When I founded White and White London Contracts, I wanted to build a construction company that delivered well-crafted work, with integrity, and without compromise using Antique and reclaimed materials where possible retaining old building principles where applicable and embracing new methods where a build process is clear.
My background isn’t in management or architecture. I came up working with tradesman, manufacturing and fabrication , floors, joinery, furniture in house and working on sites with my teams across London, and internationally throughout Europe, North America and the Middle East. Learning first-hand how buildings go together. That experience taught me the value of precision, the importance of listening, and the reality that true quality comes not from cutting corners, but from getting the basics right, every time.
From the Ground Up
White and White wasn’t born out of a branding exercise or a pitch deck – it was built, quite literally, from the ground up. I started with a few trusted tradespeople I’d worked with over the years, and together we took on projects where we could focus on doing things properly. No rushing, clear planning, honest execution, and a high standard of finish.
That approach resonated, and the business grew. Today, we work on everything from bespoke residential refurbishments to high-end commercial spaces and new-build developments, but the mindset has never changed. Every project, no matter the scale, gets our full attention. We still work closely with architects, designers and private clients to help realise their ideas, always with the aim of adding clarity, not complexity.
Why Materials Matter
Over the years, we’ve developed a real specialism in working with antique and reclaimed wood – and to me, this is more than just an aesthetic preference. It’s about respecting the materials we use, and the stories they carry. I’ve always believed that if you’re going to build something, it should feel grounded – something with soul. Old wood has that.
Whether it’s reclaimed oak floorboards, original Victorian panelling, or salvaged beams from a agricultural building, Alp chalets , old breweries, we’ve built up the experience (and the suppliers) to handle these materials properly. And we’re not just installing them for effect – we’re restoring, finishing, and fitting them in ways that allow them to genuinely elevate a space.
Working with reclaimed timber isn’t easy. It’s slow grown , so dense, the surface is often contaminated with debris which is hard on machines, blades and equipment. But that’s part of what makes it so satisfying. When we fit an original elm floor into a contemporary extension or match 18th-century panelling to a newly built room, we’re not just adding texture – we’re building continuity.
A Company That Stays Close to the Work
I stay close to every project we take on. Not because I don’t trust the team – I do, completely – but because I believe clients deserve visibility and accountability. They want to know who’s making the key decisions, and they want to feel heard throughout the process. That’s why I stay involved, and always will.
We don’t aim to be the biggest firm. Instead, I’ve focused on building a company that people trust to deliver properly. We’re selective about the projects we take on, and we give each one the time and attention it deserves.
That’s also why so much of our work comes through referrals and repeat business. We’re proud of that. It tells me we’re doing something right.
Sustainability You Can See and Touch
Sustainability is a word that gets thrown around a lot in construction. For us, it’s not just a line in a proposal – it’s embedded in how we think. Whether it’s reusing existing materials, improving energy efficiency in period homes, or specifying long-lasting finishes that don’t need constant replacement, we approach sustainability in a practical, material-led way.
Using reclaimed wood is part of that. So is avoiding unnecessary demolition. And so is building in a way that doesn’t require a complete overhaul five years down the line. Sustainable buildings are the ones that last, not just the ones that meet a set of tick-boxes today.
Relationships That Build Themselves
One of the things I’m proudest of is the way we work with architects and designers. We don’t see ourselves as a passive contractor waiting to be told what to do – we see ourselves as collaborators. We ask questions. We spot risks early. We offer solutions. That’s what real partnership looks like, and when it’s working well, it always leads to a better outcome.
I also think people appreciate that we’re calm under pressure. Construction has its stresses – timelines shift, materials delay, unexpected issues come up. But we’ve built a team that knows how to keep things moving without panicking, without blaming, and without cutting corners.
Why We’re Still Hands-On
This isn’t a business I run from a distance. I don’t believe in sitting behind a desk while projects unfold without oversight. I’m regularly on site, meeting with clients, walking through drawings, resolving details in real time. I think it’s important to stay connected – to the work, to the team, and to the client.
Every job we do adds to our reputation. That’s something I don’t take lightly. And whether we’re fitting out a six-storey townhouse in Chelsea or upgrading a compact studio in Clerkenwell, or a summer house in Forte die Marmi, we treat each project with the same care.
What We Offer
What we offer is straightforward:
- Residential refurbishments with high-spec finishes
- New builds with early-stage input on planning and materials
- Commercial fit-outs with design-conscious detailing
- Specialist joinery and finishes, especially using reclaimed and antique wood
- Sensible, practical advice from start to finish
Final Word
At the end of the day, I started this company to build things that last – not just physically, but in terms of trust, relationships, and reputation. That still guides every decision we make. And while we might not always be the loudest name in the room, I believe the work speaks for itself.
If that sounds like the kind of builder you’re looking for, we’d be glad to talk
Shane Williamson
Founder, White and White London Contracts
