golden section

golden section as proportioning tool: drywall frames, quarter-sawn oak liners and cabinetry with black walnut accents and custom pulls

cd columns

rotating column cd storage cabinet in padauk and black walnut

Here's a way to treat a CD collection with respect. The columns spin with a light touch which in turn conceals and protects CDs as well as presents the desirable look of a fine piece of furniture. With sleek modern lines and smooth silent operation, this unique cabinet will add warmth to any music room. I'm toying with the idea of momentary switches and indirect LED lighting to illuminate the jewel cases. How about a belt drive? Better suited to a floor-standing model, though. This one is wall-mounted on a mitre cleat, ideal for hanging above an audio sideboard.

cd columns template

cd columns template

This is a reduction of the full scale drawing that was used as a template to create the various sections and planar reliefs, something that would now be done with CAD/CAM -- a welcome change. As efficient as computers are, however, a brain connected to a hand is still necessary to achieve the finish that defines fine craftsmanship, and I hope this never changes.

dining pavillion

custom dining pavillion in pine, canvas and muslin

Conceived as an ephemeral shelter, the dining pavillion evolved as a metaphor for shell. The 'hard' outer layer, on the windward, exposed side, is an exoskeletal structure of pine stakes and ribs, supporting an inner layer of taut canvas skins. The 'soft' innermost layer is of muslin flags and human meat. Add a barbeque, beer and a sunset, and voilà! A magic picnic.

bentwood laminate chair

custom bentwood chair in mahogany, swiss pear and leather

The structural concept, aesthetic integrity and overall quality of this chair is seemingly unprecedented. I adapted a boat building technique known as cold forming, which appears to have never been applied (as coherently) to a chair. (I'll post a better photo some time). Boats are arguably wood's ultimate form of expression (luthiers, resound!) so taking cues from boat builders seems prudent when one's intent is to maximize material potential. This project just may redefine heirloom wooden chair construction: It will quite likely outlive any other wooden chair design as it is devoid of joinery, being a 3-dimensional piece of plywood. And if you are aware of any projects that may be similar to this, please, share your knowledge!

3D chess set

custom portable 3D chess set in birds eye maple, mexican mahogany and satinwood

Chess is an old, beloved game in no need of improvement. That said, this set adds a new dimension, not only to the game itself, but to the joy of playing on an exquisitley crafted field. The top flips over to become a second board or level, and hence, a third dimension. As you can imagine, the game is played quite differently, though the pieces and the rules remain the same. As an object of intrigue and innovation this set stands apart, and it's a fun game, too! Do you have any ideas for making chessmen?

mahogany coffee table

custom coffe table in honduras mahogany

California roundovers -- smooth to the touch, easy on the eyes, and shins! Mortises, mitred tenons and premium adhesives for superior strengh. A simple, timeless style, to be treasured for generations. My toddler loves this table, around and around, and then falls down and bangs himself, and "look, dad, no blood!"

kitchen and bath

Ikea white lacquer cabinets, hand-oiled white oak and quarter-sawn douglas fir, brushed stainless and aluminum, ceramics and sandblasted glass

Uncommon attention to detail, surface, material selection and execution results in highly functional and 'natural' spaces.


hand-varnished, quarter-sawn douglas fir, sanded acrylic and custom light fixtures
a great mirror for shaving and doing make-up


hung opposing action sliders
when one moves to, the other moves fro!


hung sliding neo-angle shower door -- ever seen one of these?

Hand finishing custom fabricated components soothes the soul like a hot bath. Mindful design and painstaking execution act on the psyche in subtle yet powerful ways, perhaps leaving a bather with a deepened sense of calm, perhaps without an eye or a hand ever revealing the reason. The longer one focuses on an object and a space the more they are imbued with one's intention, according to current quantum theory anyway, and ancient spiritual wisdom.

Taste of Japan

Shinsaibashi alley, Osaka


buddhist art seller's stall, Nara

Not wavewoodesign projects, other than the photos themselves.
I love japanese composition and detailing...

Miracles of Nature

thunder above niagara falls on june 30th, 2005


son below father on march 14th, 2005

Nature is infinitely awesome, inspiring and wise, and ultimately the source of all we make. We are merely vessels of nature through which it self-explores. Enjoy it! And leave a comment somewhere :)