about us
Workbench specialises in the design and manufacture of furniture for exceptional commercial office interiors.
Our experienced design team collaborates with architects, designers, and end users to provide a unique opportunity for clients to develop custom solutions to meet their vision. With extensive experience in furnishing board rooms, meeting rooms, receptions, break out spaces as well as our in-depth knowledge of joinery projects we can offer not only a highly proficient service but also a truly creative service.
When you work with us, we are quick to establish a client’s needs and by applying equal parts experience and imagination we engineer practical solutions to the most complex design challenges. Our portfolio demonstrates our keen understanding of manufacturing, and we bring with us the full weight of the UK’s finest makers to deliver projects, either by way of our Collections range or fully bespoke solutions. Combining intelligent design, hand skills and the latest manufacturing practices Workbench can set a unique standard of furniture innovation and production for our clients.
Designed by us, tailored by you.
meet the team
Whatever your requirement we have a dedicated team to guide you through the furniture procurement process, from specification, design and manufacture to installation and re-purposing.
Heather Bridge-Carter
Office Manager
An experienced, dedicated and enthusiastic Office Manager with a ’Nothing I can't do’ attitude. Heather has worked in the furniture industry for over 10 years and brings colour and vibrance to the team. Hobbies include Samba dancing and a love for all cuisine. With her eye for detail and exuberance, Heather brings her own flavour to the Workbench dish.
Lee Wade
Project Manager
Extensive experience in manufacturing, fitting and managing joinery and furniture projects, within the industry, amounting to over 30yrs. Has worked for Workbench for 10 years. Excels in managing sites and problem solving and great with clients. Hobbies are the great outdoors and cooking.
Paul Saunders
QS Furniture & Joinery
A Rycotewood graduate and fine furniture maker for 10 years before moving on to manage the technical and commercial aspects of furniture and joinery projects, Paul has over 30 years experience in the furniture industry. Our resident techie has a passion for photography and cycling.
Rob Turton
Designer
Since graduating from Furniture & Product Design at Nottingham Trent University, Rob has gained a wide experience in the furniture design industry across various roles. He is a team player with a creative enthusiasm for all things design. Aside from work, he enjoys playing football, tennis and golf and is also a keen baker when time allows.
Joe Stevens
Managing Director
Joe has worked in the corporate furniture and joinery market for 20 years. Pragmatic with an attention to detail in all aspects of the business. He has built strong relationships with both clients and suppliers to provide the very best service. Joe loves to play lego with his two children!
Wendy Graham
Sales Director
With 23 years experience in the corporate furniture market. Wendy’s energy for pushing the boundaries in both the design and manufacture of furniture, contributes to the endless problem solving and new designs that Workbench are able to offer. When not tweeting, she is usually training for a half marathon.
Darrell Locke
Design Director
Darrell has 25 years experience designing new products and creating solutions for architects, end clients and facilities teams. He brings an in-depth knowledge of materials and construction techniques and is constantly engaged with design trends and new methods of fabrication. When not at his computer he enjoys watching Spurs maintain record levels of disappointment and is an enthusiastic lycra clad cyclist, much to the embarrassment of his daughters.
Luke Barton
Sales
During the course of nearly 20 years industry experience, Luke has overseen the development and delivery of complex furniture schemes across the world. Equally comfortable in the studio, workshop or construction site, the real strength he brings is the enthusiasm with which he takes on even the most complicated design challenge. Another keen cyclist in the Workbench team, Luke would love his two boys to allow him more time on the bike!
Anna Bains
Designer
Anna is a Product Design graduate from the University of Leeds, with an International Certification in Industrial Design from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology Australia, where she lived and studied for a year. Completing a six month Industrial Design Internship Anna has worked on furniture projects, accessory and technology design, branding, graphics and packaging. She loves to travel, see friends and family, and try new food!
Porter Locke
Sales Support
Currently studying International Business at Loughborough University, Porter is spending her placement year at Workbench building her communications skills in the sales department and honing her technical understanding of the industry. Aside from working Porter loves to paint, draw and make anything you could imagine!
Emma Booty
Designer
Emma is a BA Furniture & Product Design graduate from Nottingham Trent University, where she was chosen to exhibit her final year projects at New Designers 2023. With an innate attention to detail, Emma is passionate about evolving in her design career. Beyond her professional pursuits, she loves exploring new food spots, travelling, shopping and spending time with friends and family.
our london showroom
There is nothing like handling natural materials and seeing the real thing when planning your project. Our showroom at 3 Sutton Lane, London is available for visits to enable you to experience first hand the quality of our workmanship and to discuss your project requirements in more detail.