Carpenter to Carpenter

The profession of carpentry is currently experiencing a renaissance among young people – do you have an explanation for this trend?

I believe many young people want to do something “real” again – something they can touch and something that shows, at the end of the day, what they’ve accomplished. Carpentry allows you to be creative; you work with your hands but also with technology. You create something lasting, which gives the job a genuine sense of purpose. And many customers today prefer something individual and high‑quality rather than mass‑produced goods – that makes the profession exciting for young people, because it constantly offers new projects and tasks, with challenges that are always different.

Many customers primarily associate carpentry with execution – yet you play a decisive role in the design process. Is this strength communicated clearly enough?

To be honest: most of the time, no. Our role in design is often not really perceived. Many customers only see the finished piece of furniture, not how much planning, ideas and creativity go into it beforehand. Yet we are often the ones who turn a customer’s vague idea into something practical and beautiful. Our work has changed significantly: in the past it was pure craftsmanship, today we have to be versatile – planning and design now often take place on the computer, not only at the workbench. This planning deserves far more appreciation, because it is crucial for ensuring that everything is right in the end. And the responsibility for design lies largely with the carpenter, not just with the architect. As a craft, we could certainly show much more clearly what we are capable of in terms of design.

Furniture retailers attract customers with high discounts. Where do you see opportunities for the carpentry trade?

Precisely because discounts are advertised everywhere, we can clearly set ourselves apart. We don’t produce “quickly‑screwed‑together” furniture, but bespoke pieces made from high‑quality materials with personal consultation. Many people realise that low‑cost products often come with compromises – and then they turn to us because they want something that fits perfectly and lasts. It’s important to understand that many processes in carpentry are based on industrial standards, but we use them in a way that creates individual solutions. Even high‑quality industrial furniture often involves compromises in dimensions, shapes or details – it is standardised, even if well made. In contrast, carpenters work with modern, high‑quality machinery without requiring the customer to make any compromises.

Surfaces like FENIX® or Homapal stand for premium quality. What significance do these brands have for your customers and for your offering?

Such brands simply give customers a good feeling. They stand for quality, durability and modern technology – and you notice that in everyday use. For me as a carpenter, these materials are fantastic because they allow me to offer high‑quality solutions that clearly stand out from standard products. They help us deliberately differentiate ourselves from conventional surfaces and offer individual, tailor‑made designs.

With the new range, the “total look” becomes possible – consistent colour harmony from the fronts to the compact worktop. Is this an opportunity for premium positioning?

Absolutely. A consistent look always appears refined and modern – exactly what many discerning customers are looking for. When everything matches perfectly in colour, I can offer complete high‑quality concepts that feel like they’re made from a single mould. That clearly elevates us into the premium segment.

What was your first impression of the new Feelings range?

My first impression (and the second): very good. The colours are modern and harmonious, the material feels high‑quality and is designed with practical use in mind. You immediately notice: this can be used meaningfully in many projects – and it simply has style. Overall, the range feels very well thought‑out, balanced and timeless, making it suitable for a wide variety of projects.

Was there a project where the Feelings range offered particular added value? And would you use it again?

Yes, several come to mind. Especially in projects that require a modern and high‑quality overall appearance, the material was completely convincing. It was excellent to work with, and customers really appreciated the look. I would use FEELINGS again at any time, particularly for kitchens or interior fittings that should have an elegant character.