We Chat to Chris Oakmont: The Craft Behind Exceptional Kitchen Design

Chris Oakmont, founder of Oakmont Kitchens & Interiors in Johannesburg, shares how thoughtful design and quality craftsmanship are at the heart of every space they create — from bespoke kitchens to tailored interiors.

What is the story behind Oakmont Kitchens & Interiors — how did the company begin?

Oakmont’s story started with a leap of faith. After years of working in the shopfitting industry alongside some of South Africa’s leading restaurant brands, I stepped away from the security of full-time employment to start a small handyman and general maintenance service. What began as a humble one-man operation quickly evolved — clients started requesting more custom projects, and before long, I was building kitchens, managing bespoke cabinetry installs, and subcontracting on luxury kitchen projects.

A major turning point came when I secured a project to shop fit the foyer for one of South Africa’s top rugby teams ahead of the World Cup. That opportunity not only elevated the business, but also paved the way for a partnership with Martin — someone who shared the same passion for design, detail, and craftsmanship. Together, we formed Oakmont Kitchens & Interiors.

Today, Oakmont is a growing team with a clear purpose: to deliver beautifully made, highly functional spaces that reflect our clients’ vision and our dedication to quality. While our roots are grounded in hands-on experience and hustle, our work now speaks to something more refined — a deep understanding of bespoke design and the value of doing things properly.

2. What sets Oakmont apart from other kitchen design companies in South Africa?

At Oakmont, what truly sets us apart is the strength of our team and the culture we’ve built. We didn’t just hire talent — we grew together. Many of the individuals who are part of Oakmont today were there in the early days, helping shape what the company has become. That shared history and mutual respect mean every voice is valued, and every project is approached with a collaborative mindset. From the initial design all the way through to manufacturing and installation, we work together — myself, Martin, and our team on the floor — to ensure that quality, precision, and timing are aligned.

We also place a strong emphasis on relationships — not just with clients, but with our suppliers. We maintain close, personal connections with the individual representatives from each of our partner brands. This ensures that every material and finish that goes into a project isn’t just approved by us, but supported by the suppliers as well. It’s that level of involvement, both internally and externally, that allows us to deliver kitchens that are as considered and dependable as they are beautiful.

Furthermore, our close collaboration with interior designers and architects is key to our approach. We work hand-in-hand with these professionals to ensure that each project reflects the vision, needs, and style of the client while maintaining the highest standards of craftsmanship and quality. Our seamless integration into the design process helps elevate the final result, ensuring that each kitchen is not only functional but also a true work of art.

3. How would you define “bespoke craftsmanship” in the context of your work?

At Oakmont, we define bespoke craftsmanship as the standard of quality and thoughtfulness that goes into every single detail of a project. It’s not just about being custom — it’s about being considered. For us, that means constantly asking the right questions: Are we using the best materials possible for the scope and budget? Have we designed and built this with longevity, ease of use, and functionality in mind? And just as importantly — does it appeal to the client’s requirements and ultimately act as a point of attraction in the space?

True bespoke craftsmanship lies in that balance — creating something beautiful and practical, tailored to the individual, yet strong enough to stand the test of time.

4. What does the typical Oakmont client value most in a kitchen?

While elements like aesthetics, functionality, and premium finishes are always important — and can be achieved through many of the top suppliers — we believe what our clients value most is the level of commitment we bring to each project. At Oakmont, it’s never just about delivering a kitchen; it’s about investing in the relationship with the client and being fully present throughout the process.

Our clients know that we care just as deeply about the outcome as they do — because without them, we wouldn’t have the opportunity to do what we love. That mutual respect forms the foundation of every kitchen we build. It’s not only about creating a beautiful space, but about how that space reflects a shared effort, a shared vision, and a shared sense of pride in the end result.

5. Can you walk us through your design process — from first consultation to final installation?

Our process always begins with a conversation. We meet with the client to understand what they want to achieve — not just visually, but also in terms of how they plan to live and move within the space. We explore their ideas, preferences, and any must-have features, and from there, we begin to shape a concept that aligns with their goals.

Once we’ve gathered enough insight, we create 3D renderings and develop mood boards that include material samples, finishes, and textures — helping the client visualize the final look and feel of their kitchen.

