Meet the Team: Mac Sandford, David Gardner and Oliver Walton

What’s your job and what does it involve?

Mac: I’m a production worker. My work focuses on finger jointing, planing, setting up jigs from engineers’ drawings, then clamping and building beams. It’s hands‑on and rewarding.

David: I’m a Project Manager. I coordinate projects from handover to completion, including drawings, design, procurement, installation, deliveries and client handover.

Oliver: I’m a trainee project manager. I’m learning the full process from design to manufacturing to installation. Right now, I’m helping with new projects I’ve been assigned to.

Can you tell us about your background?

Mac: I was born in Devon, so I’m a local lad but have worked in a few different areas. After school, I trained as a chef at the Michael Caines Academy, which, at 17, included working at a top London establishment on my way to graduating. I then moved to Bristol at 19, spending ten years in hospitality and working as a manager running two independent pubs.

I’ve always been hands-on, and I’ve always loved craft. More recently, before joining Buckland, I worked as a niche plasterer using Scagliola, including a decorative project for a Ukrainian palace.

David: I studied mechanical engineering and have had a varied career which has taken me through a mix of industries. Working first as an engineer, and then in project management and sales.

I began my career as a graduate engineer on the Channel Tunnel and then moved on to driving smaller tunnelling machines around the world.

After spending time travelling and playing rugby in New Zealand, I moved to Belgium and worked in a Volvo truck factory. When I returned to the UK, I shifted into truck sales before moving into Project Management for a composite pipework company. Projects included pipework on the Royal Navy destroyers, submarines and aircraft carriers. I’ve also spent time working in the renewables sector.

Oliver: I’ve recently got a degree in Forestry and Wood Sciences from Stellenbosch University in South Africa, so I’m now making the transition from study to the world of work.

Why did you decide to go into this industry?

Mac: I love working with wood, and I’ve always been interested in the structural side of production. It’s also a niche business, which is appealing to me with my background.

David: I’ve always been interested in timber structures and carpentry, and I already knew about Buckland and their work. My father was a farmer, but a very good carpenter, and he taught me a lot. I’ve done self‑build projects and enjoyed the carpentry phase each time.

Oliver: Working with mass timber and production was the dream from day one at university. I’ve always cared about a greener future, and I’m a lover of trees and wood.

What made you want to work for Buckland?

Mac: After meeting the owner and seeing the work, I knew I wanted to be here. The trial made the decision easy because there’s a family feel, and people are happy to help.

David: At this stage of my career, I wanted to work with a product that genuinely interests me. Timber brings warmth, character and a natural feel you don’t get from steel or concrete.

Oliver: After graduating, I was busy looking for my next steps. I saw the work on social media and wanted to be part of the team and learn as much as I can.

What’s surprised you most since joining Buckland?

Mac: The complexity of the projects. With the old German finger jointer and clamping by hand, I’m always surprised by what we can produce.

David: The variety and complexity of certain projects. Also, the friendly, hardworking atmosphere. Everyone really pulls together.

Oliver: How supportive everyone is. There’s always someone who has the answer you need.

What skills do you use in your work?

Mac: There are practical skills, but also a need to find solutions to problems. I need to troubleshoot the finger‑jointing machine, read drawings, set up jigs, but also communicate well and stay organised.

David: Engineering, project management, sales experience and creative problem‑solving.

Oliver: Communication and organisation, plus a willingness to get stuck in and learn.

What’s the most common question you get?

Mac: “Has the fire been done?” I keep it going with off‑cuts, so I get asked a lot… and just to confirm, yes, and no, it’s not for making tea!

David: “Can we change this detail?” It’s the joy and the challenge of working on complex projects.

Oliver: I can’t say just yet. I’m doing most of the asking!

What are the best and worst things about the job?

Mac: The family feel is the best. The worst is the glue. It’s messy, it ruins your workwear,  plus it’s a nightmare if it gets into your beard.

David: Seeing a structure completed and a satisfied client is very rewarding. The variety is great. Naturally, the workload can be intense when several issues land at once.

Oliver: The best and worst is how much I still have to learn. It’s exciting and sometimes frustrating, but I’m learning every day and enjoying it.

Tell us a fun fact

Mac: I adore eating cheese, yet the thought of eating cheese makes me gag.

David: My family and I lived in New Zealand for two years. On our return, we spent five months coming home through the Pacific islands, Tasmania, Australia and the USA.

Oliver: Glulam has a better strength‑to‑weight ratio than steel.

What do you like doing in your spare time?

Mac: I’m big into sports, especially football. I also love hiking and exploring mountains and woodlands.

David: DIY, building, cycling, running, walking and family activities.

Oliver: Being in nature or the garden, and braaing, which you’ll know as barbecuing!

What excites you most about the future of timber construction?

Mac: For me, it’s what can be done and just what can be built. Looking at older projects compared to today, you can see the scope.

David: Timber construction mixes sustainability, creativity and engineering ingenuity. Things in the sector are changing all the time, and it’s shaping what building and construction will look like in the future.

Oliver: It’s a growing market and is becoming more sought after and common in design. I think this is good news.

Is there a type of project you’d love to be involved in?

Mac: Site work. I enjoy seeing projects come together and travelling around, so this would be a great mix.

David: I’ve been here less than a year and have enjoyed all the projects so far.

Oliver: I can’t say just yet… I’ll get stuck into whatever gets passed my way.

We love that David, Mac and Oliver all mentioned the support and team feel here at Buckland Timber. Truly, that’s how we continue to get the best out of everyone and achieve the best results for you, our customers.  

If you have any questions for them, or for the rest of the team, do get in touch, we’re always happy to help.