For over three decades, our team has been designing and manufacturing high quality timber frame kits for our sister company Kirkwood Homes, as well as other developers and self builder customers. In 2021, Kirkwood Timber Frame extended its suite of services to meet the needs of builders and developers across the UK.
With a factory based in the heart of Aberdeenshire, our flexible and bespoke packages encompass a variety of elements including design, manufacture, supply and install, cost analysis, and so much more.
But, it’s not just the quality of our materials that makes Kirkwood Timber Frame the go-to choice for these customers. In this blog, we sat down with some of the team to take you through what happens at the key stages of these projects, and to share what it's like to partner with Kirkwood Timber Frame.
Business Development Manager - Andy Lewis
Andy’s role
“In terms of where I fit into builder and developer projects, I’m typically one of the first points of contact for our customers. A prospective customer will send us a tender pack which provides us with an understanding of the project’s scope, and what is required of the Kirkwood Timber Frame team. I work closely with our estimating team to gauge the project’s feasibility, costs, and timescales before beginning negotiations with the customer to get the project started.”
Why should builders and developers work with Kirkwood Timber Frame?
“Builders and developers can expect excellent service from a team that is very easy to work with. Regardless of who you speak to, we’re a team that is very approachable and strives to always communicate openly and proactively with our customers to give them the best service.
“Our focus is to get your projects over the line as efficiently as possible, with the same level of service from start to finish, no matter the size of the build. Thanks to the vast experience across the team, we’re able to tackle the most challenging and complex jobs with confidence.
“With builders and developers in mind, we’ve designed packages that are flexible and can be tailored to meet the exact requirements set by them, such as a desired delivery time and / or budget. Each competitive package that we deliver is bespoke to the customer, and we’ll never try to cram their needs into a one-size-fits-all approach.”
What do you find most rewarding about your role?
“For me, the best part of my role is just helping and engaging with customers. We’ll frequently work with customers with little experience in timber frame construction, which gives me a great opportunity to answer their questions and showcase how we can help.”
Senior Estimator - Martin Thomson
Martin’s role
“As well as the Business Development Managers, the estimating team is involved in every project from its early stages. As soon as an enquiry comes in, we’ll evaluate the requirements set by the customer and consider if this is a project that can be priced and accommodated by our team. If so, then we’ll follow-up with the customer to establish the key details that will enable us to provide a detailed project estimate.”
During the estimating process, the specification is reviewed and if there is a possibility for materials to be replaced with a more cost-effective alternative, we will propose a solution to the customer. Due to the volatility of the current market, there are constant cost changes in building materials - keeping a close eye on what’s happening in the market helps give our customers cost certainty.
With our expertise in timber frame structures, if there are any aspects of the project that can be value engineered, we advise on this too, whether that is a cost saving within the timber frame itself or something that may reduce the cost of the sub-structure which can also shorten the build time.
“After we reach an agreement with the customer, the project will be passed to our technical team who will take it from there.”
Why should builders and developers work with Kirkwood Timber Frame?
“One of the things that sets us apart is that we invest heavily into the future of our operations, which in turn proves beneficial to our customers. We have one of the most advanced and up-to-date manufacturing systems in the United Kingdom, but we’re always looking to make improvements whether that’s through the addition of new equipment or by investing in new technologies.
“By improving our operations through new innovations, we can help builders and developers save on costs and time when it comes to their projects.”
What do you find most rewarding about your role?
“We have so much experience amongst the Kirkwood Timber Frame team which helps us elevate the services we provide to builders and developers. It’s fulfilling to see that the knowledge and expertise that our team has gathered over the years is worth it, as we’re able to tackle the most complex projects and accomplish a lot. This leads to satisfied customers with every project, which for me, is what it’s all about.”
Operations Planning Coordinator - David Thomson
David’s role
“In short, my role as Operations Planning Coordinator is to keep a close eye on our customers’ build programme, ensuring the team are on track to meet their requirements, while keeping site managers informed and up to date, and communicating any changes required by them with the rest of the production team.
“Behind the scenes, I liaise with our logistics partner to guarantee deliveries are made in a timely manner. I keep our supply chain partners up to date with each customer’s progress to aid direct deliveries, ensuring the correct materials and quantities go to site at the right time.”
Why should builders and developers work with Kirkwood Timber Frame?
“There’s a number of reasons why Kirkwood Timber Frame should be the go-to choice for builders and developers, but what stands out to me is that there is a clear passion amongst everyone in our team to deliver an amazing service to customers - I think people really care and take pride in what they do.
“Each of us has worked at different organisations in the past where we’ve witnessed issues such as breakdowns in communication, so I think we all try to take our experiences and learnings into our roles at Kirkwood Timber Frame to ensure these same issues don’t affect our customers.”
What do you find most rewarding about your role?
