Staff Members at Oak By Design | Oak By Design
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Meet The Team

"It's nice to know who you are dealing with..."
oak by design

Management & Sales

Richard Penny

Title: Director
Specialities: Problem Solving
Interests: Paragliding & Ultra Marathons

As the owner of Oak By Design, my role is to orchestrate a team of highly skilled and dedicated team of people. (See below).

With a background of the RAF, I have a passion to solve problems, albeit a customers requirements or personal challenge.  I am self taught in a variety of business areas and will be celebrating 25 years in business in 2022.

Hobbies now include paragliding in the UK, France, Switzerland & Morocco and I also like to train and take part in Ultra Marathons.

Jamie Winspear

Title: Associate Project Director
Specialities: A Flare for Design
Interests: Cycling and Tennis

Building the quality and standards of Oak By Design has been my passion for several years now.

I have used my 25+ years of experience to help organically grow the company with Richard and the team creating high-end award-winning oak structures. Over the past years I progressed within the industry taking charge of projects including one of my proudest achievements in rebuilding Allerton Castle which was nearly destroyed due to a chimney fire.

I’m also proud of where Oak By Design is today, our quality and knowledge in my opinion is second to none.

During my spare time I enjoy time with the family, shooting, tennis, golf and cycling and the occasional glass of red. I also enjoy getting involved in charity events.

Joanne Fisher

Title: Sales Manager
Specialities: Organisation Skills
Interests: Dog Walking and Home Improvements

I have worked at Oak by Design since November 2011.

I primarily work with clients who require: - glazed and open porches, trusses, external doors, glazed frameworks and garden structures.

I coordinate our social media posts and enjoy providing great customer service to our clients.

I enjoy walking with our 2 dogs, socialising, cooking and I love a European City break!

I’ve been married forever and have 2 grown up daughters.

Amanda Smith

Title: Customer Advisor
Specialities: Attention to Detail
Interests: Socialising and Walking

When you call us here at Oak By Design, you may find I am the first person you will speak to and I will help with your enquiry.

I work alongside our trade customers and help with enquiries for oak beams, oak porches and RSJ covers for our retail clients.

In my previous roles I have managed wood burning stove showrooms and also sold sweeties!

Living locally with my family I enjoy reading, walking, socialising and of course relaxing with a nice glass of something!

Willow

Title: Guard Dog
Specialities: Protecting the Staff!
Interests: Ball chasing and long walkies!

I was born just before Christmas 2019. For those of you who don’t know, I am a Cocker Spaniel.

My role within the company is to ensure the property and its assets are well protected. My training is now in full swing and I aim to graduate just before Summer. There is a lot of waiting around so I amuse myself by chasing soft toys and practising my loud bark. It’s more like a squeak at the moment but I have been told it will mellow over time.

I have an older sister called Gypsy and she shows me the ropes when I get confused or forget my training. Oak By Design has helped me settle in over the past few weeks and I intend to carry out my new role to the best of my ability.

Production Team

Barry Carter

Title: Operations Manager
Specialities: Framework Precision
Interests: Fishing

I worked as an engineer in a previous role and decided to move into joinery after working with my brother for 3 years.

My hobbies include shooting, fishing and horse racing whilst spending time with my children and socialising with friends and family.

In a previous role, I was voted 2nd in the country for customer service and friendliness by Samsung UK.

Dave Carter

Title: Production Manager
Specialities: Anything Joinery
Interests: Rugby Super League

I am the workshop supervisor and have 25+ years experience in the carpentry and joinery industry. I started with Oak By Design in September 2015. I am experienced in all aspects of joinery, wood machining, bench hand and installation. My role as a supervisor is to help, assist and train the fellow workforce.

Hobbies include over 10 years managing Woodthorpe Wanderers football team, from the under 6s to under 16s. I follow the rugby super league and enjoy socialising with friends and family.

Lewis Carter

Title: Joiner
Specialities: Glazing Know-How
Interests: Football

I have had a big interest in joinery from a very young age.

Helping my dad in the garden and with his own projects made me want to become a joiner.

In 2019 I was awarded the best 3rd year apprentice from York College.

I started and finished my apprenticeship with a bespoke joinery company and wanted to expand my joinery knowledge and have been with Oak By Design since last year.

