Our Philosophy, Creative Problem Solving & Your Living Space

Nature is the driving force behind our inspiration, conservation efforts, and connection to our most core selves. Because we are sensitive to the environment & our surroundings, we try to look at each project's unique needs. This is a story of our philosophy in action.

When we first started, we took on a special tree removal job after an ancient oak was damaged in the derecho of 2012 that hit Montgomery County, VA.  To say the least, this job was not anywhere near our wheelhouse. This particular tree was special to our client, and it was standing in a precarious location close to the client’s carport & driveway.  Other companies were not willing to work with our client with the carport in place. They also sadly couldn’t promise not to damage the yard or driveway.  

We repurposed a portion of the tree into outdoor seating so the client can remember her beloved tree and keep it on her property in Blacksburg, VA in some way.

After assessing the client’s needs, some discussion and brainstorming, we were able to come up with a plan that took the tree down safely and without removing the carport or leaving any damage to the yard or asphalt driveway.  Our client was very emotional about the loss of this beloved standing member of her property, so with care and sensitivity, we removed the tree.  Portions of the tree were kept and turned into outdoor seating areas, donated to a local sawmill for reuse as building materials, and turned into a bowl keepsake for our client. Though we are not specialists in this work, it was important to us to find a solution where others refused. We have a general philosophy of always saying “yes” and finding solutions to any problem.

Listening to our client needs we heard how special this tree was to our client, so we repurposed every part of the tree to build custom outdoor seating and bowl keepsake.

This project brought forth contacts and procedures that have been integrated in our builds throughout the years. Since then we continue to use local artisans and woodworkers to bring special projects that use trees that are removed, or various other interesting detail to each project. At the beginning of each build we take the time to identify old or interesting trees which we take to our mill and then kiln dry to extend those lives wherever possible. That connection and integration ties us to our client and our community and reminds us all to be mindful of our surroundings.

-Meredith & Derick