Brandon Leary

Student of Vermont Wood­work­ing School, study­ing fine furniture design.

For me, wood­work­ing started off as house projects, outdoor furni­ture, and classes at the local Wood­Craft store. The deci­sion to change career paths after 10 years in the fitness indus­try came quickly when I was accepted into the VWS immer­sion program. I went to school for exer­cise science at Virginia Common­wealth Univer­sity and landed a job at a local gym right after grad­u­a­tion. I was lucky enough to meet many incred­i­ble people that have supported me in my new venture. Now in my 3rd semes­ter at VWS, this school|community|lifestyle|geographic area are places I feel most comfort­able and some­where I am proud to learn this traditional craft. 

I don’t pull design or style from a partic­u­lar move­ment or maker, as person­ally I enjoy styles from shaker to louis XIV. The furni­ture I have been design­ing and build­ing at school has been gothic|dracula themed, but in a cleaner and sharper form. All the walnut used has been sourced by a small sawmill in Virginia.