A Tradition of Excellence in Kitchen Design and Build
We’ve got a history of quality workmanship and attention to detail.
Graft Joinery may seem new, but our expertise in kitchen design and build extends over 13 years, previously under the banner of CDM Central. Now as Graft Joinery, we've embraced a 'work smarter' philosophy, innovating and improving our kitchen renovation and remodelling services. Our team, skilled in custom cabinetry and cabinet installations, maintains a steadfast commitment to quality, serving clients from all walks of life.
The company, under the new leadership of Craig and Julia van Velden, focuses on efficient kitchen designs, integrating modern technologies to offer custom kitchen design and build services. This approach benefits our clients, ensuring high-quality outcomes and innovative solutions in both residential and commercial kitchen design.
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Maybe you’re not sure exactly what you want, or maybe you’ve got plans drawn up and signed off already… we can help whatever stage you’re at.
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Meet Our Expert Kitchen Designers and Craftsmen.
The Team Behind Our Renowned Kitchen and
Commercial Fit-Outs
owner / joiner
Craig van Velden
Meet the Perfectionist: He’s a Dutchman with 16 years experience under his tool belt and a work ethic that would make any mother proud. Craig is the living and breathing embodiment of the brand that is ‘Graft’. This is one hard-working dutchman. He is the ultimate perfectionist and while that might annoy his wife from time to time, it’s the ideal quality to have in a joiner. He may not have the best dress-sense, but he can finish a cabinet like a pro. And when he does have a day off… you’ll find him working through the endless stream of jobs on his wife’s ‘renovation’ list and chasing his three ‘little helpers’.
owner / administration
Julia van Velden
Meet the Organiser: She’s the Queen of writing lists (even if most of them are directed at her husband) but unlike the rest of us, she makes sure they get done. Not surprisingly, she’s in charge of all the administration and marketing for Graft. Julia is no stranger to renovation—in fact, she’s currently living on floral carpet as she patiently awaits the next phase of their latest home makeover. When she’s not stacking samples in the workshop, she’s probably chasing three young children and answering emails.
KITCHEN DESIGNER
Lisa Lovelock
Meet the Designer: Lisa, our design dynamo! After a decade of experience working alongside optometrists creating stylish eyewear, Lisa discovered her true passion lay in interior design, particularly in the art of kitchen design. Armed with a diploma from NKBA and 5 years of experience in the industry she's now here at Graft, infusing her expertise and passion into every project. When she's not busy creating stunning spaces, you'll find Lisa enjoying quality time with her family, exploring nature on mountain bike trails, and soaking up the beauty of our slice of paradise.
DETAILER & JOINER
Caitlin Simpson
Meet the clay-shooter: we’ve said it before and we’ll say it again; precision is a super important skill in a joiner, she’s got cupboards full of shooting medals that prove just how precise she really is! Cabinet-making is in her blood. With an uncle and grandfather in the trade it was inevitable that she would give it a go herself. Turns out she loves it and we love her! We are so proud of Caitlin, she has completed her joinery apprenticeship with us at Graft Joinery!
Foreperson - JOINER
Kat Becker
Meet the German: University wasn’t her thing. This girl was looking for a challenging job that she could really sink her teeth into, so for the past 7 years she’s been schooling up in the world of joinery. We’re happy she’s part of the team because now we can prove that German precision really IS a thing! Outside of joinery, travelling is her passion and she has probably seen more of NZ than most kiwis. She’s been to 20 different countries already and spent a year living the van-life dream. She’s also into hiking, swimming, yoga, flax-weaving and she loves cats. Willkommen!
Joiner
Brett Mackenzie
Meet the adventurer: Brett, our skilled and detail oriented furniture maker with a wealth of experience. Brett’s commitment to his craft is evident in every piece he creates. Beyond the workshop, he’s an avid enthusiast of the Taupo lifestyle, relishing in outdoor pursuits such as hunting, fishing and mountain biking. Welcome Brett to our team of artisans who share your dedication to the art of creating stunning cabinetry.
Joiner
Pascal Achelwilm
Meet the traveler: Hailing from Germany and currently on a working holiday visa in New Zealand, Pascal brings a wealth of talent and enthusiasm to our team. Eager to immerse himself in Kiwi culture and sharpen his English skills, Pascal's passion for learning and growth is contagious. With a background as a fully qualified joiner, he adds valuable expertise to our craft. When he's not crafting beautiful cabinetry, you'll find Pascal exploring the stunning landscapes of New Zealand or indulging his passion for cars.
apprentice
Jaco de Klerk
Meet the Newbie: When he's not working hard on his latest project, you'll likely find him out on the river with his fly rod in hand. Jaco is an avid fly fisherman, and he loves nothing more than spending a peaceful afternoon on the water, surrounded by nature. But that's not all Jaco has to offer. He's also a talented woodworker, always looking for new projects to experiment with. Whether he's building a new piece of furniture or crafting a unique home decor item, Jaco is always pushing the boundaries of what's possible with timber. With his passion for both fly fishing and woodworking, Jaco brings a unique perspective and a can-do attitude to our team. We're excited to see what he'll create next!
Apprentice
Cameron Milne
Meet the Newbie: Cameron is our newest team member! Cameron’s career journey has led him through cabinet making, detailing and design but he’s found his true passion in crafting beautiful cabinetry in our factory with aspirations of beginning an apprenticeship down the line. Beyond work, he’s an avid mountain biker, gamer and sports enthusiast. We’re excited to have Cameron on board, bringing skills, enthusiasm and dedication to our team.
Our Dedication to Quality in Kitchen and Cabinetry Solutions
Our materials will stand the test of time… and toddlers.
At Graft Joinery, we use only the finest materials for our kitchen renovations and cabinetry projects.
Blum is well known, family-owned company whose motivation to ‘perfect motion’. Their hardware solutions are designed to make opening and closing furniture a ‘mesmerising experience’. They’re all about enhancing user convenience across the entire home but particularly to kitchens.
Hafele has grown over the last 90 years, from a German family owned and operated company and local speciality store for joinery needs, into a company with global operations.
Hettich create the perfect combination of intelligent technology, functionality and design. They develop and produce various functional fittings, because good furniture needs good solutions—for working and living. Hettich employs 6,700 people to develop intelligent technology for furniture.
We're also proud to use products supplied by The Laminex Group, such as Melteca and Formica, and NZ Panels Group, Prime Panels, Laminates and Best Wood Melamine. We know all the materials we use will stand the test of time and give our clients a high quality, professional finish.
Our commitment to using superior products ensures that every kitchen remodelling project we undertake, whether it involves modern kitchen renovation ideas or complex commercial fit-outs, stands the test of time and meets the highest standards of quality and functionality.
