Meet the Core Team Behind Figura and Our Craftsmanship
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Giles set up Figura in 1991, with a vision to create beautiful, individual kitchens and interiors that would elevate the lifestyle of his clients and ensure a timeless and sympathetic future for the period properties he so loved to work within. Passionate about the combination of beauty, practicality and longevity, his ‘local’ business model has become synonymous with craftsmanship, sustainability and quality of service.
Giles honed his design skills and meticulous attention to detail initially in the world of boats, where every element was considered individually and with clear purpose. After working for a leading kitchen company for four years, he followed his passion for period properties, and business, and established Figura, at the age of 28. He is renowned for his creative vision, personal, down-to-earth approach, and desire for cutting edge craftsmanship that will stand the test of time.
‘Work is my passion and crosses the boundaries between work and life. When not designing I am happiest with family at home, working on the house, garden, and fields. I grew up appreciating the value of home and being encouraged to pursue my dreams. We have tried to create the same memories and opportunities for our children, and travel, music and watching Liverpool play will always be a big part of that.’
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Karin’s career began working in London, managing Scandinavian art galleries and antique showrooms, before creating events for urban generation companies, in Camden Lock and Spitalfields. Creative consultancy followed - working with architects, developers, retailers, planners, and communities, to build more economically viable cities and urban spaces, by attracting creative businesses and arts.
Deciding 19 years ago, to join Giles in the business, Karin’s extensive talents have taken the business into new creative realms, along with the introduction of a full-service design consultancy.
Karin is one of the founders of the Surrey Hills Collective and has established a growing directory and network of local quality experts within the luxury property market – including architects, builders, material suppliers, and interior designers. These trusted relationships provide our clients with reassurance that they have access to the best, highly skilled resource.
‘Outside of work I’m happiest at home with Giles, our now grown-up children as they come and go, and our two crazy Dachshund dogs. I’m half Swedish and bi-lingual, having spent all my childhood summers jumping into lakes and roaming forests in Sweden. It’s probably why I love to travel and am so passionate about nature.’
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Cathryn has worked in the interiors/design industry for over 24 years, and has a background in retail, buying, sales, interior design, and project management. Before joining Figura, she was a department head for a major interior design service covering, UK and ROI.
Cathryn joined Figura three years ago attracted by a shared set of design values, and with a desire to work locally with local talent and local customers. She is passionate about preserving the character and history of period properties, whilst finding fresh creative solutions for modern day living.
‘When not in the office I will often be found taking my young children and husband around National Trust properties, or vintage fairs! I feel very blessed to have worked alongside very creative people my whole career. For me my work is not a job it is a way of living, and that enthusiasm for the craft becomes infectious.’
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Dave has worked as a carpenter for over 30 years. His career started as an apprentice in the TV Industry, where he stayed for seven years working across the UK. Work progressed to the Royal Opera House in London, and many fashion show installations, including The Louvre, for Louis Vuitton, and retail installations for Alexander McQueen in London, Paris, and Madrid.
He was attracted to Figura, by their shared passion for high level joinery, and now 14 years on, he is proud to still be producing incredible one-off designs for their clients. A short sabbatical allowed him time to work on the London Olympic opening and closing ceremonies - a once in lifetime opportunity, and the large oak tree on Glastonbury Hill a big highlight.
‘I love to tour across Europe in my spare time on my motorbikes and enjoy holidays with the family - especially our annual skiing trips! I’m a massive sports fan, and follow Celtic F.C. Both our kids are very sporty, so most weekends are spent on the side of a rugby or football pitch.’
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Tim has worked for 25 years as a carpenter. His career began building sets for West End Shows, before moving on to building sets for fashion shows in London, Paris and Milan for Louis Vuitton, Alexander McQueen, and Stella McCartney.
‘I love motorcycles, kite surfing and golf, but with four children I don’t really get time to do many of the things outside of work that I love!’
Extended Team
Our small, core team is involved in every client project, and this skill set expands during each job, depending on client needs / project requirements. For some projects we may be managing large teams and for others we will remain quite small.
Everyone expert we work with is local, shares our design ethos, and has a long history of working with us.
Our clients always remark on how well our trades work with each other, how helpful and considerate they are, and how they feel they can trust everyone involved.