When I was child, I loved running my fingers over my parents’ George Nakashima crafted dresser. The dark walnut top had a smooth undulating natural wood edge that stood out from all of its other straight surfaces, and a butterfly joint that beautifully held together two imperfect slabs. Although my parents sold their Nakashima furniture years ago; I can still recall its form perfectly.

I started building furniture when I was fresh out of college, living in California, and couldn’t afford to buy my own. The first substantial piece I built was a picnic table set that I saw in an old Sunset magazine. It was made out of 2x2 California redwood and held together mainly by dowels. Years later while living in Arlington, MA, I started attending open woodworking nights at a local high school. After numerous small pinewood projects I invested in some cherry and built my first serious piece, a shaker hall table that proved to have enough challenges for a beginner: tapered legs, locked-rabbet drawer joints and a glued-up top. The shop teacher gave me invaluable tips, and to this day, I still proudly display that table in my foyer.

The feeling of having created something that delighted me every time I saw it enhanced my desire to create more. Some tables, bookshelves and a few small boxes ensued. Eventually, I attended the Fundamentals of Fine Woodworking class at the North Bennet Street School in Boston. For that, I bought my first set of chisels and a hand plane, and they’ve been razor-sharp ever since.

In the midst of all my woodworking projects, I kept my day job as a Software Engineer/Architect/Manager. But in the summer of 2018, that all changed. I enrolled in the full-time Cabinet & Furniture Making program at North Bennet. While honing my skills further at North Bennet, I managed to complete a few smaller furniture commissions in addition to my school work. After a brief shutdown for COVID, I resumed my studies and eventually graduated in early 2021.

At this time I am happily creating small and large projects out of my workshop in Melrose, and occasionally teaching classes at North Bennet.

Please feel free to reach out to discuss any potential furniture and/or cabinetry projects big or small. I'll probably be in the shop, but I will get back to you ASAP!

Thanks,