This week, our Meet the Team series features a familiar face – Jake Portsmouth, one of our talented carpenters and an active presence on our social media. Jake’s passion for his craft, infectious energy, and knack for sharing behind-the-scenes moments have made him a standout not just at Presence & Co., but also with our followers online.
Jake’s journey into carpentry is rooted in family inspiration, and his dedication to the trade is evident in every project he takes on. Whether he’s creating intricate roof structures or transforming office spaces, Jake combines skill, creativity, and a love of craftsmanship that’s truly inspiring. Let’s get to know him better!
What first sparked your interest in carpentry, and how has your career developed over time?
“My grandad was my biggest inspiration—he built sailing yachts down at Chatham Dockyard. I still have some of his old tools, and they remind me of the craftsmanship and pride he put into his work. That connection really sparked my interest in carpentry, and it’s stayed with me ever since.”
What’s the most complex or rewarding carpentry project you’ve worked on?
“One of the most complex projects I’ve worked on was fitting a roof structure with gable ends. It’s all about understanding how different roof pitches intersect and ensuring everything interlocks perfectly. There’s something incredibly rewarding about starting with nothing and, by the end of the day, seeing a fully formed roof appear.”
Any recent work at Presence & Co. that you’re particularly proud of?
“Recently, I worked on a project in central London where we installed all the glasswork for a new office space. I created the framework and fitted glass partitions to transform the area. It was a challenging but satisfying project.
What’s one thing about carpentry that people might not fully understand or appreciate?
“The technical side, for sure. Things like pitches, rises, and figuring out where your rafters will start and finish. It’s like having a 3D vision in your head and being able to translate that into real life. Getting everything to line up perfectly is more complex than people realise.”
Got any memorable or funny stories from your time on-site?
“There was this one time I got locked inside a church. I’d been fixing some windows, and after I shut the door, I realised I was stuck. I ended up tripping the alarm just to get someone to come and let me out—it was definitely an interesting few hours.”
How do you approach a new project—do you have any specific ways you plan things out?
“It depends on the project, but I like to take my time at the start. I’ll just stand there, take it all in, and let the vision come together in my head. Once I’ve got that mental picture, I can plan it all out.”
What keeps you motivated and passionate about carpentry?
“I love knowing that the work I do will outlive me. Whether it’s a roof, a staircase, or a custom piece, it’ll still be there long after I’m gone. That legacy, the idea that my name will always be connected to the work, is what keeps me passionate.”
What’s your favourite tool or piece of equipment you can’t live without?
“My tape measure. It’s simple, but it’s the key to everything—it’s how the work gets done.”
What’s the best part of working at Presence & Co.?
“The community. The laughs, the banter, and the camaraderie with all the guys—it makes every day enjoyable. It’s great to be part of a team like this.”
You’ve been doing social media takeovers—what’s that experience been like?
“I’ve loved doing the social media takeovers. It’s a great way to show people what we do day-to-day and the transformations we create. It’s also fun to share the behind-the-scenes moments and give people a closer look at the team dynamic. I think it’s important to show the hard work, but also the humour and heart that go into every project.”
Jake’s passion, skill, and vibrant personality are just a few of the reasons he’s such an asset to Presence & Co. Whether he’s tackling complex carpentry challenges, contributing to our thriving team culture, or sharing our work with the world online, Jake embodies what makes our team special.
Stay tuned as we continue our Meet the Team series, introducing you to more of the brilliant individuals who make Presence & Co. what it is!
