Our History
Nelson Moody started with his trade, his tools, and a commitment to doing things properly. Decades later, NT Moody Builders became NTJ London – a name trusted in some of the city’s finest homes. Built on reputation and relationships, NTJ London has never been about making noise. Just getting it right.
1967 - learning the trade
At 18, Nelson left boarding school in Hertfordshire, he wasn’t one for sitting around in classrooms. But give him a problem to solve, and he was in his element. When Nelson decided to study carpentry at St Albans Building College, it became more than just an education – it was an introduction to a craft that would shape his future.
1970 - A Change of Direction
Nelson trained as a project engineer while studying for his HNC, but the work was dull. A 10-minute conversation and a denied pay rise was all it took. Swapping blueprints for building sites, he joined his friend and purchased an old Anglia van, taking on any job that paid.
All was going well until a fire broke out on a site in Whetstone. With no insurance, Nelson was left to deal with the fallout. But giving up wasn’t an option. Facing the problem head-on, he promised to put things right at his own cost. The next day, he was back on site and fixing the damage. The clients of that project became long-term clients of Nelson, trusting him time and again to deliver exceptional results.
1980 - The Making of NT Moody Builders
With a young family to support, Nelson looked for stability. He found it in Hampstead Garden Suburb – a conservation area, with strict building codes and practices, with clients who valued work carried out to a high standard. Armed with a black-and-green business card and a stack of flyers, he and
his kids, Tom and John, knocked on doors. Word spread. NT Moody Builders soon became a recommended builder by The Hampstead Garden Trust, known for quality, and an understanding of homes with history. This work set the foundations for NTJ London’s reputation today – trusted to work on some of the most prestigious conservation areas across the capital.
1997 – The Next Generation
Nelson’s eldest son, Tom, joined the business after an injury ended his sports career, qualifying as an electrician. In 2000, his younger brother, John, who had been trading rare antiques, followed suit, training in plumbing and heating. They learned fast, worked hard, and together they strengthened and grew the business.
2012 – Expansion and Evolution
With NT Moody Builders well-established, Nelson stepped back, handing the reins to Tom and John. They rebranded the company as NTJ London, taking its expertise beyond Hampstead Garden Suburb into Kensington, Holland Park, Notting Hill, Mayfair, and beyond.
2025 - From One to Many
Today, NTJ London is the name behind some of the city’s finest projects. From listed properties to contemporary new builds, we work across the full spectrum of high-end construction, collaborating globally with clients and leading designers. What began with one man and his tools is now a team of 40–50, backed by a trusted network of specialist trades. Many of our tradesmen come from the Southern Hemisphere – the best, in our experience. And while we have grown, the foundation remains the same: family values, reputation, and an uncompromising commitment to quality.
