WOODWORKING

Woodworking is a personal creative outlet where I design and build furniture and small pieces from lumber. Each project starts with a need that turns into an idea and plans before going into measurements and area calculating, then moves through cutting, joinery, assembly, sanding, and finishing.

This work sharpens the same skills I use in UX while giving another outlet for creativity that involves working in my own physical world. Being able to design and build from multiple mediums helps me see things from new perspectives and keep my mind sharp.

Every design that I make comes from need and is designed to meet a specific situation. This methodology ensures every design is unique and an exact fit to the requirement. Understanding both the physical space through measurement and the design idea is key when I create my pieces because it guarantees that the pieces fit the geometry and the style of the room. All of my woodworking is done on my front porch with handheld tools (And features a homemade storage cabinet). I use manual saws, hand planes, and a lot of sandpaper when building, which also gives each piece a unique feel without sacrificing quality.

This table was created solve a problem unique to my room. It has an open wall at 45 degrees to the other walls that needed a table. The average rectangular table would take up too much room and create sharp corners that had a chance at being uncomfortable to run into in the dark. To solve this, I created a triangular shape that evenly flows with the existing walls and minimizes protrusions while maximizing usable surface area.  It was built out of dark cedar using wood notches and wooden pegs to fasten it together and keep durability without disrupting the outer layer. Because I knew I wanted to be able to keep plants on the table, I used polyurethane as the finish to give it a clear and glossy finish that keeps moisture out.

This bath table was commissioned for a newly renovated bathroom with a standalone tub to be used functionally and as a style point for the sleek, modern look. It was designed to fit the feel of the room with strong straight lines and angles, while adding a warmth with the tone of the wood. I used western red cedar for its natural moisture resistance and beautiful colors. It was then finished with polyurethane to seal the outside and ensure longevity. I used wooden pegs and wood glue to connect each piece which ensured consistency on the exterior finish and did not add any metal fasteners to the project.

My first journey into furniture making. This table was created to fit a small corner between a banister and a doorway, so designing to not get in the way was of upmost importance. To accomplish this, I decided to make a rectangular plate with an exterior curve to give a strong base while making sure it would not impede access to the door or beyond. I also added curves into the legs to match the mixed style of the top and make sure the size of the legs did not overpower.  This table was made out of pine planks collected from a shipping pallet because I didn't want it to go to waste after receiving it. The polyurethane finish gives it a light, airy look and feel along with increased durability. The small size of the table meant that stability was an important factor to consider while keeping its external footprint. Small feet were added to solve this and keep a low profile.

Woodworking rewards patience and planning in a way that translates directly back into UX. A missed measurement in the shop is a missed requirement in a spec, and the fix is always more expensive later than earlier.

It is also a nice reminder that the best objects are the ones that quietly do their job, whether that is a drawer that slides smoothly or an interface that gets out of the user's way.