Outstanding Craftmanship.
Woodworkers who deliver with passion and style.
About the Master Crafter
The company was established by Rick Pember, who completed his apprenticeship in Australia in the 80’s and subsequently worked with a few masters of the trade over the ensuing years before opening up his own enterprise in Cape Town, South Africa in 1996. He is supported by Peter Rowland, another traditionally skilled master cabinetmaker, as well as a small team of specialist tradesmen.
Master Crafter specialises in custom-made cabinetry of any size, shape or material. All of our projects are unique and made using traditional as well as more modern methods – depending on the required look. We manufacture all our products according to drawings and sizes provided by the client or our technical architect.
Quality for all Master Crafter clients
The scope of our work is extremely varied having worked in private residences, hotels, hospitals, corporate canteens and exclusive boutiques. We aim to provide top of the range products which will last a lifetime. All of the components used in our products consist of the best materials that we can source. We do not compromise on quality as we pride ourselves in providing cabinetry that lasts well beyond the expected norm.
Skilled Craftsmen
The cabinetmakers at Master Crafter are skilled craftsmen who have undergone formal and accredited programs and have many years of experience in the skill of woodworking behind them. They are all passionate about their craft and proud of their workmanship and this is apparent in the work they produce. We lean on the expertise of other skilled craftsmen when we are unable to fulfil any part of the directive of a project, such as copper work, stainless steel requirements, stonework, glasswork etc.
Wide range of Materials
Most of our pieces consist of a combination of various materials, as more modern times dictate that we need to be conscious of sustainability of timber sources. Traditionally, owning solid timber cabinetry is a sign of status, much like anything that was covered in paint was 50 years ago. However, nowadays, with the availability of a huge range of alternative materials, it has become the norm to incorporate these into cabinet designs.
Using a combination of materials means that we have had to adapt our skills as marrying various materials can be a complex task. We pride ourselves in being one of the few cabinetmakers who have the capability of turning designs incorporating these multiple materials into a workable, as well as aesthetically pleasing solution.
Striking Focal Points
One of our trademarks is to turn a beautiful piece of timber into a striking focal point and then incorporate other materials around it to compliment the overall look and feel of the product. Whether it is a thick, chunky counter top using traditional joining methods to showcase the particular timber being used or door panels that have been aged using our specific techniques, our cabinetry can be made to look like works of art to be admired by all.
In some cases we have been commissioned to work on the focal point of the home only, with the rest of the furniture being manufactured by companies who specialise in mass produced cabinetry and therefore do not have the time or expertise to manufacture more complex designs. Some of these commissions have included solid timber wall panelling with metal inlays, bars with copper cladded panels, timber staircases with spiralling bannisters, aged French Oak island units, wine cellar display racks and private media rooms incorporating sound proofing materials – amongst others.
Hand Painted Finishes
Another of our specialist areas includes hand painted finishes. Our finishers have years of experience with paint techniques which can turn an ordinary piece of furniture into something beyond ordinary. We also have access to professional specialist technique artists who can transform furniture into something really special and unusual.
Our Clients
