My wife and I live on 5 acres in Maple Valley, Washington, about 30 miles southeast of Seattle. I have lived here for 25 years. In 2003 we built a new home. I drew up the design, and my wife and I did much of the work ourselves. It was a real opportunity to bring the beautiful materials I work with in the shop, into our home environment. I got to do a lot of timber framing - with beams of clear, old growth Douglas Fir and Western Red Cedar. Our windows are made from Teak and Afromosia, and we have floors of Maple and Marble.

We have an assortment of pets and animals to keep us company, and a small pond that is alive with wild ducks and other water birds. My shop sits on the property, overlooking the pond. My work space is on the second floor, with lots of windows and skylights. The bottom floor is almost all lumber storage (please see my "materials and finish" page for more on this little obsession). I designed and built the shop in 1992. It's a great workspace - I'm sure that if you saw it you would agree that I am quite spoiled.

I am 49 years old, and have been making studio furniture for about 25 years. I have always worked alone. My furniture designs tend to be fairly formal. All are made from solid wood - no veneers. I spend much of my time working with hand tools - carving and shaping. As I have developed skills with hand tools, I have found that this time - quiet time, is about as good as it gets.

At least in the shop.

Ken and Van

I feel very fortunate to do what I do for a living. My work is much more than a job to me - it is my passion.

Thank you for your interest.

Ken Richards