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 / designer
Julia van Velden
Meet the Designer, Organiser: With years of hands-on experience renovating homes and working alongside her husband in the cabinetmaking and joinery industry, Julia now leads kitchen design at Graft. She brings a unique blend of creativity, practicality, and a deep understanding of how to make spaces truly work for the people who use them.
Julia’s known as the Queen of Lists (most of which still end up on her husband’s desk), and her talent for turning ideas into beautifully functional designs is unmatched. Whether she’s in the showroom stacking samples, meeting with clients, or coordinating the finer details of a project, she brings energy, style, and know-how to every job—all while wrangling three lively kids.
DETAILER & JOINER
Cameron Milne
Meet the computer whizz: With over four years in the joinery and cabinet-making industry, Cameron has honed his skills across a range of areas, making him a well-rounded and versatile team member. A whizz on the computer, he thrives on the detailing side of projects, ensuring every design is as efficient and accurate as possible. His experience on the factory floor gives him a hands-on understanding of craftsmanship, allowing him to bridge the gap between design and manufacturing seamlessly. Whether it's refining the finer details or optimizing production, Cameron's expertise helps bring every project to life with precision. 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.
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.
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!
workshop assistant
Sarah-Jean Campbell
Meet the Newbie: Sarah joined our team for a change of pace and career, bringing with her a strong work ethic and a keen eye for detail. After completing a hairdressing apprenticeship, she sought a hands-on, creative role with lasting impact—leading her to the world of joinery. Sarah has seamlessly integrated into our team, bringing a positive attitude and an unstoppable drive. No stranger to hard work, she’s conquered two Ironman races and multiple endurance events, proving her dedication and resilience. With a passion for renovation ingrained from a young age, Sarah’s enthusiasm for craftsmanship and transformation makes her a valuable part of the Graft 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.
