• Elegance

a. Our designs are for long lines. Both George Nakashima and Frank Lloyd Wright were fond of the big horizontals in their designs. The use of "Tension" with overhangs and cantilevers in the design can be very beautiful.

b. We intend to create furniture of enduring beauty.

c. We prefer to make furniture with flexibility in mind. A cabinet may be used against the wall in this application but should also be made so that it can stand alone with its back exposed in its next placement. Our furniture is meant to be viewed from all angles.

• Simplicity

a. It is our decision to keep the work simple and clean.

b. Simplicity does not mean simple or something without the need of skill. To us, it means that good joinery and craftsmanship allows the furniture to be much more elegant in appearance while remaining strong.

• Structural Integrity

a. We design within the confines of material requirements and the demands of a clean design. Choosing the right material is critically important for strength. We select for right specie and the right grain and the right grain orientation.

b. Hand selecting the materials to be used in structural components leads to greater flexibility in how lean a design can be. Specie, health of the tree in life, proper care in milling and drying all affect how a piece of wood can and should be used.

• Functional

a. Dining tables should be made so you and your guests are comfortable and conversations are welcome. As with chairs, some pieces should lean towards their intended purpose rather than become artistic experiments that cannot be used.

b. We believe that cabinets too are meant to be useful, convenient, objects that help us organize the silverware, placemats, candle-holders and other dining accoutrements. Our special drawer inserts are a signature part of all our cabinets that we hope that you find useful.

c. A coffee table serves a function as well. However, this is one piece that can be as full of character as you can tolerate - burls, root sections, and other "one-off" highly figured pieces work exceptionally well in this manner.

• No shortcuts

• Focus on the Beauty of the Wood

a. Wood is a beautiful substance. It varies in color, grain pattern, and density. We will help you understand the good and "not so good" attributes of each material choice.

b. Getting the "feel" right on a piece is actually the biggest challenge in bringing together nice material, fine craftsmanship and great design. This is why it is so important that you visit to pick out your dining table top, coffee table top etc.

c. Some species of tree seem to be more straightforward, others are more "wild" and the wood planks reflect these personalities. What is most appealing to you ? Light or dark ? Busy or refined ? Let us know and we'll help you find something that you really like.

• Influenced by the work of George Nakashima

a. Obviously, Ru's work bears the influence of his Grandfather's work ­ he was a special man and he and Ru were very close.

b. Continuous innovation and an evolution to modern aesthetics differentiate our work.

c. Modern jointery techniques and hardware improve the aesthetics.

d. Aesthetic refinement with the use of sculpted bases and tabletops.