In my spare time I really enjoy going to music festivals as well as playing football with friends'

Chris Wood

Title: Joiner
Specialities: Nothing is a problem!
Interests: Motorbikes and boxing

We'd like to introduce our newest team member, Chris Wood.​

Chris has grown up in York, attending All Saints School and studying at
Askham Bryan College.​

Keen on motorbikes, he studied Motorsport Engineering but decided he'd rather be making things than fixing them, so he had a career change.​

Although he hasn't been with us long, he's enjoying assembling the oak products and getting to see the finished article.

He enjoys all aspects of the job, but really enjoys making the oak porches.​

Out of work he still enjoys motorbikes, and enjoys watching boxing and socialising.

Wayne Davy

Title: Joiner
Specialities: Waxing and Oiling
Interests: Motorbikes & Dogs

I have worked for the company for many years and manufacture a range of oak products. I live locally with my family and was born and bred in Yorkshire.

In my spare time, I enjoy all aspects of motorcycling in particular organised events and trips to the motorbike cafe.

I also enjoy days out with my family and walks in the countryside with our dog

Josh Rhodes

Title: Joiner
Specialities: CNC Operations
Interests: Always something new

Harley Wilson

Title: Apprentice Joiner
Specialities: Hand Finishing All Products
Interests: Football & Athletes

I grew up in York and went to Manor CE academy school, I'm now in my second year of my joinery apprenticeship.

I have a passion for football supporting Leeds United and also playing for my local senior team in Tockwith. I also competed in athletics for Yorkshire more precise, javelin. I like cooking at home and also socialising with friends and family.

I recently passed my driving test and enjoy going for drives.

Tom Riley

Title: Joiner
Specialities: Eager to Learn
Interests: Anything outdoors: walking, cycling, skiing, camping

I joined the Oak By Design team in November 2022 and made a career change, having worked as paramedic for 7 years in the NHS.

My dad was a cabinet maker for over 40 years and I always admired his skills and craftsmanship.

I'm enjoying getting to grips with the joinery skills required and get great satisfaction seeing a finished product.

I've recently become a father and enjoy days out with my family.

Installation Team

Billy Whitmore

Title: Installation Manager
Specialities: Attention to Detail
Interests: Family and the Pub

This is my life. My name is Billy, I am 50+ years young, I am happily married with two grown up children.

I have worked in the joinery industry for 30+ years and my goal is to provide a professional and top quality job for all our clients, working alongside our team at Oak By Design.

I enjoy family time, eating, drinking and walking (usually looking for a pub) and I’m hoping to find some time in the future to dust off my golf clubs.

Ben Knowles

Title: Joiner
Specialities: Roofing and Joinery
Interests: Fishing

I’ve worked as a joiner for 15+ years, since leaving school. I have been working for Oak By Design since the early summer of 2017.

I work mainly as part of the Installations team but can be quite often found in the workshop manufacturing items for a site, and keeping the rest of the team entertained!

I live locally, enjoying socialising and spending time with my family and friends. I have 2 small children, so I’m kept busy and walking the family dog gets me out and about!

I am also another fan of fishing!

Darren Richards

Title: Joiner
Specialities: Installation
Interests: Course Fishing

I am a joiner with over 25 years experience. I have worked for Oak by Design 2009 and originally joined the company to manufacture the larger products.

Having worked my way up through the company and I am now the Workshop Manager in charge of the Tockwith workshop.

My passion is course fishing.

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Hayley Carter
Hayley Carter

Left us a 5 star review

Amazing craftsmanship from this company. The customer service from Joanne was superb. My questions and indecisiveness were never an issue and she was always on hand to offer advice and find the answers to my questions. Our oak porch has transformed the house and we are over thd moon with it. Would highly recommend Oak By Design. Joanne is an asset to the sales and promotion of this company and is very knowledgeable. Would give 10 stars if I could!

Four years ago we took the decision to completely gut an old farmhouse and start again with it, we started looking for a supplier of oak to refit all of the internal doors, door casings, skirting and flooring. Our carpenter recommended Oak By Design. He wasn't wrong! All of the oak has been completely top notch. As the old house has settled into it's new skin it has moved and cracked in various places, the only thing that has been stable and unwavering is the oak. The customer service has been superb, with them continuing to supply exactly the same items, with the same quality over the course of 4 years. They even indulged our designs for furniture for our "boot room", with Shoe pigeon holes and a bench which we could store wellies under (as pictured). The doors supplied by them are reassuringly heavy and sturdy, with a proper "thunk" as you close them, cutting off sound from the rest of the house. There may be other, cheaper suppliers of oak out there, but none with the same level of quality, longevity and customer service as Oak By Design. If you want to do it right (& once!) use these guys.

