An inside look at fitted furniture – a personal view By Oliver Jarvis

Let me invite you into the world of fitted furniture – an environment where precision meets passion and every installation transforms spaces into sustainable working areas. Making each project work is about coordinating resources and solving problems to ensure everything runs seamlessly, while at the same time prioritising sustainability and cost-efficiency.
As the head fitter at David Bailey Furniture Systems, my primary responsibility is to ensure that every project is delivered on time and within budget. This is about bringing together teams of skilled tradespeople, precise measurements and timely problem-solving. This is achieved working closely with our on-site team and the back-office staff to coordinate resources, resolve any issues before they become costly delays and by always keeping sustainability and cost-efficiency at the forefront.
Before a single piece of fitted furniture is installed, I the contracts team at David Bailey Furniture conduct thorough site surveys and we both attend pre-start meetings. This proactive approach helps us identify potential challenges before they turn into on-site surprises. The goal? To ensure that each project not only meets, but exceeds our high-quality standards.
My personal journey
I started my career with David Bailey Furniture in 2003, on a project that still holds a special place in my heart – the construction of the new Gravesend Hospital. Transitioning from high-end residential refurbishments into the fast-paced, mission-critical healthcare sector was both exhilarating and eye-opening. Working in a live environment, where every installation had a direct impact on essential services, instilled in me a profound sense of responsibility and pride.
Over the years, I have also had the privilege of working alongside a diverse range of professionals who have enriched our team with their expertise. Our collective experience spans across healthcare, education and even the prison sector. Each project has its unique challenges, but one common thread runs through them all – the necessity to ensure our products always meet strict infection control standards.
In a live environment, every detail counts – an overlooked protocol can lead to significant delays and added costs. For us, following strict guidelines is not just good practice – it’s second nature. Which is why, working at David Bailey Furniture, means quality is not just a buzzword – it’s our commitment. Our teams are rigorously trained to spot and rectify any discrepancies from the get-go. We use detailed sign-off sheets and conduct multiple inspections – both during installation for larger projects and at the completion stage for smaller ones – to ensure nothing slips through the cracks. This meticulous attention to detail has become a hallmark of our brand.
It is also my privilege to work with different designers and clients. Every project is a collaborative effort, where creative visions meet practical realities. Sometimes, unexpected challenges arise on-site – like discovering an unforeseen service route or an unaccounted-for structural element. In those moments, our extensive experience becomes our greatest asset.
At such times we engage in active dialogue with the site management team and designers to overcome obstacles quickly. For example, when it comes to placing Group 2 items such as soap dispensers, mirrors and hooks, we do not just rely on generic layouts. We consult directly with end users, create mock-ups and adjust placements until we achieve the perfect balance between functionality and aesthetics.
If I were to choose one project that focusses on our “can-do” attitude and our unwavering commitment to excellence, it would have to be New Southmead Hospital in Bristol. Leading this project was a turning point in my career – I even relocated from East Sussex with my wife to deliver this contract. This was not just any project – it was our largest PFI hospital project to date. We were responsible for installing everything from essential fixtures to over 6,000 coat hooks, a feat that tested our skills and our teamwork.
What made this project truly special was not just the scale- it was the trust placed in us by Bristol NHS Trust. Our performance on-site was so well-regarded that we were invited to manage the moving-in process, which included the installation of over 2,000 pieces of artwork. On a personal note, this project is especially poignant as my son was born in that very hospital. It’s a constant reminder that the work we do has a lasting impact on people’s lives.
Embracing new trends and technology
In an industry that is constantly evolving, staying updated with the latest trends and technologies is crucial – and fitted furniture is no exception. I make it a point to attend tool and design shows and I am an active participant in various online carpentry and building groups. This engagement keeps me informed about innovative processes and emerging trends that can be integrated into our daily operations.
One of the recent changes we have embraced is the transition to battery-operated, low-vibration tools. This shift not only enhances on-site safety – eliminating the hazards associated with trailing leads and heavy transformers – but also significantly boosts efficiency and worker well-being. It’s innovations like these that keep us at the forefront of the fitted furniture industry.
