That's what Simon says
A powerhouse of New Zealand timber craftsmanship. Craftbuilt have been shaping everything from round windows to marble-clad staircases across New Zealand. At the helm is Simon Raikes, a man whose passion for woodwork is as strong as the timber he mills. Since purchasing the business in 2018 from his former employer, Simon has transformed Craftbuilt into a versatile and high-end woodworking studio.
Known for their custom timber furniture, architectural features, louvres, staircases, and more, the team tackles everything from large-scale villa restorations to one-off feature pieces. “People always ask what our niche is,” Simon says, laughing. “Honestly, we just about make anything for anybody. Whether it’s a 1970s Scandinavian lounge chair or a four-poster bed, we’ll do it.” Not only does this ensure the passion and craftsmanship are never lost in the repetitiveness of only ever producing a small range. But by doing this, Simon and the Craftbuilt team continue to learn and hone their craft, which is evident in the products they produce.
It’s this flexibility and craftsmanship that have earned Craftbuilt a loyal client base across the country, including here in Canterbury. One longstanding project has been the manufacture of timber louvres for the Burlington Villas, a development Simon has been involved with for over five years. “All the decorative timber louvres on those villas are made right here in Levin.” There is a clear sense of pride that Craftbuilt takes in producing products that are then used nationwide.
Simon admits he’s always felt the pull of the South Island. “If I had my way, I’d shift everything south,” he says. “However, being in Levin means we’re central to both the North and South Island, so it’s a good compromise.”
That South Island dream is never far from Simon’s mind. He hopes one day to partner with a like-minded business investor or fellow woodworking enthusiast to bring Craftbuilt south. “Our craftsmanship deserves to be located and on display in the deep south,” he says.
2024 has been a year of transformation. After a year-long build, Simon and his team have just moved into a brand-new factory and showroom, complete with polished concrete floors and the space to display furniture, architectural pieces, and design vignettes.
The new space will also showcase pieces from WeWood, a luxury Portuguese furniture brand that Craftbuilt now imports exclusively into New Zealand. “We’ve visited their factory in person. It’s absolutely amazing,” says Simon. “We have some of their beautiful timber furniture in stock already, ready to display.”
While Craftbuilt’s clients are often homeowners, architects frequently seek them out, too. Sometimes for standout projects like a curved plywood staircase in a luxury Auckland build, or an upcoming “hobbit-style” house here in the South Island, filled with circular window frames.
Every piece has a story, from a walnut dining table made from a client’s family tree to intricate fretwork adorning a Wellington villa that’s now up for House of the Year. “We’re doing fewer mass-produced items and more meaningful, one-off projects,” he says. “That’s the kind of work I love.”
With plans to add upholstery to their in-house capabilities and a newly restored kauri launch ready to hit the water this summer, the team at Craftbuilt are true artisans of wooden masterpieces. A business built on passion, precision, and a love of all things timber.