Working with Oak By Design on our project was a pleasure and we were delighted with the results. Joanne was extremely helpful, quick to answer any questions and generally a great person to deal with! The quality and finish of the products - RSJ covers and Oak Windows & Doors were superb and look great. Would highly recommend working with Oak By Design and would not hesitate to use their services again for future projects!

On behalf of John Docherty: Oak By Design were a great company to deal with; helpful, knowledgeable, professional. The quality of the oak supplied to us for our bespoke porch was first class. Nothing was too much trouble for this company, and we will definitely be using this wonderful company again in 2022.

We are delighted with our porch, from Oak by Design. Not only is the porch of excellent quality and finish but their customer service could not have been better. They bent over backwards to make sure that we were happy with the porch and I would happily recommend them to anyone.

Really delighted with the new porch by Oak by Design. It adds a super feature to my converted barn. Thanks to Joanne and the team.

We were looking to have a bespoke oak and glass atrium for the front of our new house renovation. We wanted to find a company we trusted, who clearly understood our brief and could manufacture and install a high quality product at a competitive price. A big ask, but OakByDesign ticked all our boxes. Jamie and the team from the initial discovery meeting to completion of the installation were fantastic. The design, material quality and installation were first class and I would highly recommend you to include them within your project plans. Thank you all. Ben and Lindsay.

Excellent quality workmanship and materials. Very easy and friendly to deal with on the phone. Everything done on time and no problems at all. Will definitely use again next time I need an oak porch or any other oak structures.

Great service by a friendly professional team, a pleasure to work with. The end result of our oak glazed leisure spa and outdoor kitchen looks fantastic. Great job

This is the second time that we have used Oak By Design for oak products and once again we weren’t disappointed. We recently ordered some internal oak doors and from the very start they were a pleasure to deal with. Joanne especially was extremely helpful and friendly, nothing was too much trouble. We were kept updated about the progress of our order. Unfortunately we needed to delay acceptance of the doors for a few weeks and Oak By Design happily agreed to store them in their workshop until we were ready for them. The quality of the doors is very high, they are very well made and finished, far better than any oak doors that you will buy “ off the shelf. “ They are all installed now and look fantastic. I would highly recommend Oak By Design and we will certainly use them again in the future if we require any more oak products. A huge thank you to Joanne and the whole team for a great service and a great product.

From the beginning the customer service has been superb, excellent help and advice when choosing the flooring, delivery arriving when promised and a product which is extremely high quality. We have replaced the majority of our flooring downstairs and we are so pleased with the result that we would have paid more. Fantastic.

Amazing customer service from beginning to end . My builder was in awe at the quality of the oak porch components. Call them and ask for Joanne - what she doesn’t know isn’t worth knowing! It’s not every day you invest in a “proper” porch so do it right. You’ll definitely be delighted!

From start to finish Oak By Design have been incredible, nothing was too much trouble. Our new Oak doors are beautifully made and have really been the icing on the cake to finish our house renovations off. We have also had a fabulous outdoor oak structure with heating and we are very much looking forward to making the most of it in the months ahead. Thank you to the whole team I would throughly recommend.

Oak by design were a fantastic company to deal with. They made us some treads for a bespoke stair case from large pieces of air dried oak. They were very thorough in making sure that they understood exactly what we wanted. They made excellent suggestions for small changes to our own design in order to produce a better finished product and to manage the cost. We were very happy with the treads when they were delivered. They look fantastic and fitted perfectly to the steel frame which was made by a third party. I could not recommend them more highly.

When embarking on a large renovation project assembling the right team of skilled work people is vital. It involves the need for skill, imagination and trust. It was important to us to use a local company and Oak by Design seemed to tick the right boxes although we had not dealt with them or indeed heard of them before. We soon came to realise that the combination of Ben, Billy, Jamie, Matt and MIck ( listed strictly in alphabetical order ) was a great success. Skilled: highly, imaginative: an excellent creative talent, trustworthy: 100% but also such great team players that all the other trades on site benefitted from their cooperation and great good humour. I would endorse the other reviewers who have commented on the quality of the materials used, whether in the replacement windows, the light oak internal doors. the fantastic oak staircase, the secret bookcase and the pièce de résistance: the oak conservatory. It has been a great project and much of that I attribute to the work of Oak by Design. A big thank you to you all.

