Dan joined Mowlem and Co. 20 years ago, starting out as a cabinet maker in our English workshop. Since then, he has become an integral part of the business, now leading the veneer department and overseeing some of the most detailed and demanding work produced in the workshop.
Veneer is a discipline that rewards patience and long experience. It requires a deep understanding of material, proportion, and restraint, qualities developed over time rather than taught quickly. In this conversation, Dan reflects on his path into cabinet making, the changes he’s seen within the workshop over the past two decades, and what continues to shape his approach to both craft and leadership.
What first drew you to cabinet making, and how did you end up here 20 years ago?
I originally set out wanting to restore antiques, and as part of my course I learned cabinet making. Once I’d qualified, my direction naturally shifted and I found myself moving fully into cabinet making instead. At the time, I told myself I’d give it six months and see how it went before deciding what to do next. What I didn’t realise then was that those six months would turn into a career spanning more than 20 years. What started as a stepping stone quickly became a passion, and I’ve never looked back.
What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in the company or the shop over the years?
I think a big part of it is the scale of the company. I’ve been here through three factory moves, and each time we’ve grown, evolved, and added more to what we do as a business. Watching the company expand while still maintaining its core values has been a big part of why I’ve stayed.
What keeps you motivated after 20 years with the same company?
I really enjoy the variety of our jobs, and the chance to take the lead on the overall look of a space. There aren’t many areas in a project where you can make decisions that have such a visible impact on the final result, so it’s incredibly satisfying to see your choices come together in the finished space.
What makes veneer work unique compared to other parts of cabinet making?
There’s a real sense in which the beauty and pattern of the wood is seen. Solid wood is often a little more “random”, which has its own character, but veneer allows for a different approach. By its very nature, veneer can be carefully matched and laid out so the whole piece carries one continuous pattern. Despite being a natural material, it offers a more controlled, cohesive finish across the entire job.
What’s the most challenging or memorable veneer project you’ve worked on?
I completed a dressing room that included fourteen double wardrobes, all of which needed to match perfectly. Achieving that level of consistency across the whole room took a lot of veneer bundles, careful planning, and no small amount of patience, but the end result was so worth it.
How did the transition from craftsman to leading the veneer department come about?
I was approached to take over from someone who was leaving, with my “eye for detail” being referenced. Moving into the role meant a shift from purely hands-on craftsmanship to overseeing decisions that affect entire rooms and projects. It’s not something you can afford to be careless about, one wrong decision and the whole kitchen, or another space, could feel completely wrong. Leading the veneer department requires careful thought, planning, and consistency at every stage.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned as a leader?
I’ve learned to practice patience not everyone does things the way I do, and that’s okay. Where possible, I let people approach their work in their own way, trusting their skills while guiding the process when it really matters. It’s a balance between maintaining standards and allowing others to bring their own expertise to the job.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone just starting out in the factory?
There’s plenty of scope to grow if you’re willing to take opportunities when they come your way. I’ve worked in cabinet making, high-gloss polishing, and now veneering, all because I was open to trying something new. Being willing to step outside your comfort zone can really shape the path your career takes.
Dan’s career at Mowlem and Co. reflects a long-term commitment to making things well. Dan’s approach, thoughtful, measured, and quietly exacting, continues to influence both the quality of our joinery and the people who make it. It’s this depth of knowledge, passed on day by day at the bench, that underpins everything we do at Mowlem, ensuring each piece is made with the same care, regardless of scale or complexity.
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