We are a committed hardworking crew of makers and designers working from a workshop and studio in Northeast London. We are commissioned by designers, architects, and business/homeowners to make exhibitions, interiors, displays, and other bespoke commissions. We develop concepts, make objects, install and project manage. We are friendly, thoughtful, and above all serious about craftsmanship.
Over nearly 10 years of CBY we have been involved in a wide array of creative fabrication projects and have gained a great deal of experience. Architects and agencies come to us for our track record in bringing design to life and our passion for materials and making. To individuals we are a one-stop shop for beautiful and inspiring spaces, installations, or objects – we understand how to make design. Working together with CBY allows you to trust someone in all stages of a project, from the initial concept, through its development, all the way to a final outcome.
Materials and ways of working them are the foundation of our business; it’s what excites us and keeps things interesting. We are keen to experiment and innovate and love to hear about projects where our material expertise can add value to a design. CBY is committed to reducing the environmental impact of our projects and our business. Where possible we will make suggestions that help to reduce waste or suggest alternatives that can enhance and embolden the impact of your designs.
CBY today is now driven by Sam Kennedy, whose understanding of making and sense of aesthetics 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.
Sam leads on fabrication and the implementation of projects. He has a sophisticated knowledge of materials and techniques, developed through the successful delivery of multiple projects. His understanding of the design process and experience of translating design intent into reality are much appreciated both by us and by our customers.
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 before joining James Gilpin at CBY in 2014.
Aiko leads on concept and technical design for CBY, as well as managing our online presence and business development. She is an adept problem solver and has a great deal of experience in designing for fabrication. Aiko’s passion for furniture design and spatial arrangement recently lead her to initiate a sister brand, the design studio company of things.
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. She joined CBY in 2015 and became a co-director in 2017.