How We Started
The workshop began in 1994 when James Thornhill left his corporate position to pursue what had been a weekend passion. His first commission was a simple bookshelf for a neighbor. That piece led to another, then another.
What started as one person working out of a converted garage has grown into a dedicated facility with specialized equipment and a team of skilled craftspeople. Despite the growth, we've maintained our original commitment: treat each project as if it were for our own home.
Our Philosophy
Wood is not a uniform material. Each board has unique characteristics shaped by the tree's growing conditions, the local climate, and the milling process. We select materials based on their intended use and the structural requirements of each project.
We don't rush. Joinery takes precision. Finishing requires patience. Assembly demands attention to how wood expands and contracts with seasonal changes. These aren't inefficiencies—they're necessities for work that endures.
The Team
Our workshop includes cabinetmakers, finishers, and restoration specialists. Some have formal training from technical institutes; others learned through apprenticeships. All share a respect for the material and the process.
We collaborate on complex projects, bringing different perspectives to design challenges. A restoration specialist might notice details about period-appropriate joinery. A finish carpenter might suggest structural modifications that simplify installation.
Sustainable Sourcing
We work primarily with hardwoods from certified sustainable forests in Canada. When clients request specific species, we verify the supplier's forestry practices before placing orders.
Reclaimed wood offers another option. Salvaged barn beams, decommissioned factory timbers, and urban lumber from removed trees all have potential. These materials require additional preparation but often feature grain patterns and character marks unavailable in fresh-cut lumber.
Looking Forward
Woodworking methods continue to evolve. CNC routers now handle certain repetitive cuts with greater consistency than manual methods. But hand tools remain essential for fitting joints, smoothing surfaces, and making adjustments that machines can't accommodate.
We invest in both. New technology improves efficiency on appropriate tasks. Traditional techniques handle the details that define quality. The balance shifts depending on the project, but both matter.