Fitted shelves/media unit - carpenters in East Surrey

[EugenesAxe]

We want to get some bespoke shelving for books and TV in our family room and formal dining room. We have a quote from a bloke we know is good but it's more than we wanted to spend (£3,850 + VAT but both units are ultimately only MDF, one white and one oak veneer). Both units are three 'columns' - each probably slightly less than a Billy bookcase in width.

There are loads of carpenters on RatedPeople and the like that are highly rated, but then when you look at their work it's more straightforward in terms of what's needed, and sometimes the finish isn't very stylish. This is only really a problem for the oak unit though TBH; anyone can paint MDF white.

Does anyone know of a carpenter that also has an eye for interior design that I can trust to design something that looks the business, but for a lower price?

I know an excellent bloke who although not solely carpenter might be able to help, as he does do carpentry among other things. He has just made some nice flush floating shelves for us in our living room, plus a small AV cupboard and it was nowhere near that price but maybe that's because ours are mdf and not solid wood, and also because they are shelves rather than book cases.

His finish was really good too.

We are in surbiton, so let me know if you would like his details and I will PM them. I am not sure how far he would be able to travel.