Our Story
A Family Business Built on Craft
Est. 2009 in Northcote, Melbourne. 15 years, 1,200+ projects, one uncompromising standard.
Who We Are
Started with a Toolbox,
Built on Trust
James Hartwood started this business in 2009 with a ute, a box of tools, and an unshakeable belief that Melbourne homeowners deserved better than fly-by-night operators and chain-store joinery. His first project was a wardrobe fit-out in Northcote. The client still rings us every few years with new work.
Sophie joined in 2014, bringing a formal design background and an instinct for translating client wishes into buildable, beautiful spaces. Together they grew Hartwood from a two-person operation into a tight-knit team of eight, including senior joiner Mick Tran and cabinetry specialist Priya Nair.
Today Hartwood completes 80–100 projects a year across Melbourne metro. We're not looking to become the biggest carpentry company in the city. We're looking to remain the most trusted one.
What We Stand For
Our Values
Four principles that guide every decision we make — from material selection to how we talk to you.
Craft over compromise
We refuse to cut corners. Every joint, every finish, every hardware selection is chosen for longevity and beauty — not because it's the cheapest option.
Transparency always
Clear communication, honest timelines, and fixed written quotes. We believe trust is built through consistency, not promises.
Pride in community
Melbourne is our home. We source locally where possible, hire local apprentices, and genuinely care about the neighbourhoods we work in.
Guaranteed craftsmanship
A 10-year workmanship guarantee is meaningless unless you stand behind it. We have — for 15 years and counting.
The People Behind the Work
Meet the Hartwood Team
A small, experienced team — everyone on your project is a skilled tradesperson, not a subcontractor.
James Hartwood
Founder & Master Carpenter
James started Hartwood in 2009 after 10 years as a journeyman carpenter across Melbourne and Europe. His passion for heritage joinery and precision craftsmanship set the standard for everything Hartwood builds.
Cert III Carpentry & Joinery · VIC Licensed Builder
Sophie Hartwood
Design & Project Director
Sophie translates client ideas into buildable, beautiful designs. With a background in interior architecture and 12 years alongside James, she ensures every project is both stunning and structurally sound.
B. Interior Architecture (RMIT) · MIFDA Member
Mick Tran
Senior Joiner & Site Lead
Mick has been with Hartwood for 9 years and leads our on-site teams with quiet authority. His specialty is complex staircase and balustrade work — ask to see his portfolio.
Advanced Diploma Joinery · Master Builders Vic member
Priya Nair
Kitchen & Cabinetry Specialist
Priya brings a perfectionist's eye to every kitchen and cabinetry fit-out. Her background in European joinery techniques means every drawer slides like silk and every door sits true.
Cert IV Cabinetmaking · Kitchen Design Cert. (Blum)
Our Journey
15 Years of Building Excellence
James Hartwood starts as a sole trader from his Northcote garage.
First commercial project. First employee (Mick Tran joins the team).
Sophie joins as Design Director. The Hartwood brand is born.
200+ projects completed. Workshop moves to dedicated premises.
Navigated COVID-19 without a single redundancy. 100+ 5-star reviews.
1,200+ projects. Melbourne's most reviewed carpentry business on Google.
Our Credentials
Fully Licensed & Insured
ABN: 52 478 193 067
Licence: VIC Builder Licence DB-U 73241
Insurance: Public liability & professional indemnity insured
Ready to get started?
Let's Build SomethingExtraordinary Together
Join 1,200+ Melbourne homeowners who've trusted Hartwood with their most important spaces. Free consultation. Fixed written quote. 10-year guarantee.