At Improva, we specialise in creating high-end joinery and bespoke renovations that stand the test of time. Our passion for exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail makes us a trusted partner for builders, architects, and homeowners across Sydney. Ready to transform your space? Let’s start the conversation today.
At Improva, we believe that renovating should be an exciting journey, not a stressful ordeal. Our company was born from a simple yet powerful insight: the problem with renovations isn’t the renovation itself – it’s finding the right team to bring your vision to life.
With 20+ years of industry experience under my belt and a passion for creating exceptional spaces, I developed a unique model that streamlines complex projects. Today, we connect builders, architects, interior designers, and homeowners with trusted industry professionals, provide expert design services, and oversee critical processes from concept to completion.
As Seen In
Our mission is to transform the building and renovation experience by connecting clients with trusted industry professionals, providing expert guidance, and managing complex processes – making projects effortless, enjoyable, and exceptional for all.
To revolutionise the building and renovation industry by creating a world where every project can be executed with confidence, without the stress, uncertainty, and frustration typically associated with complex renovation work.
We exist to bridge the gap between clients and quality professionals, ensuring every project is completed with excellence, integrity, and satisfaction for all parties involved.
Improva has been on an exciting journey of growth and innovation. Take a look at our timeline to see how we’ve evolved from a small startup to Sydney’s trusted name in joinery and renovations.
2013
While helping my design clients find reliable builders and suppliers, I discovered my talent for connecting the right people. The inspiration struck when my wife and I purchased our first property to renovate and worked with a mortgage broker who saved us time, secured better rates, and never charged us a cent. My wife suggested the renovation industry needed exactly this service model, and the idea of a “renovation broker” was born, allowing me to follow my passion for helping people while addressing homeowners’ challenges.
After years of personally managing every client relationship and supplier connection, I made the pivotal decision to expand beyond a solo operation. Recognising that my desire to help more homeowners meant I needed to let go of some control, so I hired my first team members and moved Blakes Of Sydney into a proper office space.
2017
2018
Seeing this opportunity, I expanded Improva’s services to offer comprehensive joinery management to the building industry – handling projects from tendering through to installation. This allowed these professionals to focus on their core work while I ensured quality craftsmanship and timely delivery, ultimately strengthening our position as trusted partners across the entire renovation landscape.
Our commitment to exceptional design and service received industry accolades in 2019 when Improva won both “Best of Houzz Service” and “Best of Houzz Design” awards – recognition we’ve consistently earned every year since.
That same year, our renovation projects began capturing media attention, with our work featured in prestigious publications including Master Builder Magazine, Belle, Home & Beautiful, House & Garden, and The Local Project. This recognition validated our approach and highlighted our excellence in both client experience and design outcomes.
2019
2020
We helped transform homeowners’ spaces, contributing to those magical moments when families rediscover the potential in their existing homes. The most rewarding part was that all three homeowners we worked with chose to “Love It” rather than “List It”- a perfect testament to how thoughtful renovations can completely change how people feel about their homes.
The name derives from the Swedish word “Ompröva” (meaning “rethink”) – reflecting how we rethought the renovation process. Improva also suggests “improve” while the pronunciation (IM-PRO-VA) emphasises that we’re professionals in our field.
Our logo features an “m” resembling modern architecture, with three matching details on the “r, v, and a”, representing the essential trio of Client, Improva, and Suppliers. Our icon is a pointed graphic device made up of sturdy lines, which works to communicate something of a structural nature, like a home.
This rebrand marked a significant milestone, retiring a name built for a sole operator and stepping into an identity ready for growth.
2021
2022
Our joinery management expertise had attracted collaborations with the likes of To The Mil, Sherocon, Carole Whiting, AJP Constructions, Anderson Architecture, Corben Architects – allowing us to showcase our capabilities on sophisticated, design-forward projects throughout the industry.
Each of these thousand projects represents a family or business whose space we’ve transformed and whose trust we’ve earned. This achievement is more than just a number – it’s a testament to our enduring commitment to making joinery and renovations effortless and the relationships we’ve built with clients and industry partners along the way.
2024
TODAY
Improva now collaborates with renowned companies including Weir Philips Architects, Studio Gemma – The Joinery Edit, Horizon, Corben Architects, Watermark Construction Group, HSN Construction, Studio Whiting and Squillace. These valued relationships allow us to deliver exceptional architectural high-end joinery, further cementing our position as a trusted partner in the Australian building and renovation landscape.
Building on our success, we’ve expanded our service offerings to meet evolving industry needs. We’ve launched a comprehensive Estimating, Value Engineering & Mentorship programme to empower building professionals with expert cost analysis and ongoing support. We’ve also introduced our Joinery Care service, providing preventative maintenance to protect our clients’ investments. Additionally, we’re excited to have launched Inkolor, our vibrant range of designer pull-out kitchen bins that bring style and functionality to modern joinery.
