Boardroom Table Delivery

Michael Moore talks about wood:

I specialize in working with Vancouver Island’s native woods and my favourites are Arbutus, Garry Oak and Western Maple. Because some of the wood species are protected, the wood is only available if it has fallen naturally or if an arborist has been involved to determine if the tree can be removed. I consider these woods precious resources.

It is great to be able to select the log, mill it and dry the lumber. I know I have in stock and where it came from. I usually allow the wood to dry for two or three years before using it for furniture I like to be part of the story of the wood whenever possible and my clients appreciate knowing the history and becoming part of the tree’s story as well.

What drives me is the continuous opportunities to challenge my skill level. I am constantly working at making my shop more efficient and increasing my technical capabilities and I enjoy the problem solving aspect of working on a complex piece. I mix old techniques with modern, depending on the situation. Sometimes I will employ the use of a computer router for accurate cutting of inlays or curves and sometimes I will use hand shaping techniques which allows me to achieve a higher level of quality that just can’t be done with machines. I love the tools and the sawdust and the whole process. I am very fortunate that the way I make my living is also my hobby!

The boardroom table above was inspired by a table designed by Canadian furniture designer/maker, Michael Fortune. The wood is quilted Western Maple veneer with Arbutus Burl veneer and Ebony inlays. The double pedestal base has rollers which allows the table to expand to14′-0. The two 20” leaves can be added to the middle to create a triple diamond design.

Michael Moore - FAN Chair

Pamella Moore talks about design:

Michael and I have been designing together since 1993 and after many brainstorming sessions we have perfected a system of working together. Like most furniture makers, we learn and are inspired by both past masters and current, contemporary studio furniture makers. Our goal is to have the pieces speak for themselves; details should be subtle and understated and most importantly, the furniture needs to work well ergonomically and look good. The proportions must appear correct and the design must serve its function, but there should also be an inherent beauty that draws the viewer. Wood is a tactile material and people find it irresistible to touch.

There is a level of trust between the client and the furniture maker. Our clients select us because they like our design sensibility and we listen well to their ideas and directions. Each commission is an exciting opportunity to explore a different design direction. We are always seeking fresh ideas and ever increasing technical challenges. Over the years our furniture designs have evolved but a similar theme carries through. We describe our design aesthetic as being ‘clean and simple’. The people who choose to have custom furniture made are often keenly interested in the whole process and our clients are always welcome to visit the shop to see how their furniture is coming along.

FAN Chair

Not all of the furniture we make is of our own design. Sometimes we find a design by others that we adapt for our client. The Fan chair was designed by US furniture maker, William Walker. Michael used contrasting woods and an ebony inlay to show off the curves of the chair back. William, we are big fans of your chair!

Michael loves to build chairs and has made well over 150 chairs in a variety of designs over the past few years. We often add curves to our designs and a recent challenge was a set of dining chairs that is an amalgamation of a few Danish modern designs that we like. We named our chair ‘Hans 57” after the Danish furniture designer/maker, Hans Wegner but the inter-locking joinery details can be attributed to another master, Sam Maloof.

A successful design brings enormous satisfaction and provides us with the momentum to continue designing and making studio furniture.

We invite you to visit the studio workshop by appointment to view the latest work or discuss a project.

Michael at the bandsaw, cutting EK chair crest rails

Hans 57 Chairs - glue up

Hans 57 Chairs - final sanding