, overseeing all financial matters both here in the UK and for our new venture in the USA. His strengths in financial modeling, as well as his ability to manage specific areas such as commercial, HR, pensions, risk and governance, have made him an invaluable member of the deVOL team. Robin particularly enjoys mentoring and coaching our finance team to give them the foundations to fulfill their potential.

When Robin's not at work, he enjoys spending time with his family and two very lively little dogs. He's a keen cyclist and sits on the committee of his local cycling club where he was, unsurprisingly, chosen to be treasurer.

Milly Wemyss

Financial Controller

Milly Wemyss

Financial Controller

AAT (Level 2 Diploma) Accounting

After finishing her A-Levels, Milly spent a year working and travelling around Australia, New Zealand, Thailand and Laos, before coming home to work at a Gastro Pub where she quickly became the manager.

A short break in France to experience the ski season in Les Gets gave Milly the chance of a new environment. After returning from her ski season, Milly began working at another Gastro pub as a supervisor whilst saving for an AAT Accountancy Course, which she started in late 2012.

Milly quickly completed her course and is now a fully qualified AAT Accountant. Milly started working at deVOL in early 2013 as a Bookkeeper, working alongside Andrew to assist him with the day-to-day finances and accounts for deVOL Kitchens and also helping with the accounts for deVOL’s other companies; Shreddies and Floors of Stone.

As Milly has gained experience every aspect of her job at deVOL has become more in depth. She now manages deVOL’s payroll and works on month ends and year accounts for all of our companies.

In her spare time, Milly loves to go skiing and travel to experience new cultures. Extreme sports and water sports are also a passion as well as socialising with friends and family for drinks or nice meals out.

Lizzie Shephard

Shop Operations & Distribution Manager

Lizzie Shephard

Shop Operations & Distribution Manager

BA (Hons) 3D Design

Lizzie joined the deVOL team shortly after graduating from Loughborough University in 2015 after developing a keen interest for interior design during her 3D Design degree.

Lizzie initially started working with both the production and design deVOL teams, allowing her to gain a better understanding of the full kitchen making process. 

Lizzie then moved on to become our Purchasing Manager which involves looking after the Purchasing team as a whole and ensuring everything from timber to appliances arrives on time.

She has gained a wealth of information over the years and has been able to build fantastic working relationships with our key suppliers.

At the weekend, you will find Lizzie outdoors or spending time with her family back in Yorkshire. In the colder months, you'll find her curled up with a good book, a cup of coffee and her cats, Luna and Monty. 

Lucy Andrews

Head of Project Coordination

Lucy Andrews

Head of Project Coordination

BSc (Hons) Retail, Marketing and Management

Lucy joined deVOL in 2019 after graduating from Loughborough University, where she honed her skills in production planning and data analysis. She then went on to become a Homeware Buyer for Next, where her daily perusal for interiors inspiration first put deVOL on her radar.

Lucy is now one of our incredible Project Coordinators, so her day-to-day involves chatting to our customers and booking them in for site surveys, organising the delivery and installation of their kitchens, and managing our dispatch schedule.

Despite this busy timetable, Lucy finds the time to be our resident baker, frequently treating the team at Cotes Mill to delicious brownies! But when she’s not in the kitchen, Lucy can be found at the gym or walking her Hungarian Vizsla.

Chelsea White

Assistant Project Coordinator

Chelsea White

Assistant Project Coordinator

Chelsea joined deVOL in April 2023 as an Assistant Project Coordinator. This role is vital in ensuring every deVOL delivery and installation runs totally smoothly and to schedule. Day-to-day, Chelsea helps to manage the busy deVOL despatch calendar, books in site surveys and works with our customers to make sure their space is all ready for their lovely new furniture to arrive.

Outside of work Chelsea is an avid reader, and is fortunate enough to receive early-release copies of books from authors and publishers to review. When she’s not reading, you can find Chelsea at the theatre where she particularly enjoys watching musicals.

Alex Earle

Site Surveyor

Alex Earle

Site Surveyor

Architectural Studies BA Hons

Alex graduated from the University of Nottingham in 2024 with a degree in Architectural Studies. Here, Alex fostered her technical drawing skills as well as exploring Environmental Science and Sustainable Urbanism modules. Alex is particularly proud of her dissertation, 'Unconsciously Living in Hostile Urban Environments and the Need to Consciously Fix Them', which explored the issue of Anti-Homeless architecture, with a case study on Nottingham City Centre

Joining deVOL in September 2024, assisting our project management team, Alex was quickly promoted to a Project Manager in 2025. In this role, Alex liaises with our customers from the final design stages through to the project sign-off and the installation of our lovely cabinetry. Alex is also responsible for carrying out site surveys, ensuring the project location is ready to receive furniture and appliances, so everything remains on schedule.

