Bespoke Joinery Draftsperson – SolidWorks
Department: Design
Reports to: Lead Designer
Location: Croydon, London
Employment type: Full-time, permanent
The Opportunity
Painted Bespoke Joinery is looking for an experienced Bespoke Joinery Draftsperson with strong SolidWorks skills to join our growing design and manufacturing team.
This is a technical, manufacturing-focused position for someone with proven experience producing detailed workshop drawings for high-quality bespoke joinery and fitted furniture.
You will translate architectural drawings, interior design packages and client specifications into accurate, buildable manufacturing information. Your drawings will be used directly by our CNC programmers, production teams and bench joiners.
This is not a purely conceptual or interior design position. Applicants must understand how bespoke joinery is constructed and manufactured, including materials, hardware, tolerances, machining requirements and installation considerations.
About Painted Bespoke Joinery
Painted Bespoke Joinery is a London-based manufacturer operating from a modern, approximately 20,000 sq. ft. production facility in Croydon.
We manufacture high-quality bespoke joinery for interior designers, architects, contractors, property professionals and other joinery businesses. Our projects include bespoke kitchens, wardrobes, media units, fitted furniture, commercial joinery and specialist one-off pieces.
Our in-house capabilities include beam-saw cutting, PUR edgebanding, five-axis CNC machining, veneering, sanding, assembly and specialist spray finishing.
Key Responsibilities
You will be responsible for:
- Producing accurate manufacturing and workshop drawings using SolidWorks.
- Creating detailed 3D models, assemblies and component drawings.
- Translating architectural drawings, design packages and specifications into practical manufacturing solutions.
- Developing construction details that reflect the design intent while remaining efficient and buildable.
- Producing cutting lists, component information and technical documentation for manufacture.
- Ensuring drawings contain the dimensions, tolerances, materials, finishes, hardware and machining information required by production.
- Designing bespoke kitchens, wardrobes, cabinetry, media units, fitted furniture and commercial joinery.
- Liaising with estimators, project managers, CNC programmers, production managers and bench joiners.
- Identifying and resolving technical or manufacturing issues before information is released to production.
- Responding to technical queries and producing drawing amendments throughout the project.
- Maintaining accurate revision control, drawing registers and project documentation.
- Supporting improvements to drawing standards, design processes and manufacturing efficiency.
Essential Experience
To be considered for this role, you must have:
- At least three years’ professional experience drafting or technically designing bespoke joinery, cabinetry or furniture for manufacture.
- Strong professional experience using SolidWorks to produce detailed manufacturing drawings.
- A thorough understanding of bespoke joinery construction and cabinet-making principles.
- Experience producing workshop drawings that can be followed directly by CNC programmers, machinists and bench joiners.
- Experience creating detailed 3D models, assemblies and production information.
- The ability to interpret architectural drawings, interior design packages, site information and technical specifications.
- Good knowledge of MDF, MFC, plywood, veneered boards, laminates and solid timber.
- An understanding of fittings, ironmongery, hardware, tolerances and manufacturing limitations.
- Experience managing drawing revisions and technical documentation.
- The ability to manage several projects while meeting production deadlines.
Skills and Attributes
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
- Advanced SolidWorks modelling and technical drawing skills.
- Excellent technical and spatial awareness.
- Exceptional accuracy and attention to detail.
- A practical understanding of how joinery is manufactured and assembled.
- Strong problem-solving skills and sound technical judgement.
- Good organisation and time management.
- Clear written and verbal communication.
- The confidence to work independently while collaborating closely with production teams.
- A proactive approach to identifying design or manufacturing issues before production begins.
Desirable Experience
The following would be advantageous:
- Experience using SWOOD.
- Knowledge of CNC programming and machining.
- Experience preparing production information for HOMAG machinery.
- Familiarity with beam saws, edgebanders, five-axis CNC machines and vertical CNC drilling.
- Experience with veneered, curved, sprayed or specialist-finish joinery.
- Experience working within a busy bespoke joinery manufacturing facility.
Application Requirements
Please apply with:
- Your current CV.
- Examples of SolidWorks manufacturing or workshop drawings.
- A portfolio demonstrating bespoke joinery, cabinetry or furniture projects.
- A brief explanation of your involvement in taking projects from design information through to manufacture.
Applications without demonstrable bespoke joinery drafting and SolidWorks experience may not be considered.
We are particularly interested in candidates who understand that successful technical design is not only about producing attractive drawings—it is about creating accurate, practical information that enables the workshop to manufacture efficiently and correctly..
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Experience:
- SolidWorks: 3 years (required)
- designing Joinery: 3 years (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person