Reviews

We hit upon Matthew Durkan’s library shelving via Pinterest and what a stroke of good fortune!

We spotted a set of shelves which really appealed and I rather speculatively made an enquiry by email fearing, unnecessarily as it turned out, that we are too far from Bristol in south Wiltshire to even be considered. Instead Matt told us how much that particular unit had cost and we were able to then give him our spec’ and his resultant quote fitted perfectly into our budget.

He made two advance visits to measure up, make sensible suggestions and provide drawings which gave us added confidence and he followed this up with an exact schedule of when they would arrive and which phase would be completed on which day. Needless to say the entire project ran precisely to timetable: the shelving units and cupboards were constructed on site and then painted in our chosen Farrow & Ball colour.

It seems like an understatement to say that we are delighted with the overall result. The standard of craftsmanship is superb, the units are very robust and, once my clutter is sorted, the library will look stunning. Nothing was too much trouble and I can highly recommend Matt’s business as a first choice for any would-be home library aspirant.

James, Bristol

Matt designed and built a large library wall in our sitting room. We had met with a few carpenters with no luck but immediately felt comfortable with Matt. He was very patient as we configured the plans and was understanding throughout the entire process. He reworked the plans multiple times without hesitation to meet our desired specs. Matt and his team were professional, meticulous and were happy to discuss adjustments even as they were installing! The library wall looks incredible and everyone comments on the quality of the joinery. I would highly recommend working with Matt Durkan – his attention to detail and the care he puts into his work is unparalleled.

Ameeta Virk, Clifton, Bristol

We are absolutely delighted with the shelves, coving and step that Matt and his team created and installed for us. The whole process from initial visit to installation was very professional, exceeded our expectations and I would happily recommend Durkan Design & Build to anyone (and have done so already).

Kate Lover, Horfield, Bristol

This is exactly the guy you need to install your shelves. It has been a pleasure working with Matt. Every stage has been hassle free but professional and informative. The end result is exactly what we wanted and has been finished to a very high standard. No mess either. Such skill. Thank you for a great job.

Jill Higgins, Winford, Bristol

Matt built cabinets and floating shelves in the alcoves on either side of our lounge fireplace and we’re delighted with the results. He took time to understand our needs and was very patient with our last-minute change to the design; he also suggested some useful features that we wouldn’t have thought of ourselves. The installation was quick and hassle-free, and we’re really impressed with the look and quality. We’d definitely recommend Matt and will use him again when we move on to decorating other rooms in our house.
THESE FOUR WALLS

Abi Dare, Bishopston, Bristol.

We were really happy with the shelving that Matt created for us. He understood what we wanted and we are really thrilled with the end results. Both he and is colleague were polite and professional and I would happily recommend Durkan Design and Build, and use again for future projects.

Hannah Murdoch, Bedminster, Bristol

We were delighted with the fitted bookshelves and cupboards Matthew made for our lounge and dining room. Matt took care to ensure they were in keeping with our house and always had an eye on the overall look. The installation took place with minimal fuss and disruption – Matt and his team worked tidily and were respectful of our home. Matt was a pleasure to work with, sending quotes and drawings promptly and giving us time to consider the options. We wouldn’t hesitate to use him again.

Beth and Pete Sutherland, Bishopston, Bristol

Matthew replaced our dark and un-usable butler’s pantry, with a separate cupboard and coat room. He took my rough idea and developed it perfectly. The project took three days, but the impact was minimal for us. We are delighted with the result: the finish is perfect, and it all works beautifully.

Stephen Lowis, Redland, Bristol

Very impressive work!
MD made a fantastic built-in cabinet and bath panel. It fits perfectly, is robust and well finished. MD has great carpentry skills and very high standards. He came round to give me a quote very quickly and provided me with a professional and friendly service all the way through, replying to emails and calls promptly. Very tidy when assembling the cabinet and panel. Highly recommended.

Gloria Visintini, Clifton, Bristol

Matt has built a shelf unit that also acts as a room divider in my loft apartment. He interpreted my ideas exactly as I had envisioned them and his own practical and well-informed design input and carpentry skills have led to a perfect result. I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone seeking high-quality bespoke carpentry.

William Packer, St. Pauls, Bristol

Matthew has designed and built a kitchen and utility room for us. We had two large spaces which needed completely re-organising and we turned to Matthew for advice. He transformed our rather vague thoughts into two very smart, well designed and useful rooms; we are so pleased with the results.

Apart from the excellent workmanship, Matthew and his team were always positive and cheerful; also we so appreciated the way everything was left as clean and tidy as possible each night so we never felt we were living in chaos.

Also appreciated was the fact that Matthew’s invoice matched his estimate; there were no hidden surprises!

Antonia and Mike Eliot, Ampney St Mary, Gloucestershire

From the beginning to the end of the work he carried out at our home, Matt gave really good advice and was helpful. He worked extremely hard when he was here to fit our shelves, and was tidy, discrete and professional. He even knew not to let our cat out the front door whenever he went to his van! He was able to give good advice on what style would suit our home and built the shelves to a very high standard – we are really pleased with the result and would definitely recommend him.

Kate Steel – Bishopston, Bristol, Customer

Just wanted to say thanks for the fantastic work that you have done for us. We are so pleased that you made our tumble down garage useable again. You managed to keep it all in the original style and yet have added the practical, modern touches which make it a great space.

Everything has been done to such a high standard, it’s better than we could ever have hoped for. Thanks also for being so neat and tidy throughout the work, it really makes a difference to know that when you come home after work everything will be in a reasonable order.

We still get loads of compliments on those great shelves that you made for our living room, another top job.

Tom & Orynthia Thomas – Redland, Bristol, Customer