Cobus Swart
The aArtvark Collective was founded by Master Craftsman Cobus Swart in 2018, and he is fast becoming recognised as one of the most respected, and innovative builders and carpenters in the country.
Formally trained as a carpenter in both residential and commercial builds, Swart completed his degree at Northteck College in Whangarei, New Zealand. After university, Swart furthered his education in Whangarei with apprenticeships for Kerr Construction and Concrete Homes. During his years with Kerr, Swart gained invaluable experience in all facets of building and civil engineering from some of the country’s most experienced engineers, surveyors, construction managers and foreman.
Next in his career Swart ventured into the emerging field of environmental sustainability at the then start-up company Concrete Homes. It is here where he developed his passion for simplifying the building process, building smaller footprint high quality homes and minimising the impacts of builds on the environment.
As a Civil Supervisor for Ryman Construction, Swart spent the next few years managing teams to coordinate public works for large scale ….. (builds?) Together they successfully built entire villages that are now thriving communities with proper storm drainage, civil and work roads, in ground and external infrastructure and beautiful landscaping.
Returning to his home country of South Africa, Swart took on a Site Manager position at E4 Construction. The builds he oversaw in Mozambique were both some of his most challenging and rewarding work. Under harsh weather conditions, Swart led teams of 12 to 200 professionals in building luxury timber lodges. The attention to detail of these structures are works of art as well as testaments to Swart’s aesthetic as an artist.
Among Swart’s proudest achievements from his years in Africa is his signature work on the construction of the E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Centre in Gorongosa National Park.
Since settling in Oxford with his young family and establishing The aArtvark Collective, Swart quickly set up shop, and also, when scheduling permits, Swart takes trips to Greece to create outdoor vacation rentals on the island of Skiathos.
Meet theTeam (aka…The Aartvarks)
Ben Haskins
Ben has just finished his apprenticeship through the Active Learning Business School at the City of Oxford College, and has been working with us at the aARTvark Collective for the passed year. We couldn’t be more lucky to have such a young, talented, and skilled chippy working beside us.
Ben is a natural and talented carpenter who took on the job when we were building a hugely complicated project with the Oxford Barn renovation. We couldn’t have done it without him. Cobus says he reminds him of himself, but admitted he couldn’t do what Ben can do at the age of 21.
As a joiner, Ben is busy creating his own style of excellent quality furniture under the watchful and supportive eyes of master craftsman Cobus.
Watch out for Ben Haskin Woodwork being launched in our Aartvark COLLECTIONS line coming soon.
Kate Swart
Entrepreneur, Artist, Mum to a toddler
Kate is the behind the scenes office, marketing , branding, accounts, and all round general manager for anything not on a building site.
She has also just launched the Aartvark Collections which will be showcasing Cobus’s incredible furniture, bringing other artisans together and showcasing her own designs and art. Her absolute passion.
Kate has spent most of her career living in rural South Africa, (where she met and fell in love with Cobus), where she helped build and manage rural community projects, including building pre-schools and food gardens. Most recently Kate held the position Head of International Campaigns for a human rights group in Oxford, UK.
MIllie Hanlon
Product Designer
The newest addition to our team, Millie Hanlon! She joined us this summer to complete her degree internship, where she has been getting involved in all aspects of the business. Millie’s dream for her first product with us was to create a beautiful modern sofa, experimenting with new materials and challenging Cobus Swart’s skills to create her vision and dream designs. And this has been made in to fruition with the “Pebble and Shell” Concrete Sofa launched at Decorex International this year!
Millie is still at the beginning of her design career, studying Product Design at Bournemouth University. Whilst at uni, she has done some of her studies in Belgium with Gong Design, where she learnt more about furniture and lighting design.
We are happy to have you Millie!