Chris Neil

With over 4 years of work as a Cabinet Maker and a diverse background in wood fabrication and exhibition carpentry over the last 8 years, I have a proven track record of managing build projects, constructing bespoke furniture, and site installation. I am approachable and a great communicator and team player. Notable achievements include contributing to award- winning projects such as Horatio's Garden - Garden Room at RHS Garden Show 2023 (Best in show award) and 2 major exhibition builds at the V&A.

Relocated with wife and daughter to Worcester in May 2026 and spent two months as primary carer until a nursery place was available.

CABINET MAKER at SL WORKSHOP (2026-07 – Present)

• Managing the build process of kitchen projects and furniture to technical drawings
• Building cabinetry, solid timber furniture, doors and drawer fronts, end panels, using static machines, power tools and hand tools
• Veneering and laminating with a heat press and stitching veneer for lay-ons
• Managing full test-fit of bespoke cabinetry in the workshop

CABINET MAKER at WEST & REID (2025-03 – 2026-05)

• Planning design-to-delivery practicalities and communicating material, appliance and fixture needs
• Managing the build process of kitchen projects
• Building carcasses, solid timber and veneered doors and drawer fronts, end panels, kitchen islands and floating shelves using static machines, power tools and hand tools
• Veneering and laminating with bag and table press and stitching matches
• Creating samples and finishing in a wide variety of oils and stains
• Managing full test-fit of bespoke kitchens in the workshop from CAD drawings and design team briefings through to delivery
• Site installation as required

CABINET MAKER at VIALLE & CO (2023-06 – 2025-03)

• Managing Build projects alone or as part of a team
• Building free-standing and fitted furniture, cabinetry and panelling to specification in solid timber, sheet material and metals in a variety of finishes (in-house veneering, painting, laminate, wallpaper, tiling, etc.)
• Collaborating with the design team on build process and drawing details and communicating material needs
• Planning and executing build process to deadlines
• Site installation

EXHIBITION CARPENTER at SAM FORSTER ASSOCS (2023-05 – 2023-06)

• DIVA; Site build @ The Victoria & Albert Museum
• Site Layout / Positioning
• Building structural elements and cladding
• Preparing cases for art-pieces
• Maintaining safety standards in public areas of museum
• Working with gallery staff to meet standards to protect artefacts

WOOD FABRICATOR (SELF EMPLOYED) at WEBER INDUSTRIES (2023-01 – 2023-04)

• Fabrication and Build of Horatio's Garden Room @ RHS Garden Show 2023 - Winner of Best in Show
• Part of a team of 4 assigned to the build from start to finish Working between studio and site location.
• Managed fabrication of unique reciprocating elliptical roof structure

EXHIBITION CARPENTER at SAM FORSTER ASSOCS (2022-12 – 2023-01)

• Donatello - Sculpting the renaissance; site build @ The V&A
• As described above for Sam Forster Assoc. build
• Building bespoke, air-sealed forex cases for exhibition pieces

WOOD FABRICATOR at WEBER INDUSTRIES (2021-11 – 2022-12)

• Workshop and site operative for three major project builds and multiple studio-based commercial furniture installations:
• Brockwell Park Barn - Timber-framed community gardens function space
• Reciprocal House - installation of aluminium mechanical staircase and workshop dry fit of aluminium cabinetry
• Senate House Steps - University of London public pavilion

CASE MANAGER (08/06/2020)/WORK COACH (10/10/2020)EMPLOYER ADVISOR at CIVIL SERVICE (2020-05 – 2021-10)

• Alternative work sought during the COVID 19 pandemic Remote office based role in-line with my previous career - promoted twice in 10 months

SELF EMPLOYED CABINET MAKER at STEVEN COLLINS LTD (2019-03 – 2020-03)

• Prepare sheet materials and timber to cutting lists
• Working to prepared drawings and specification to build and install cabinetry including scribing in trim for fitted units
• Installation of products on-site and communication with other trades/clients
• Spray and hand finishing
• Vacuum press veneering

LEVEL 3 in BENCH JOINERY – THE BUILDING CRAFTS COLLEGE, STRATFORD (2018)

LEVEL 1 in CARPENTRY AND JOINERY – HACKNEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE (2016)

LEVEL 2 in BENCH JOINERY – HACKNEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE (2017)

BA HONOURS in PHILOSOPHY – UNIVERSITY OF EAST ANGLIA

A-LEVELS in PHILOSOPHY, SOCIOLOGY, MEDIA STUDIES – WORCESTER TECHNICAL COLLEGE

AS LEVELS in CRITICAL THINKING – WORCESTER TECHNICAL COLLEGE

NINE GCSE’S in GRADE C OR ABOVE – NUNNERY WOOD HIGH SCHOOL