When she’s not at deVOL, Alex pursues her passion for pottery and ceramics, having completed Level 1 and 2 Throwing courses at the Nottingham Ceramic School whilst she was at university. Alex also enjoys spending time travelling with friends and playing in a ladies' netball team.

Phil de Vries

Estates Projects Manager

Phil de Vries

Estates Projects Manager

BA (Hons) Design Technology

Phil graduated from Loughborough University in 1988 and joined Insight Design Consultancy. He worked closely with Paul O'Leary on prototyping and was responsible for project administration and marketing insight's design services. Phil co-founded deVOL in 1989. Initially, much of the work involved furniture and architectural restoration which proved to be an excellent grounding in the traditionally accepted proportion and methods of construction.

Phil and Paul developed the deVOL style together over a period of ten years and built a reputation for delivering consistently high quality, cabinet made, freestanding kitchen furniture. Philip chose to take a sabbatical in 1998, but thankfully returned to take on the role of Customer Services Manager. Phil is renowned for being honest, fair and reliable which made him a natural for providing customer care. Phil also managed deVOL's sister company, deVOL Products, which sold decorative kitchen accessories and the deVOL Laundry Maid.

A few years ago, Phil and his wife, Claire, decided it was time for a new direction, and bought a 5 acre orange and olive farm in Portugal, with the long term vision of offering a spiritual retreat centre. Phil now works as deVOL’s Estate Project Manager, working on a wide variety of projects for deVOL. Phil continues to support the business, which he was so influential in nurturing, in a collaboration which has flourished for over 20 years.

In Remembrance

Rhys John Jenkins

London Production & Projects Manager

Rhys John Jenkins

London Production & Projects Manager

BA (Hons) Industrial Design and Technology

A gentleman, a gifted artist, a friend, a colleague, a whirlwind of exuberance and fun.

Rhys came to deVOL in September 2015 and made an unforgettable impression on everyone he worked with.

He began his career at deVOL Cotes Mill and then moved to begin a life in London still working for deVOL. Every single person who met him, fell for his charm, they were smitten by his disarming ways and speechless of his limitless energy and enthusiasm for life.

Rhys tragically lost his life in a motorbike accident while in India on holiday in April 2019  and we want to keep him on our staff page, just to keep him in our thoughts and to remind us what a special person we all have lost.

His work friends in London have organised ‘A Picnic in the Park’ this summer and plan to celebrate Rhys in this way every year from now on.

James Griffin

Project Manager

James Griffin

Project Manager

BA (Hons) Furniture Design

In 2012 James travelled around Asia for 6 months before beginning a new job as a Project Manager at a construction company. Eager to see more of the world, James continued his travels for another 11 months in 2016 before joining deVOL as a Project Manager shortly after.

James managed our kitchen projects right through from the sale to the installation and ensured every single one ran smoothly. He liaised with customers on a daily basis, kept in constant touch with our kitchen design and production teams and made sure our customers were happy throughout every step of the kitchen manufacture, delivery and installation process.

A proud moment for James was exhibiting his handmade wooden furniture and accessories at both ‘Handmade in Kew’ and ‘Handmade in Chelsea’ and he hoped to take part in more national exhibitions in the future.

James was an expert climber and many of deVOL’s staff regularly climbed with him and he enjoyed, to the full, every social event.

James continued to work at Cotes Mill as a project manager until he was struck down with a rare and undetected stage 4 cancer in 2019. During his treatment, he only divulged his terrible situation to the Directors, preferring to be able to come to work and for everyone to be relaxed and chatting as usual, with no fuss or sympathy. Even laughing off people joking about how much holiday he was having.

He was grateful for our support and regularly chatted to Robin and me about his treatment and he pragmatically informed me of the chances of success. When all other treatment options had been exhausted, and there was just a slim chance of being accepted on a new trial drug, James was still unbelievably positive “Well, you’ve got to give it a go haven’t you, no matter how slim the chance.”

That was our last conversation; we hugged, and I hoped against hope that a miracle would happen. It was only 3 weeks later that we received the heart-breaking news from his newly married wife, Nicola, that James had lost his battle with cancer. When Robin announced to all the gathered staff at the Mill that James had passed away, they had no idea that he was that ill and I watched their faces break into horror, confusion and grief.

Everyone at deVOL knew James, everyone loved his cheerful and down to earth ways, and he made everyone laugh, even when he knew they might never see him again. I recognised the strongest human being I have ever met, and will probably ever meet, during those precious 6 months. They carried his coffin in to the sound of Wild Horses by the Rolling Stones and finished the service with Abba’s S.O.S. Having fun to the last, God bless a free spirit.

We will be creating a memorial to James in the grounds of Cotes Mill, for those of us who don’t want to forget.