My Story

 I’m a detail-oriented, jack-of-all-trades craftsman. I can offer my skills in woodworking and other traditional crafts with experience working on small and large-scale creations and research in multiple languages for accuracy of design and methods. I’m adaptive and able to thrive in fast paced, collaborative environments, or find peace in tedium while maintaining an eye for precision and deadlines.

As a 3rd-generation woodworker, most of my youth involved the shop, where any outlandish idea could be brought to life. Any night I was not in the shop, I worked in my father’s dental lab, waxing, polishing and honing my precision to medical-grade standards. Over time, my interests expanded into costuming, painting, forging, boat building, and anything that allowed me to bring these musings into reality. I soon joined a local ceramics studio, learning to sculpt and collaborating with artists in both the US and Mexico. My broad range of skills, aided by dedication and persistence makes me comfortable with deadlines and able to tackle daunting tasks such as learning to construct a ukulele in 13 days!

During college, my interests broadened as I learned about the cultural roots and scientific intricacies behind crafting, studying genetically modified trees, the psychology of creativity, and religious influence on Japanese woodworking. During my summers, I attended the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship, learning advanced joinery and design concepts.

 

After college I returned to California, where in addition to crafting, I worked in a $100K/week sales deli, regularly operating as manager, developing effective team communication skills, an eye for safety, and excellent guest service in stressful situations.

In 2019, I moved to Japan where I teach 300+ students and must use my knowledge of Japanese culture and relationships with each student to create customized lessons, often with minutes notice. Additionally I have set up a small shop to continue crafting anything that pops into my mind, from cabinetry to prototyping new clothes for Japanese archery practitioners with disabilities.