About

"Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."

—William Morris

Since 2010, I've been pursuing a passion for woodworking, learning both modern techniques and traditional hand tool methods for building furniture and trim carpentry. I've been inspired by Chicago's rich Craftsman, Prairie, and Arts & Crafts tradition, in both furniture and architecture, as well as by my own modest 1903 frame house's (alas, not a classic Craftsman bungalow) style and decor. I've applied those aesthetics and design philosophies to my own style.

Becoming a craftsman, and making things with my own hands has become deeply important in my life. Making quality, useful, and aesthetically pleasing objects, using natural, renewable material, objects that will last decades and centuries, is important to the world. 

I began, typically, by making things for myself, my family, and my friends. I've was able to build both my skills and experience to a point where I now do commissions and work for hire. I also teach woodworking and help run the newly opened Midwest Woodworking School.

I work from a modest shop in the Avondale neighborhood of Chicago, stocked with a mix of both traditional hand tools, and power tools.

I am also a musician and performer, and have a background in IT running my own IT consulting company.

—Douglas Ward