Uncommon Projects began, quite simply, because we couldn’t find what we were looking for. Back in 2011, we were designing and making furniture in our spare time: evenings and weekends spent building shelves, wardrobes, and a kitchen for our own homes and for friends. James came from a background in art and product design, Alan from architecture. Between us, we had the design sensibility and the technical skills to programme a CNC machine. What we didn’t have was a kitchen we liked. So, we made one.
From the start, we were drawn to birch plywood. It had everything we wanted: strength, beauty, longevity and a quiet clarity. There was never really another material in the running. In the early days we used external CNC workshops, but when the chance came to buy a second-hand machine, we took it and never looked back.
We didn’t begin with a formal statement of values. We just wanted to make sturdy, long-lasting, beautiful furniture. That principle has remained at the heart of what we do as we’ve grown.
Our approach to design has never been rooted in tradition. While we admire and enjoy traditional joinery in our own homes, we didn’t train as cabinetmakers. Our path has been about precision through digital manufacturing. That said, we were always aware of the skills we didn’t have, and early on, we brought in team members with classical training. That combination has shaped the way we work ever since.
Alan’s architectural background meant space was always the starting point. Layout comes first; furniture follows. That’s still true today. All of our designers are trained architects. We think that makes a real difference in how we shape a kitchen or a home.
For us, good design doesn’t draw attention to itself. It doesn’t follow trends or shout to be noticed. It works — beautifully, quietly and intelligently. A good kitchen layout fits the way you live. A good cabinet is a pleasure to use. A good space brings a sense of calm and joy to everyday life.
Every detail should earn its place. From the materials we choose to the way light moves through a room, the goal is to create something that supports the way people live. And it should last — not just physically, but aesthetically and emotionally, too. Good design has longevity.
Durability is central to what we do. We design for the long term by keeping things simple. Many high street kitchens rely on drawers made from a complex assembly of plastic and metal components — each one a potential point of failure. Worse still, many of these systems are designed with planned obsolescence in mind, meaning they are only intended to last a limited number of years.
Our approach is different. Our drawer boxes are made from 13mm birch plywood, screwed together with no hidden mechanisms. Drawer dividers are just ply components slotted into place. Fewer materials, fewer parts, fewer things to go wrong. And the result is something that not only works better, but lasts longer.
We also think carefully about surfaces. We avoid cheap worktops that might wear out before the cabinets underneath. We prefer materials that age gracefully and hold up over time.
Choosing a kitchen — or any bespoke cabinetry — is a major decision and a significant investment. We take that seriously. From the beginning of the process, we want our clients to feel truly heard and supported. We listen carefully, ask questions, and offer honest, experienced advice that reflects both their needs and our design knowledge.
What we do isn’t just about a beautiful finish. It’s about the experience of living with something that works beautifully every day. Well-designed, well-made cabinetry with a thoughtful layout can genuinely transform how you experience your home. People often tell us their Uncommon kitchen has changed how they cook, gather, or simply move through their space. That feedback means everything to us.
It’s a bit like wearing beautifully made clothes, or using a perfectly designed phone or computer. You feel the quality in every interaction. That’s what we try to do with our kitchens: to create something that enhances daily life through care, precision, and lasting value.
Of course, our showroom plays a role in that journey — it's a warm, characterful space that helps clients imagine what their own home could feel like. But the most important part is what comes after: the quiet, ongoing satisfaction of living with something that just works, and keeps working, year after year.
We plan to keep growing, carefully. That means staying true to our foundations: exceptional design, meticulous craftsmanship and outstanding customer service. These are the qualities that have defined Uncommon from the beginning, and they will continue to shape everything we do.
We’re committed to setting the standard in our industry, ensuring we remain a market leader in both style and substance. That means continuing to innovate, to refine, and to push the boundaries of what a kitchen can be.
Our bespoke offering remains at the heart of our practice. We approach every project with care, tailoring each one to the unique needs and character of our clients and their architecture. That passion for thoughtful, client-led design drives everything we make.
At the same time, we’re excited to grow our presence further afield through the expansion of our supply-only Core range. It allows us to share Uncommon’s aesthetic and quality with a wider audience, while maintaining the integrity and craftsmanship that define our brand.
Wherever we go next, we’ll do it with the same care and integrity that has guided us since day one.
We don’t often talk about "studio culture", but we do think a lot about how we work. We’re a close-knit team of designers, makers, project managers and installers. Everyone knows how the whole process works, and there’s mutual respect across roles.
Unlike most kitchen companies, we do everything in-house. Design, manufacture, installation. That gives us control over quality and consistency, and it keeps us connected. The office and workshop are close, and people are constantly moving between them.
We have a simple test for every decision: would we have it in our own homes? If the answer is no, we don’t recommend it.
We’re honest. If something won’t work, we’ll say so. That clarity builds trust. Our clients know we have their best interests at heart, and that our advice is grounded in experience.
Our growth has been deliberate. No external investors. No rush to scale. Just a steady, intentional path that allows us to protect what matters: our culture, our standards and the quality of our work.
That’s what we stand for. And that’s what you can expect from us.
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