“I take great satisfaction in creating a plan that works for everyone! There are of course a number of factors to consider when developing a project plan such as the capacity of the factory, and the needs of the customer, so it’s really about finding a great balance between all these moving parts so that our team isn’t too stretched, while ensuring we meet a deadline that best suits the customer.
“I thoroughly enjoy the mix of projects that Kirkwood Timber Frame are capable of taking on such as the timber frame for a block of flats, or a new housing development. It’s a nice feeling when you drive past these builds after completion and know that you had a part to play in these amazing properties being built.”
Timber Frame Design Technician - Neil Rennie
Neil’s role
“We’ll take on the project after it has gone through the tender process and the estimates have been completed, with my first involvement being the creation of approval drawings. Each project will be assigned one Design Technician to take care of this part of the process, and we’ll be on-hand to help the customer with any technical queries or challenges that arise during this time.”
Why should builders and developers work with Kirkwood Timber Frame?
“I’ve been in the industry for eight years, and I haven’t seen a team with a level of dedication that matches Kirkwood’s - it’s quite refreshing. Everybody is on the same page, with the same goal of delivering the best service possible for our customers. Everyone puts a lot of care into each stage and aims to get things done properly, rather than rushing projects out the door.”
What do you find most rewarding about your role?
“For me, it’s seeing that transition from our 2D drawings that we’ve designed on the computer or on paper, to then looking at the final build in person. Like everyone at Kirkwood Timber Frame, I take great pride in the job I do so it’s particularly rewarding to see these builds reach completion while knowing you played a key role in the project.”
Senior Buyer - Shaun Taylor
Shaun’s role
“I help look after the material element of these projects - this includes ordering all of the necessary materials to our factory such as sheet material and timber, which are then processed before going to site. I typically handle two variations of kits - a structural kit, which is just the frame, and a full kit which includes windows, doors, and plasterboard, etc.
“I work alongside Kyle in the buying team, and we are in constant contact with the team at our Sauchen factory and our suppliers as we need to maintain a clear line of communication to ensure the right materials are delivered to the customer at their desired time.”
Why should builders and developers work with Kirkwood Timber Frame?
“I think it’d be hard to find an organisation that has the same level of commitment and expertise as our team. We all carry the same goal of delivering the best service possible for our customers and I think we show this determination with every project we work on.”
What do you find most rewarding about your role?
“I really enjoy working on bespoke development projects, as I’m essentially helping house builders to deliver dream homes for their buyers. It’s really fulfilling to see the owners move into their home once the project reaches completion - it’s a factor that really drives me day-to-day.”
Divisional Accountant - Hannah Leith
Hannah’s role
“Builders and developers can rely on me to take care of the financial elements of their contracts. Once they agree to work with Kirkwood Timber Frame, I’ll help the customer get set up on our systems and will be handling all of their invoices and finance-related queries.
“I work closely with Chris, our Quantity Surveyor, to manage the contracts side of the business which is of great importance to the customers.”
Why should builders and developers work with Kirkwood Timber Frame?
“Customers can expect to work with an experienced team that will communicate effectively with them throughout every stage of the project. We strive to deliver the highest standard of customer service possible - I really think this determination can be seen in every member of our team.
“We all contribute to a one-team approach which really benefits the customer, as they can relax and feel confident in the service they’ll receive as it’s being curated by such a reliable group of people who are motivated to get the best for their customers.”
What do you find most rewarding about your role?
“It’s definitely just getting to work with this great group of people every day - I love being a part of this team where we all strive to get projects completed as best as we can.”
Contracts Supervisor - Neil Allardice
Neil’s role
“As a Contracts Supervisor, my role is to supervise the construction of our timber frame kits, oversee product delivery, and complete the handover on-site. Before any construction commences, I’ll make sure to visit the location beforehand so that we can make informed decisions on how we build and how we can coordinate the delivery of materials and labour to the site.
“Customers can expect me to be a helpful point of contact on-site as I’ll maintain a strong line of communication with the site manager so they’re consistently in the loop with progress, challenges, and everything in between. In myself, and the wider team, builders and developers can expect to work with a group of people who are determined to do things right - we’ll never cut corners for the sake of getting things done faster.”
Why should builders and developers work with Kirkwood Timber Frame?
“I do believe that the quality of our product is unmatched, from the materials we use to the team behind our services. The quality of our timber frame kits actually makes my job that much easier as by believing in the products, I can feel 100% confident that this is something that builders and developers ought to invest in.”
“Kirkwood Timber Frame also aims to be at the forefront of innovation and they show no fear when it comes to investing in methods that can improve our operations and in turn, lead to better results for our customers.”
What do you find most rewarding about your role?
“For me, it’s when a new challenge pops up and our team tackles it head-on, or when we see a complex project over the line.
“A job that comes to mind was the recent build of student accommodation in Dundee, where the main challenges were the short timeframe and tight site. Dealing with the many curveballs and obstacles that come with a project like this, and then seeing the build through to completion, is very rewarding and gives a great sense of accomplishment.”
