Wood working has always been a great passion of mine, and many of my projects have been centered around experimenting with the forgiving organic material
Wood Working
Custom Patio Privacy Facade
One summer evening, inspired to enhance the privacy of my apartment's balcony, I embarked on designing a modernist privacy fence. I chose Cedar planks for their durability and aesthetic appeal, crafting a facade that seamlessly integrates with the existing metal guardrail. I used environmentally friendly cull lumber for the supports, emphasizing sustainability in my construction choices.
To add a decorative and lively touch, I installed flower baskets along the fence. These not only contribute to the balcony's charm but also invite a splash of color and nature into the space. This blend of functionality and beauty has transformed the balcony into a private, inviting retreat ideal for relaxation or hosting
Modernistic Basement Bar
During a winter break, I took on a heartfelt project to enhance my parents’ basement by helping create the game room they had always envisioned. To anchor the space, I crafted a stylish cedar bar frame that paired seamlessly with a backdrop of a glass mirror and floating shelves, which were elegantly backlit by LED lights.
The bar itself represents a modernistic design, featuring broad corners and a prominent header that commands attention. Simplistic trim adorns the base, adding a touch of refinement. To integrate the bar seamlessly into the room’s existing decor, I chose a stain that matched the other furniture pieces within the space. This project not only fulfilled my parents' long-held wish but also added a functional and fashionable centerpiece to their new game room.
Sky Chair Patio Hanger
While settling into my first apartment, I came across one of my family’s unique finds from the local Renaissance fair: a sky chair. However, I quickly faced a challenge: there was no way to attach a hook to the 18-foot ceiling of the patio. At the time, I was enrolled in an undergraduate statics course, which inspired me to design a free-standing brace to hang the fabric chair.
I even incorporated my design into one of my class assignments. After building the frame, I soon realized my initial assumptions about the structural stability of 2x4s were off the mark, leading me to reinforce the frame with additional bracing. This rather simple project not only solved my practical dilemma but also enriched my understanding of real-world engineering principles.
Cull Lumber Planter Boxes
Amidst the quiet introspection prompted by the global pandemic, my creative drive turned towards sustainable industry. I envisioned and crafted planter boxes using solely cull lumber, embodying an industrial modern aesthetic. My design philosophy focused on simplicity and efficiency: I used only two lengths of wood and minimized the number of fasteners needed, making these planter boxes ideal for mass production using a jigged miter saw setup.
The finishing technique I chose was inspired by the traditional Japanese method of shou sugi ban, which involves charring the wood, then polishing and sealing it. This method not only enhances the durability and weather resistance of the wood but also aligns with sustainable practices by being more cost-effective than conventional staining and finishing techniques. This project was not just about creating functional items but also about fostering a connection with sustainable manufacturing processes during a time of global recalibration.
Oak and Walnut Jewlery Chest
One of my initial woodworking projects was a Jewelry Chest, where I learned a lot about fine joinery, wood finishes, and designing for wood movement. The chest is made from white oak, which I re-sawn into dimension myself, featuring hand-mitered joints and corners reinforced with walnut splines for durability and aesthetic appeal.
I designed the base with a floating bottom that adjusts with the changes in humidity, ensuring the chest remains durable over time. Stylistically, the chest is inspired by Minecraft, a favorite game from my youth, blending a touch of nostalgia with a modern design. This project was a great way to develop my skills while creating something uniquely personal.
Custom Desk & Shelf with Built-in Monitor
Moving into my first apartment afforded me the opportunity to create some of my own furniture. With a cost coming in far lower than that of a local furniture store, and features not seen in commercial products, a custom solution became obvious.
While my first attempt at SolidWorks before formal education was leaving much to be desired, I explored the software and self-taught many features setting me up for success in my later classes. I was able to design a desk that could house my PC and shelving while serving as a display for items, and an elegant shelf that houses a monitor that can fold away for visual impact.
In manufacturing the folding monitor, I found myself far in over my head. I relied on iterative design and rapid prototyping by mounting a model to my workbench and testing multiple hinge geometries.
I was excited to get back to my roots as a welder’s apprentice for the frame of the desk. It is designed to bolt together from three pieces, enabling easy transportation.
The 6’ Longboard
Made to capture the feeling of surfing while riding on concrete waves
Inspired by products like the Hamboards Classic 74” Surf Skate, I wanted to practice some of my surfing fundamentals while far from the beach. I created a 16” wide deck rolling on Waterborne Surf Skate Adaptors that gave me the freedom to practice my pop-ups, cross stepping, drop knee turns and cutbacks. While smaller boards can also grant a flowy feeling, the full length of the board gives room to simulate much of the footwork that might otherwise get left out
The deck is made from laminated sheets of birch plywood cut from a 4’x8’ blank that I contoured with mild rocker for less board chatter when turning and mild concave on the longitudinal axis for bending resistance across the 72” deck
After spending hours in the woodshop, the shape of the deck took hold. I finished it carefully with stain and epoxy to seal the wood from the elements. A thin blue strip was painted down the center of the deck as on homage to classic surf patterns, and as a useful tool to find my center of gravity over the deck.
While being a silly image, I will never forget the feeling of riding the board for the first time. I am dazzled with fear at the speed which I found myself, and immensely excited by the flowing ride that I had created.
In hindsight, I wish I took a better image of the blank for the board. Pictured above is the initial sketch of the pattern on the blank. Notice the many drywall screws that serve as clamps at the edge of the blank and the gentle camber rolling across the short plane of the deck