Object design is an integral part of any furniture piece, but great design is of little value unless that design is executed with superb craftsmanship. Craftsmanship is an attention to detail in materials choice, how those raw materials are used, put together, and finished in the project. Furniture craftsmanship is demonstrated in the object’s durability, utility of use, comfort, proper use of wood, and finish quality. Furniture items should function well for their purpose, be reliable, and possess structural integrity.
Craftsmanship is acquired through the study of good examples from the past, excellent instruction, experience gleaned from success and mistakes, and innovation of improvements in techniques. It also means holding oneself to a standard of performance that exceeds most client’s expectations. I do not need other people to tell me what level of quality is expected. I set a high standard of craftsmanship for myself. My craft is inspired by the excellence exemplified in the work of the masters such as Wendel Castle, George Nakashima, Sam Maloof, James Krenov and Brian Boggs. The quest for better craftsmanship never ends.