When it comes to the materials we use, I have a particular fondness for MDF units. Their clean, precise finish is ideal for scribing into walls, providing that flawless look our clients appreciate. Equally, I have grown increasingly enthusiastic about Corian. Its aesthetic appeal, combined with its durability, makes it a top choice for installations in high-traffic environments. In my experience, the right materials not only elevate the look of a space, but also ensure longevity – a quality that is critical in both commercial and public sector projects.
Overcoming challenges
Handling unexpected challenges on-site is part and parcel of our day-to-day operations. With decades of experience under our belts, we have developed a proactive approach to problem-solving. We communicate clearly and work collaboratively with all parties involved – from site managers to designers. This team-centric mindset has served us well, allowing us to quickly resolve issues and keep projects on track.
Customer feedback is also invaluable at David Bailey Furniture. We have instituted a post-contract follow-up system where our office team reaches out to clients to gather insights and suggestions. This feedback loop has been instrumental in refining our processes. For instance, we discovered that coordinating on-site deliveries could sometimes lead to logistical conflicts. In response, we overhauled our scheduling process to ensure smoother operations. This continuous improvement mindset is central to our commitment to excellence.
In addition, our commitment to quality extends to every tool and piece of equipment we use. We conduct PAT testing in full compliance with HSE requirements, ensuring that our tools are safe and reliable. Regular maintenance checks allow us to identify issues early and perform necessary repairs or replacements, thus preventing delays. Our ongoing investment in modern, battery-operated and low-vibration tools is just one example of how we prioritise the safety and well-being of our team on-site.
At David Bailey Furniture, we also take immense pride in our reputation for excellence. One of our key differentiators is the longevity of our team members. Many of our staff have been with us for years, if not decades and that continuity has fostered a deep sense of camaraderie and shared purpose. We understand that our work is more than just installing fitted furniture – it’s about creating environments that serve and enrich communities.
While new competitors may undercut our prices to secure contracts, our track record speaks for itself. More often than not, we are approached months later to take on additional phases or projects, as clients come to recognise the true value of our expertise and the quality we deliver. Our commitment to sustainable, cost-efficient solutions and our proactive approach to tackling challenges have become the cornerstones of our success – a process that is instilled in to every new employee.
Training the next generation
We believe, for example, in the power of teamwork and continuous learning. Every new fitter that joins our team is paired with an experienced colleague, ensuring a smooth onboarding process that upholds our high standards. Our employees hold Blue CSCS cards or higher, underscoring our commitment to competency and safety. Furthermore, we invest in professional development through courses like SSSTS, First Aid, PASMA and IPAF. By nurturing talent and encouraging leadership, we not only maintain our position as industry leaders but also pave the way for future innovations.
That said, there are still plenty of misconceptions about fitted furniture and one of the biggest is that the units and worktops we install are the same as those used in residential settings. Far from it – our work is designed to endure heavy use and exposure to harsh cleaning chemicals, requiring high-quality materials and precision craftsmanship. I take great pride in knowing that some of the units I installed over 20 years ago are still performing flawlessly today – a true testament to the durability and reliability of our products.
The fitted furniture industry is ever-evolving and the future promises even more exciting developments. We are witnessing a growing emphasis on eco-friendly materials, modular design and off-site construction techniques that minimise disruption on-site. One innovation we are particularly excited about is the development of modular hospitals – facilities built and fitted out off-site before being relocated to their final destination. This approach not only enhances efficiency, but also reduces the logistical challenges faced by traditional on-site installations.
Reflecting on my journey at David Bailey Furniture – from my early days on the Gravesend Hospital project to leading large-scale, transformative projects like New Southmead Hospital – I can say with confidence that our commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation sets us apart. We are not just installing fitted furniture – we are creating environments that positively impact lives, support vital services and contribute to the future of our communities.
I am incredibly proud of our team’s dedication and our ability to turn challenges into opportunities. As we move forward, we remain committed to continuous improvement, listening to our clients and adapting to the ever-changing landscape of the fitted furniture industry.