Caleb Hammond-Almond.
Founder and Director
I started Oak & Almond in 2016 while juggling a full-time carpentry job. Back then, I’d squeeze in carpentry work during evenings and weekends, driven by a passion for tackling interesting and challenging projects. It wasn’t long before I realised that working on my own business full-time was the next step. By early 2018, I had secured a workshop space and took the leap to pursue Oak & Almond full-time.
While I’ve had to learn the business side the hard way, my "maker-first" mindset is what sets Oak & Almond apart. I genuinely care about each project—whether it’s a handmade kitchen, custom wardrobe, or piece of furniture—and I take pride in creating beautiful, functional work that enhances my customers' homes.
Sustainability is also at the core of what I do. Each piece is not only beautiful but built to last, reflecting my commitment to quality and creating spaces that match the personality and lifestyle of the people who live in them.
Influences Behind
Oak & Almond Carpentry
My journey to Oak & Almond was shaped by personal and professional influences. Growing up in a creative family, I had one grandfather who was a skilled carpenter and another who was a sculptor. My parents encouraged my creativity, immersing me in music, film, and photography. Music became my primary creative outlet, playing guitar in a band with my brother.
The turning point in my career came when I worked at a recreation of Lapland in Kent. Surrounded by timber, I became captivated by carpentry. Working with the head carpenter, I learned the process of turning raw wood into something functional and beautiful. The tangible results of my work had a profound impact on me.
After moving to Brighton in 2013, my passion for carpentry deepened. I honed my skills in rustic furniture-making, inspired by the handcrafted, timber-heavy structures I had worked on. Studying at Brighton City College and shadowing skilled makers solidified my desire to take carpentry into my own hands. My work blends functionality with art, making each piece feel unique.
I draw influence from traditional carpentry techniques and modern innovations. The desire to make timeless, practical, and aesthetically pleasing pieces is central to my design philosophy. I find inspiration in the classic elegance of traditional English furniture, especially Shaker-style kitchens, as well as the simplicity of Scandinavian design. But above all, my passion is rooted in a hands-on, "maker-first" approach that focuses on quality at every stage.
I see each piece of furniture or kitchen as a collection of elements that create objects that are tangible and that improve the way we live. My work doesn’t just serve a utilitarian function, but invites a new way of experiencing space—whether through a secret drawer or a kitchen that feels both timeless and modern.
Every piece I create tells a story of the materials, craftsmanship, and dedication that bring the design to life. Oak & Almond isn’t just about what I do—it’s about creating something that enriches a space, reflecting the values and influences that have shaped my journey as a carpenter, and people make their homes feel uniquely theirs.
