As I explore BC this Summer, what I have been most inspired by is the natural beauty of this incredible province. At every turn, our local resources make a statement, whether untouched in nature or repurposed for design. This week we are taking note from our beautiful home and looking at five of our area’s top woodworkers who bring the art of wood into local decor.

1. KATE DUNCAN DESIGN.
A self-proclaimed ‘badass woodworker with a serious side of sass’, Kate Duncan has been a frontrunner in the Vancouver design and woodworking scene for years. Her signature nod to the traditions of joinery combined with a beautifully structured modernity has built a fanbase  for her designs that far exceeds our city limits. When I asked Kate what inspires her to create, she shared “The thought that my work will last for generations to come. I always wonder who my work will get passed on to and what kind of life each piece will lead… “. 

2. BOWYER & TOULSON.  
With a studio located just outside the city in Ladner, the team at Bowyer & Toulson has taken the unique design philosophy to work with timber from the local landscape and give new life to trees that have fallen from natural causes or been removed. The life of each tree is respected and lives on within the end product, as each of their pieces are handcrafted from a single board. Offering an array of serving and cutting boards, the brand designs small collections of products that bring the beauty of wood into functional decor. Available at Nineteen Ten Home.

3. MTH WOODWORKS.  
Since 2010, Micheal Thomas Host has reshaped the boundaries of creating high end  wood furnishings. Blending his family history in forestry and years of experience building yachts, Michael has designed a niche collection of furnishings and art combining salvaged wood and resin epoxy. Engaged in the Vancouver art scene, Michael keeps finding unique ways to collaborate and share his work – most recently he joined forces with local real estate duo Ashley Smith and Thu Pham to create a Pop Up Gallery within a luxury penthouse suite that was offered for sale. In a swanky New York-esque take on an open house, Michael’s work was featured throughout the loft as potential buyers mingled over a scotch tasting rather than a traditional condo showing. 

4. UNION WOOD CO.
Union Wood Co. has become a household name for reclaimed wood furnishings since they opened up shop in 2009. With a heavy utilitarian influence, Union’s custom pieces bring high end, polished designs to market that pay homage to the nostalgia of Vancouver’s forgotten industrial foundries. A go-to for designers, the local shop creates upscale furnishings that add a coveted element of edginess to even the most contemporary space.

5. BOWERMAN’S HANDCRAFTED FURNITURE.  
With a history in restoring antiques and artifacts, it’s no surprise that Rick Bowerman has built a name for himself through attention to detail and quality craftsmanship. Located in Squamish, Bowerman’s designs both furniture and custom millwork and cabinetry, making them a sought after choice for homeowners when seeking a full service woodworking studio.