There is no simple or direct path to becoming an architectural woodworker. There are some schools now teaching peripheral classes, but almost all formal instruction today is furniture making. Architectural Woodwork is just not a single subject, taught in the trade schools or academics. Strange indeed, since so many historical buildings, famous residences, and treasured architectural structures all exhibit fine architectural woodwork crucial to their existence. These same buildings offer great visual lessons for the woodworker that travels to visit and spend time luxuriating in the details that make the edifices so rewarding.
Better materials and the best methods were central to the shop, and he soon was producing doors and other architectural items of high quality and good design. Often, he would try alternate methods or materials, making for a better product, but the additional time required meant the income was lagging. The solution was growth, also fueled by a desire for more equipment, better equipment and more people and better benefits. The shop grew easily, requiring first part time, then full time help.
Eventually, Acorn Woodworks had to move from the country shop to lease space in 1996 and then to a larger purchased shop in 1999. The early years of shop set-up for others paid off with a well laid out shop, and with properly placed equipment that could build about anything. Curved Staircases, large Entry doors and frames, even thirty-foot diameter round rooms all could be built while other, more common items were also made.
Finally a place where Process became central. Efficiency followed process. Productivity followed the efficiency. Everyone's input was constantly sought – the best way? Best materials? Drop a step, add a step? How? Why?
The desire, the motivation to move forward and upward was always there, always working, driving change from within. He questioned other professionals – his clients included highly successful surgeons, attorneys, manufacturers – What is this that makes the status quo so undesirable? Do you find yourself exploring new avenues, new methods for your process also?
A new dialogue of a sort resulted. One that, even though it was non-verbal – would help develop the Acorn products ever further, increasing the overall performance and real integrity to where it is said these products will easily last over 100 years.
This website is the result of that journey, the lifetime of daily “cutting the board”. A successful business, satisfied clientele, professional reputation, engaged employees are all a part of the Shop – the Work. But more than anything, a venue was created in which ideas of quality and process and excellence could live, develop, fail or succeed, and find a place in the modern woodshop.