About Tom

I believe great work is more than technical skill.  It is a chance for the maker to add artistry, to make the work interesting, special - to go beyond the design, to create a unique work that shows the maker’s style and care.  It is what I try to achieve in all my work.

I began construction in Berkeley doing remodeling of beautiful old craftsmen era houses.  From laborer to carpenter, I learned the basics of concrete, framing and finish work.  

 I went to Oregon and  was able to build  houses, framing, flooring, stairs. Then in several small shops building doors, windows and furniture.  I planted trees, worked in the woods, and saw the lumber industry from the forests to the mills.  I decided a shop and specialty work - stairs, doors and interior finish was the right path.

I moved back to Berkeley's beautiful houses and opened my shop.   I design and build.  If you have designer I will collaborate with them, bringing a wide range of skills to the project.

I grew up in Berkeley and went to U.C. Berkeley as a biology major.  I wandered into the Cal boxing gym,  became team captain and eventually coached the team for six years.  I decided Oregon would be a nice change and it was there I developed my shop skills, then returned to Berkeley and met my wife Sarah.  She is a marine scientist and we share a love of the ocean plus our two girls Rose and Marina.  We camp up and down the coast surfing, kayaking and diving.

In my spare time I escape to the Mendocino coast, kayak out to a kelp bed and dive for fish, abalone and crabs.  I bring stories and creatures back for my girls, thankful for the life I lead.