Sept 2015 - July 2017
By Hand & Eye (& Machine)
For nearly two years I had the privilege of working with Yoshihara Furniture Company (YFCO). I began within my comfort zone as a designer; sketching, ideating, and developing concepts.
This quickly transitioned into the role of an apprentice learning the foundations of furniture making. We worked directly upon the design/build of residential, commercial, and retail furniture.
What began as a simple internship grew into a full-fledged flight deepening my understanding and skills relating to craftsmanship, business practices, and hand-building techniques.
Private Residence - Seattle, WA
Fat's Chicken & Waffles - Seattle, WA
Storage Credenza 60"
Design, Build, Learn, Repeat,
"Details are Standard"
Measure twice, cut once is the mantra. Despite our best efforts, mistakes are unavoidable. My time with YFCO taught me to use mistakes as a teaching tool to react, and adapt to unforeseen obstacles.
This reinforced the importance of rapid prototyping and testing techniques before application. When obstacles occur it is important to be able to deal with them effectively.
The ability to observe, adapt, pivot, and react is constantly reinforced within woodworking, and is an invaluable life skill no matter the discipline.
Research & Development
During my time at YFCO I played a pivotal role in the growth of the company. I worked directly with founder Nick Yoshihara upon the further development, standardization, and finalization of YFCO's line of stand-alone furniture. Beyond furniture, I aided in the adoption of safety and business protocols to protect YFCO and its employees.
From the Ground up
Beyond design work, I was an essential part of YFCO's expansion into a larger headquarters in South Park, Seatttle, WA. I was directly involved in the assembly and organization of a new manufacturing shop as well as an office and studio for business and brainstorming.
Honest Expressions
Thoughtful solutions to complex problems is the goal. Often the road to that solution becomes long and twisted. Retaining the integrity of each material used is of utmost importance for any product designer.
Within the furniture industry, affordability generally overshadows and limits quality. At YFCO we worked dilligently to craft high quality products of heirloom quality.
We sourced FSC certified and domestic hardwoods, only dipping into the exotic on specialty jobs. Woodworker is the perfect term as it is not about control, but allowing the wood's voice to sing through each piece. We work to emphasize the inherent qualities of each species rather than fighting to change them.