I could not recommend Oak By Design more highly. Joanne and the team worked tirelessly to resolve an issue that was the result of my mistake when I ordered the porch. Great customer service.

Oak by Design have made 2 oak framed rooms for us, sunroom at the front and and "moonroom" (photo) at the back which encompasses a shower room, work area and storage. They have been helpful at every stage and the outcome is simply brilliant. They make the whole house feel roomier and brighter and are beautiful places to be. GE North Yorkshire

A fabulous service and supportive through the design and delivery process. Highly recommended

What can I say, Oak By Design have been the most fantastic company to deal with. Joanne was so helpful, friendly and professional. She really seemed to care about our project, which made such a difference. We had 4 oak RSJ covers made and 2 fireplace mantles. The finish is outstanding. Everyone believes they are solid beams, which was just what we wanted. The care and attention this company will give you is 2nd to none and I would highly recommend them. Pictures will follow when we complete our project, thanks again Oak By Design. x

Exceptional service and beautiful flooring. Absolutely delighted with every aspect. Went above and beyond great customer service to meet our needs and timescales.

Found Oak by Design searching for a new front porch to replace a canopy and knew immediately that this was company for the job and I was not disappointed. I already knew what I wanted and Richard, very patiently, developed my basic requirements, with a number of iterations, into a full detailed design. As I live outside their site working area I decided go for supply only and to install the porch myself. It was delivered as promised and it looked great even on the pallet! It took me a while to fit but it was very satisfying and the result is fantastic. The quality of the aged oak and carpentry of the timbers is excellent. I’m delighted with the porch supplied by Oak by Design - it looks superb.

Pleasure to do Buisness with

I was sourcing an oak RSJ cover (circa 5m length) for my extension and found Oak by Design on the internet. All of the reviews I could were glowing and so I contacted them......And I'm so glad that I did. Joanne Fisher answered my initial call and she looked after my order from beginning to end - in terms of ensuring that I got exactly what I wanted she/they provided a superb service - everything on time - delivery in to the Peak District to suit when I wanted. The quality of the the RSJ cover is fantastic thick solid oak that matches my oak floor - looks amazing. If you want anything oak I can thoroughly recommend Oak By Design.

We decided to get an oak porch to make our home more attractive and we are so glad we did as it really is beautiful ! Joanne and the Team have been professional, friendly and just a pleasure to deal with ! Thank you so much !!

My client was looking for ways in which to make his conversion (of an early seventies house into a period family farmhouse) “stand out from the crowd”. whilst maintaining a commercial eye on his expenditure, as the house was being converted for resale profit. Making the choice to meet with Richard and explore possibilities for incorporating some Real solid Oak features into his plans proved to be the making of the project. By taking lots of advice from Richard on both the size and structure of the components we were able to incorporate three key features. The beautiful and bold roof trusses and purlins for the open plan kitchen are simply a joy to behold. The stunning full height gable window which is directly glazed into the large framework can be appreciated from both the the kerbside and of course from within the cosy snug on the ground floor or the amazing first floor main bedroom where we incorporated some additional exposed roof beams just purely for effect. All in all it is fair to say that these significant choices certainly created the wow factor my client was looking for. Having managed to pre sell the property well before completion it in itself demonstrates the benefits of keeping these sorts of real oak features as part of a modern build. I have no hesitation whatsoever is saying that if anyone is looking to get advice and is serious about investing in quality oak products they should have no need to look further than Oak by Design. Thanks again Richard for all your help , guidance and continued support which is a credit to you and the craftsmen you employ.

From the initial quotation right through to the delivery and after service Joanne has been brilliant and given me an excellent product. I have just ordered another porch for another project from them and I will continue to do so for future projects . Thomas and Bell Building Contractors Ltd

Perfect from start to finish. The service is above and beyond. Pleasure to install

On behalf of Shears PHG Our customer was looking at having an oak porch built for their property in the West Midlands we got in contact with Joanne at Oak by Design and she was really helpful, always friendly on the phone and polite nothing was too much trouble. Joanne kept us up to date through every stage and our customer is really pleased with the results of the Porch it looks great and we wouldn’t hesitate to use them again in the future

We can thoroughly recommend Oak by Design. Not only did they provide the best of oak floors and oak staircase to suit our new, contemporary home, but they returned to make good a problem which was not their fault. Going the extra mile separates great companies from ordinary firms. Thank you Jamie & Billy. From Mike & Barbara, York.

