About

My first experience with timber frame was with a custom builder in Eugene, Oregon. In 1992, I began timber framing full-time in the Hayward/Cable area of northwest Wisconsin. Most early customers were avid cross country skiers who wanted the handcrafted timber work in their homes and cabins they had seen on skiing trips to Scandinavia and northern Europe. This required in depth study of traditional timber craft, and development of innovative ways to make the old compatible with modern building techniques.

Over the years, new designs have been driven by customer demand.  A traditional Norwegian structure is enhanced if designed to accommodate a traditional sod roof. A Japanese-inspired building is authenticated by a curved roof line. Craftsman style requires keeping lines clean and simple. Of special interest today is the challenge of incorporating timber work into the super-energy efficient homes of the future making them  not only practical, but aesthetically pleasing.

I take on only a small number of projects each year. Each project, big or small, from house frames, garden structures, to fireplace mantels, each project receives the same attention to detail from the initial planning to final completion. Customers can be as involved in the entire process as they choose. Some are deeply involved in the design work. Some choose to act as their own general contractor. Some wish to make the raising of a timber frame into a celebration for family and friends. This degree of flexibility to individual needs is a major advantage of dealing with a small owner operated business.

In 2001, the timber workshop was relocated to my hometown of Lanesboro, in southeastern Minnesota. Since all timber frame is crafted entirely in the shop prior to being hauled to the building site for assembly, travel is not a major issue. Projects have been completed as far north as Bayfield, Wisconsin and closer to home base in Rochester, Minnesota.

In 2019, I began to transition from building timber frames to crafting folk art. I am currently pursuing my interest in traditional Norwegian wood carving. You can see my latest work on the folk art project page.