Our success is built on the dedication and expertise of our talented team. Meet the passionate professionals who make it all happen:
A self-confessed renovation and joinery geek with over 20 years’ industry experience, Blake founded Improva to make the process effortless – for homeowners and building industry professionals alike. His expertise spans design, joinery, and cost estimating, and his talent lies in connecting the right people. He feels so fortunate to be living his dream of running his own business.
Blending design talent with business savvy, Mat brings fresh perspective to his role driving growth at Improva. His passion for the creative, fuelled a foundation in industrial and kitchen design before discovering his love for connecting with people. When not accelerating Improva’s future, Mat spends time on travel adventures or fuelling his own creativity from the kitchen to the garage and beyond.
With over two decades of experience in the renovation industry, Michael has been hands-on in high-profile residential and commercial projects across Sydney. As a client and supplier manager, he builds strong relationships and ensures our suppliers deliver exceptional results for our clients. A Shopfitter/Carpenter by trade with a keen eye for detail, Michael skilfully navigates challenges and is committed to perfection.
An industrial designer with over 10 years’ experience designing furniture products and joinery. She is passionate about cooking, so is able to design beautiful and functional kitchens and any other bespoke spaces for our clients. When she is not working you can find her surfing, doing yoga or enjoying a camping trip. Alicia believes we are lucky to live on such a beautiful planet and loves an adventure holiday to discover more of it.
Chanel is an enthusiastic and motivated individual, with a notable background in customer service and social media marketing. She supports Blake and the team to ensure the backend runs smoothly and efficiently. Beyond the office, Chanel is an avid restaurant explorer and loves taking Pilates classes to keep centred and energised. Her go-to escape is at the ocean, often with a new book in hand.
Having spent 15 years as a Production Manager in the television industry in the UK and Australia, Emily hung up her TV boots and chose to divide her time between being a Mum to daughter, Grace, and working for the family business in an industry that she initially had no idea about. If she’s not working or running around after Grace, you’ll find her doing a hit class at the gym, socialising with friends or travelling.
The heart of the Riley household and Improva’s most demanding client. Grace keeps Blake and Emily on their toes outside of office hours, and brings more joy to the business than any milestone on the above timeline.
Mr. Cavoodle brings joy, warmth, and endless enthusiasm to the team. While he may not be involved in the design process, his presence keeps the team’s spirits high and ensures every project has a bit of extra flair.
Improva is proud to be recognized by top industry publications for our work in transforming spaces and setting new standards in joinery. Our expertise is celebrated across various platforms, and we continue to push the boundaries of design and craftsmanship.
Improva is proud to be recognized by top industry publications for our work in transforming spaces and setting new standards in joinery. Our expertise is celebrated across various platforms, and we continue to push the boundaries of design and craftsmanship.
7 years, and they've never missed the mark...
As a boutique high end architectural builder, I have built my reputation on fine finishes and working to a tight timetable. We expect this of all our subbies as well as our team. Working with Improva over the last 7 years, they have filled this criteria to perfection. It is always great working with this team. They are clean, detailed, accurate and on time. What we love. I would highly recommend Improva to any future clients.
Outstanding consulting from inception to completion…
IMPROVA have provided outstanding joinery consulting support across project inception, cost control, value engineering and quality control. Their ability to manage details while confidently supporting client discussions has been invaluable. They’ve given us a level of control and peace of mind that genuinely improves project outcomes.
I'm so overwhelmed with the quality of their work…
Joinery is my big bug bear of mine and it makes or breaks a job, and I was nervous at the start using you as a new supplier... now I wish I could give you a big hug and a gold star! I’m so overwhelmed with the quality of your work - thrilled to bits! Part of me now wants you to be a secret so my peers wonder how I do such brilliant work!
Approachable, clear and completely stress free…
Improva were incredibly easy to deal with from beginning to end. They are approachable, clear and made the whole process very stress free - highly recommend!
Professional, friendly and found the perfect team…
I was completely daunted before beginning my home renovation, and had no idea where to begin. Thank goodness I found Improva! Blake and his team were so professional and friendly, and selected a great builder and joiner for my project.
Finished on time - almost unheard of in renovation...
The team at Improva helped us design our joinery and helped us through the renovation process. Having never renovated before we really didn’t know where to start, and Improva helped us with all the steps along the way. We were even finished on time (which is almost unheard of in renovation land!). Thanks Improva team! We’re delighted with our new home!
We’re excited to introduce Inkolor, our new venture that brings colour and style to functional living. Inkolor offers a vibrant range of high-quality, designer pull-out kitchen bins to add a pop of personality to your space. With sustainability in mind, we bring you bins that are not just beautiful, but built to last.
Whether you’re a homeowner planning a renovation or a building industry professional looking for a better way to manage joinery, we’ve put together resources to help. Find out how Improva works and what we can bring to your project or business.
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