About Us
Matt & Claire Podesta
Matt, Co-Founder and Creative Director
At the age of eight Matt fell in love with woodworking during after school classes. His enthusiasm continued to grow and he was wholly encouraged at senior school to pursue his passion for designing and making. This took him to art college and subsequently to university where he gained a degree in Industrial Design and Manufacture of Furniture. Following a move to London, Matt then designed for many well known design firms – including Habitat, Tom Dixon, Smallbone and Mark Wilkinson – before establishing his own company in 2002.
Matt started Huckleberry with his wife Claire in 2020 to fulfil their aim of designing and manufacturing furniture that is British through and through. He is passionate about vernacular architecture, taking inspiration from historical houses as well as more humble dwellings which demonstrate a natural beauty both in their design and execution. Traditional techniques and materials are often used in Matt’s designs and form a basis for his love of all things natural.
Matt has won many awards and accolades over the years for his designs and has collaborated with many well known designers and architects. Influences stem from Charles Voysey and Edwin Lutyens to Terence Conran. He sits on the Worshipful company of Furnituremakers' Bespoke Guildmark Committee and enjoys speaking about furniture design, judging awards and mentoring young designers.
Claire, Co-Founder and Marketing Director
Claire can't remember a time when she didn't know she was going to be an artist. She studied at art college and university and, with a degree in Graphic Design, started her career designing magazines for British Airways. Subsequently she worked for London design agencies and in marketing in diverse sectors including tech, independent education, interiors, book publishing and packaging. Claire's love of painting has never left her and she continues to paint abstract landscapes and seascapes.
As well as being responsible for marketing, design, photography and PR, Claire enjoys developing the unfitted furniture collections, both interior and exterior, and works closely with clients to make sure each project runs smoothly.
~
We are incredibly proud to have been selected as a Walpole Brand of Tomorrow 2024. Brands of Tomorrow is an incubator programme which takes twelve carefully selected early-stage brands through a year-long programme of workshops and mentoring to set them on a path to growth. Walpole, the industry body for the British luxury sector, counts iconic brands like Alexander McQueen, Burberry, Bentley, Fortnum & Mason, McLaren Automotive, Mulberry, Penhaligon’s, The Savoy and Wedgwood amongst its members. You can read more on our blog.
What our customers say...
“To say I’m utterly delighted with the kitchen would be an understatement. To see it in the flesh… it’s stunning! A huge thank you to yourselves and the team” Mr & Mrs J, Carmarthenshire
“We brainstormed concepts together and sketched ideas – it was such a pleasure to be presented with such helpful drawings. We really enjoyed the relationship. Now we have a gorgeous kitchen that everybody is wowed by. I look forward to going into my kitchen every day, it was a special experience.” RM, Marlow
“Highly professional and extremely talented – our initial design concept was developed into a truly remarkable bespoke design for a kitchen. Attention to detail is second to none. Highly recommended.” JS, Cotswolds
“Our kitchen is an amazing space for us – so much more than a kitchen! It is the heart of our home. From the original design to the final look, they listened carefully to what we wanted and created a family space that really works. The use of colour on the painted wood complements the original wood in perfect harmony. It’s beautiful, practical and the best room in our home by far!” DS, Berkshire