So just what is it that you do?

I’ve spent the better part of 35 years learning and refining my skills as a designer and maker of handmade products in a variety of flavors. You can hire me at any number of levels on your path to find the perfect piece – no matter it’s design, materials or style.

The bulk of my work has been custom furniture made primarily of wood, however I enjoy working in a wide range of materials. I equally enjoy the process of hunting down just the right method or material to bring a vision to life. Be it wood, metal, glass, plastic, composite or any number of mediums. In addition to furniture I’ve made every thing from sheetmetal lighting fixtures to welded steel boat racks.

What that means is you can purchase any number of ready made or build to order pieces directly from this website, commission a custom piece, or I am also available on a consultant basis to assist with your project in any way my talents are best applied. Whether that means taking on the entire process of design, fabrication and procurement, or working with your team to search out the best fabricator or supplier to get your project built. My advantage as a consultant is my extensive experience as a fabricator. In short, I speak “shop”. I can cut straight to the chase and eliminate any number of delays or detours on account of crossed signals in the fabrication process.

What’s the difference between “In Stock”, “Build to Order” & “Custom”

“In Stock” This one is pretty straightforward. If the “order” page shows availability, then the item or piece is in stock and ready to ship. Follow the shopping cart prompts and I’ll get it on it’s way to you pronto.

“Built to Order” These are established designs that are original to me. I’ve probably built it as a commission for one of my custom clients, but the design is original to me and therefore I retain the rights to re-produce it for you. The advantage of “built to order” is that the front end design work and engineering is done. The design phase can take days to months to complete, so that time has already been put in and I simply need to pull the plans and get to work. There are some construction dimensions and details as well as materials choices that you get to make before I start building. For example if you wanted the “Cabinet on Forged Steel Stand”, but rather than the veneer shown you wanted it in figured Mahogany and you wanted it 44″ long instead of 40″, we can dial both of those requirements in before we start. Built to order is handled the same way as a custom order and must be paid in full before construction begins.

“Custom” This means that it’s a “from the ground up” new design. We get together for as many design development sessions as necessary for us to settle on a truly unique piece. The design phase takes as long as it takes and is billed on an hourly plus expenses basis. Once the design is final I’ll give you a written quote. Should we decide not to proceed you’ll only be on the hook for the design fee. You will also receive copies of drawings and plans, as far as they have progressed,  which can be used by me or another fabricator of your choosing. I will retain rights to the design(s) and will mark all original designs as copyrighted. I will trust you and your fabricator to honor this and not re-produce or display (in real life or online) without giving me design credit. If you’d like to embark on a custom piece adventure, drop me a line and I’ll send you my custom piece sequence outline with a rate sheet and we can get started on your project. The firs half hour of time is on me to determine if I’m the right guy for the job.

Why so does it cost so much?

My work is expensive. That’s a fact. Another fact is I’m not getting wealthy building furniture by any means. The reasons are pretty simple. In order for me to produce work of the quality both you and I expect takes time. Sometime a lot of time. It also takes the best materials I can possibly find. Unfortunately these elements both have a price tag. My furniture is built to last a lifetime – or three. Your grandchildren will argue over who gets the dining set long after you’re gone. That brings me immense pleasure.

I’m willing to wager that you own, have owned or have sit in a chair who’s rear leg to apron joint is failing. You know the kind. When you sit in it and lean against the back it creaks and gives a little (or a lot). That’s the leg to apron joint failing, probably on account of it is held together with dowels. I build all my chairs with mortise and tenon construction. That’s why they don’t fail. It takes more time, materials and much more involved machine methods, but it’s worth it to have a chair that will last generations. The same goes for table leg to apron joints.

I also do much of my own veneering. Factory made veneer panels are microscopically thin. When I lay up a veneer panel I start with furniture grade heavy veneers. Then I do the least amount of sanding possible to leave the heaviest possible veneer face. Again, a colossal amount of work, but far far superior to store bought plywood panels. It also allows me to select the pattern that the veneer is laid. Some species look better with a book match pattern, some with a “slip” match. It’s these subtle nuances that define a handmade piece and justify the cost.

What Shipping Methods Are Available?

Shipping, delivery and set up are dependent on what pieces you’ve chosen. Smaller things that can be easily boxed are sent FedEx. Larger furniture items that are locally delivered (Portland, OR) are either handled by me or by a local furniture mover familiar with high quality careful experience. Out of area but west coast deliveries are done by a LTL carrier that specializes in hand made furniture. Cross country or other continental US deliveries are done by common carrier furniture moving companies.

What Payment Methods Are Accepted?

Currently I accept PayPal, check, wire transfer and old fashioned cash. A suitcase full of Franklins is a lovely sight… I’m working on accepting credit cards directly from my website and will have that option as soon as possible.

How do I place an Order?

Use the “order” button on each item to place it in your cart, then follow prompts to checkout.