My inspiration as a furniture designer began with Scandinavian and eastern influences. These forms were close to my heart many years ago while I was studying with the Danish master, Tage Frid, at the Rhode Island School of Design. He taught me to design with practicality, build with integrity and work with efficiency, … Read more My inspiration as a furniture designer began with Scandinavian and eastern influences. These forms were close to my heart many years ago while I was studying with the Danish master, Tage Frid, at the Rhode Island School of Design. He taught me to design with practicality, build with integrity and work with efficiency, but most importantly, not to compromise beauty.

Over the years I have developed a vocabulary guided by the geometry of nature; the nautilus spiral, a budding flower, or the wing of a crow, and gained a sense of proportion and confidence in applying sculptural forms to my work. I am fortunate in that I still draw passion from this trade of working with wood, using my hands to transform trees and beautiful boards into heirlooms that bring my customers joy.

In 2009 I developed a design philosophy, with the goal of honoring community, economy and ecology. The Owl stool was the first successful furniture design to encompass the triad and has been enjoyed by both friends and community members. I now offer workshops so customers can have a hand in assembling their own stools. It gives me great satisfaction channeling some of Tage’s mastery on to others as they learn the joy of how a few well executed techniques can bring beauty to wood.