My company has ordered 2 porches with Joanne from oak by design, and have more planned in the future. They've been brilliant from start to finnish. Great communication right through. And the quality of the product is exceptional. Do not hesitate to order.

Fantastic service from start to finish, I would have no hesitation in recommending this company or using them again. Very professional and helpful. Joanne was great in assisting us with choosing both styles and colours of the beams and cladding.

A first rate service from start to finish. We've used this company in the past for our floor - 40 foot of solid oak! 2 beams and 2 RSJ covers. This time a beam for our new kitchen inglenook and another RSJ cover. More than impressed with the products which more than met our spec. A very friendly and helpful team who I'd recommend to anyone.

Great service from start to finish, Joanne was great help. Designs were spot on and so happy with the porch. 10/10. Fully recommend.

Posting on behalf of my Mother in Law, Shirley Abbott "Having planned to shop around, Oak By Design was my first stop. I had no need to look any further. Joanne patiently and professionally guiding me through the confusion of choosing the right flooring. The service and support from the staff was exceptional, efficient and helpful. And - my floor looks amazing!"

My wife and I recently purchased an oak porch from Oak By Design. We are delighted with the porch and it has been much admired. We did get some help assembling it but everything fitted together perfectly.

We purchased some engineered oak flooring and oak covers from Oak By Design and couldn't be happier with the finish and quality. They are spot on. Joanne was extremely helpful throughout the whole process and provided plenty of advice when necessary. Thank you

Very professional. Excellent product and service. Highly recommended.

I firstly used oak by design a couple of years ago for an open oak porch. They were extremely helpful and everything was delivered on time to the highest quality. The porch went together with the oak dowels provided and looked great when it was all slated in. They have also supplied me with a oak beam for a fireplace natural random finish and it looks good.

Great company, always on the end of the phone to talk through design, measurements, fitting. The Oak is very high standard, looks amazing.

Excellent customer service. Very friendly. Explained in detail. Product is beautiful. Would recommend. Company sent photos of finished product prior to dispatch to confirm our happiness with their work.

I first used Oak by Design in 2021 for a oak porch, I used them again 2023 for an oak pergola. Both times my clients have been Delighted with the finished product. Both times the product was delivered when stated, everything i needed was on the delivery. Oak by design listened to what I required for both jobs. The quality of the oak is excellent, all joints fit correctly & if I had a problem I only had to ring and speak to them. R Brown Carpentry always recommends Oak by Design when asked about oak structures.

We are ‘over the moon’ with our beautiful oak porch made by Oakbydesign .From our initial enquiry to delivery and installation the service and attention to detail has been outstanding! A very big thank you to Joanne who was so helpful and friendly from start to finish which made the whole process such a pleasure. Highly recommend anyone looking for an oak porch to choose Oakbydesign . Yvonne Grant.

I wish I could give more starts!! We looked at many companies before finally choosing Oak by Design. We are so glad we chose them. They were excellent from start to finish. They worked with us to find a workable design that was to our liking. Our door looks amazing (despite the building site that still surrounds it!). Their customer service is of the highest standard, Joanne could not do enough to help us. I would not hesitate to recommend them.

A great company to deal with. Professional from start to finish and always there to assist with any queries. Highly recommended.

Fantastic service and quality of product. I couldn’t be happier with my Oak porch, which was designed to my specification with the minimum of fuss. Joanne was so helpful and nothing was too much trouble. Incredibly well engineered and looks fantastic. Thank you so much.

From the start of our enquiry, the service provided was excellent. Joanne was a great help and the oak porch structure looks fantastic on our new build. It completely changed the look of the house. Very quick delivery could not recommend enough.

Oak by design provided our engineered oak flooring. From our initial meeting and supply of samples to the final delivery we have been provided with excellent service. Carl has been in touch throughout the process and provided updates about the lead time and expected delivery dates. We are delighted with the flooring. Very happy to recommend Oak by design.

First class service and product . Our car port and steps look fantastic and blends in with the existing buildings beautifully. Would definitely recommend them.