We create beautiful, functional bespoke joinery and interior spaces. We have a deep understanding of materials, their qualities and how to work them, and this is reflected in our design process. We value creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation, and are driven by the desire to continually learn and improve. We deliver a full service from concept to installation, and consider each new commission as a unique opportunity to form lasting, beautiful work and relationships.
Our design approach begins with careful listening and understanding, so that we can respond sensitively and creatively. We value simplicity and playfulness in design: a warm friendship between form and function. Through our incredibly close attention to detail, we aim to draw out the hidden qualities that lurk in a space or materials, adding value to a project. We endeavour to make suggestions that reduce waste and environmental impact wherever possible.
Over nearly ten years of CBY we have been involved in a wide array of projects. Architects and agencies come to us for our skill and precision in bringing design to life, and our ability to suggest materials and techniques that are more renewable or economical. To homeowners and small businesses we are a one-stop shop for beautifully designed, made and installed interiors, taking the stress out of choosing interior fittings and fixtures, project managing and suggesting value added bespoke interventions.
CBY today is driven by Aiko Kubo and Sam Kennedy, whose sense of aesthetics and understanding of making give the company its direction. CBY was started in 2013 by James Gilpin. Working from a shared workspace in North London, James utilised his broad set of making, design and business skills to produce beautiful commissions. We are indebted to a team of able and skilled workers and collaborators, who help each project come into being.
Aiko’s sense of aesthetics and sensitivity to materials gives CBY its design direction. She leads on concept and spatial design, as well as driving our creative development. Aiko is an adept problem solver, and is passionate about furniture design and spatial arrangement.
Aiko trained as an industrial designer in Tokyo, before working for a number of years as a designer at a Japanese interior furniture company. She left Japan to undertake an MA in textiles, in Stockholm, where she explored textiles as a spatial medium.
Sam leads on technical design, fabrication and the implementation of projects. He has a sophisticated knowledge of materials and techniques, and uses this to help shape our creative design process. His expertise and experience in production and installation allow us to plan and deliver successful projects.
After graduating from a BA in Sculpture at Glasgow School of Art, Sam worked as a cabinet maker for a number of years. In 2012 he completed a Masters in furniture design and interior architecture and joined CBY.