During the manufacturing phase, we work internally to ensure precision and quality. Clients aren’t typically involved day-to-day at this stage, but we do invite them to our facility once the cabinetry and layout are complete. It’s a chance for them to see the kitchen come to life in full scale before it’s wrapped, transported, and installed.

When it comes to installation, we’re fully hands-on. Our team oversees the process directly, coordinating with other contractors on-site when needed to ensure everything runs smoothly. Our goal is not only to deliver a flawless installation, but also to protect the product and the vision we’ve all worked hard to bring to life.

6. How do you ensure a balance between luxury, functionality, and personalization in every project?

For us, luxury isn’t just about high-end finishes — it’s about creating a space that feels effortless to live in and uniquely tailored to the individual. That’s why we always begin by understanding how the client wants to use their kitchen. Do they cook every day? Entertain regularly? Need clever storage solutions or room for family life? Functionality forms the foundation of every design.

From there, we build on that foundation with thoughtful layout planning, premium materials, and refined detailing. Personalisation is woven in from the start — whether it’s a specific aesthetic direction, a choice of textures and tones, or small details that reflect the client’s personality.

The balance comes from constant collaboration: between our design team, the workshop, and the client. We don’t push luxury for the sake of it — we guide choices so that the final result feels elevated but never overdone. The goal is always the same: a kitchen that looks stunning, works beautifully, and feels like it was made just for them.

7. What are the biggest challenges you face in delivering high-end kitchens, and how do you overcome them?

One of our biggest challenges is time — not because of poor planning, but because we deliberately keep our team small and highly skilled. We don’t hire just to increase output; everyone at Oakmont is here because they genuinely care about the product and the process. That means when demand exceeds capacity, we’re faced with difficult decisions.

Rather than stretching ourselves thin and compromising on quality, we choose to limit the number of projects we take on. Sometimes that means turning down work or losing a potential client to another business — but we’d rather do that than deliver anything less than our best. For us, the focus has always been on maintaining the standard our clients have come to expect. Every kitchen we take on receives our full attention, and that’s a standard we’re not willing to sacrifice.

8. What project has been most memorable for the Oakmont team — and why?

Without a doubt, the project that stands out most for us is the shopfitting of the Lion’s Rugby Stadium. It was a true test of our creativity and problem-solving skills, with so many custom requirements that demanded innovative solutions. What made it even more special was the opportunity to work closely with MCLA Interiors and Micaela, the designer, to bring this vision to life. There were moments when it seemed like others might not see a way forward, but together, we found creative solutions that made the project truly unique.

The real reward came when we saw the end result. Not only did we meet the client’s expectations, but we exceeded them. The finished product was beyond anyone’s vision, and the pride our team felt in the final outcome was immense. It was a project that required all of our collective expertise, and it perfectly showcased our ability to overcome challenges and deliver exceptional results.

9. How do your designers stay inspired and up to date with global kitchen design standards?

We work with a diverse range of designers from across South Africa, and this exposure brings a wealth of different influences and ideas to the table. Each designer brings their own unique perspective, and we love seeing how they draw inspiration from various sources — whether it’s the latest trends, international design, or their own creative journeys.

As for us, we focus on what we do best: bringing those designs to life. While our designers continue to explore new inspirations and push boundaries, we revel in the opportunity to translate those ideas into functional, beautiful spaces. It’s a dynamic partnership where creativity flows freely, and we’re there to ensure that every vision is executed with precision and quality.

10. What are Oakmont’s goals for the future — any exciting developments or expansions planned?

Looking ahead, we have some exciting plans in the works. One of our key goals is to expand Oakmont’s presence beyond Gauteng — with a focus on Cape Town as a potential new manufacturing base. We’re also considering opportunities to bring our craft to other areas of Africa, where we can continue to offer the same high-quality, bespoke service that has defined us.

On top of that, we’re eager to venture into new territories, such as launching a furniture line. This collection will be influenced by some of our favourite design aesthetics and will allow us to showcase Oakmont’s commitment to craftsmanship in a more expansive way. We’re excited about where these new ventures will take us, and we can’t wait to continue pushing the boundaries of design and manufacturing.