- About
I graduated from ” The School for American Craftsmen” at Rochester Institute for Technology in Rochester NY with an AOS degree in 1991. This was an intensive two year program in furniture design and construction. The program was originally taught at Wendell Castle’s studio in Scottsville NY until it was sold to RIT in 1988.
I have been designing and building custom furniture for my clients from 1991 to present day. My design influences are Art Nouveau, Arts and Crafts, Mission, Art Deco, Mid Century Modern and Asian Architecture and furniture. I work in a variety of materials but primarily with domestic hardwoods and veneers and some Exotic veneers. I match my materials and finishes to each commission according to what will produce the best piece of furniture and showcase the woods used and enhance their beauty. My design philosophy for speculative work is to start with simple forms with good proportions and clean lines. Then I add details like simple curves, edge details and custom pulls to enhance the design. I strive for simple elegance. I use the same principles when designing for my clients. I work with my clients listening to their specific needs and any to clues as to what kind of direction I should go design wise. I want the piece to meet all of my clients needs at the end of the day. Ultimately, I want my client to smile every time they look at the piece in their home. If I can achieve this I then feel I have created a successful design as well as an heirloom piece of furniture. This is what feeds my artist soul.
- Region
- Scottsville, NY
- Website
- cymafurnituredesign.com
- Media
- Wood
- Professional Status
- Maker