James Chen

Woodworking chose me as much as I chose it. Growing up in my grandfather's workshop in Taiwan, I was surrounded by the smell of sawdust and the sound of hand planes. He was a traditional furniture maker, and though I was young, I absorbed his reverence for the material and his patient approach to craft.

After moving to the United States for college, I pursued a career in architecture. But something was missing—the tactile connection to making, the satisfaction of creating something with my own hands. Ten years ago, I left my desk job and returned to the workshop, this time building my own practice in the mountains of North Carolina.

I work primarily with hardwoods native to the Appalachian region—walnut, cherry, oak, and maple. Each species has its own character, its own story written in the grain. I source my lumber from small, sustainable mills that practice responsible forestry. Many of my favorite pieces incorporate wood from trees that fell naturally or had to be removed for safety reasons, giving them a second life as functional art.

My design philosophy blends the clean lines of mid-century modernism with traditional joinery techniques passed down through generations. I believe furniture should be both beautiful and built to last—pieces that will be passed down, that will develop character and patina over decades of use.

Every piece that leaves my workshop is made entirely by hand, from the initial milling of rough lumber to the final coat of hand-rubbed oil finish. This slow, intentional process ensures quality and allows me to put a bit of myself into every creation.

Each project begins with selecting the right wood. I visit the lumber yard regularly, looking for boards with interesting grain patterns or natural character marks that will enhance the final piece. Once selected, the wood is brought to my workshop to acclimate to the humidity and temperature.

The rough lumber is then milled flat and square using a combination of machines and hand tools. This foundation work is critical—precision at this stage ensures everything fits together perfectly later. I use traditional joinery methods like mortise and tenon, dovetails, and sliding dovetails. These joints are stronger than any metal fastener and will last for generations.

After the joinery is cut and test-fitted, I begin the assembly process. This is where the piece truly comes together, where all the planning and careful work culminates in a three-dimensional form. I use hide glue for most joints—a traditional adhesive that's strong, reversible, and has been used by furniture makers for centuries.

Once assembled, the real artistry begins in the finishing process. I sand each surface through multiple grits, working up to very fine paper that leaves the wood silky smooth. Then I apply finish—usually a hand-rubbed oil that brings out the natural beauty of the grain while protecting the wood.

The final step is adding any hardware, adjusting doors and drawers for perfect fit, and giving the piece a final inspection. Only then do I sign and date it, marking it as ready to become part of someone's home and life.