FAQ’s

Why Birdhaus? What sets your work apart from other makers?

I bring a unique blend of artist, designer and craftsman to all aspects of my diverse work. Having a formal creative background in fine arts & design coupled with a deep study of and appreciation for exceptional traditional furniture making and craftsmanship while drawing inspiration from a diverse cross-section of contemporary and historical influences, my work embodies a combination of artistry, design and technical refinement not commonly found among most makers.

What types of structures do you design and build?

in addition to my studio-based furniture and cabinetry work, I enjoy designing and constructing a wide range of out-structures to enrich clients’ homes and properties. These include but are certainly not limited to: custom decks, various garden enclosures, sauna’s and wellness spaces as well as “Tiny Houses” and ADU’s. As with all of my work, the interplay of form and function are always paramount. This results in structures that are not only incredibly well crafted and uniquely beautiful in their own right but also exceed functional expectations.

Tell me about your background, training and experience

A lifelong artist and maker, I have been drawing and designing since I could hold a pencil. I studied fine arts and design at Skidmore College where I earned my undergraduate degree with a concentration in sculpture and photography. I found in sculpture a passion for thinking and building with my hands, a way of physically exploring and manipulating form and space as well as how we as humans experience it. In relation to my interests in architectural design, I began to explore furniture making as a bridge between those interests. This lead me to the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship where I have honed my skills as a furniture maker and forged a new creative path for myself over the course of the past decade.

Do you design & build conversions for vehicles other than vans?

Absolutely! In fact, my first conversion was a Toyota Yaris hatchback in which I took numerous cross-country photography trips. I love the challenges of working with unique spaces and design constraints. The reality is that there are all types of folks with different vehicles and different needs. While I obviously create full custom van conversions, there are also lots of folks with other vehicles and needs. If you are looking for purpose-built custom storage, camping or travel solutions for your vehicle let’s talk and create something special. You’d be surprised what great design can do!

Do you develop custom design solutions for unique spaces and situations?

Yes! whether it be a unique piece of furniture, a custom cabinetry arrangement, a mobile living solution or architectural in nature, I love creative problem solving through design. In collaboration with clients who each bring unique ideas, goals, challenges and constraints with their potential projects, I revel in the opportunity to develop thoughtfully curated design solutions that seamlessly blend flawless functionality with refined and bespoke aesthetics and craftsmanship.

I have a project in mind. How can we start a conversation about it?

Terrific! Just give me a call or send an email and tell me a little about what you have in mind, even if its vague. Then we can schedule a free call to discuss the project in more detail as well as some general potential design concepts for it. If, following that conversation, you would like to move forward and explore some of those design concepts in greater detail, I would prepare some more formal design drawings and estimates for your project.