As a boat builder and wood worker, I have always felt fortunate to have been formally trained as a fine artist. I first started working with wood in 1991, out of a need for simple, elegant picture frames to display my photography. The frames I made soon became popular among my friends and peers, and I set up a business making and selling them. Around that time, I also began designing and building furniture to satisfy a desire for simple pieces for my own use.  Out of this grew another side business, building futon frames that were simple, put together without screws or bolts and folded flatter to move easier. I continued to do woodworking for several years, but did not make it a full-time pursuit until I co-founded the Philadelphia Wooden Boat Factory in 1996.

   I have been an avid sailor since high school, when my father introduced me to the sport. I was immediately drawn to the beauty and the independence of being on the open water. I spent many hours on the water by myself and learned skills ranging from navigation to engine maintenance, further developing my creative and pioneering spirit. Sailing also fostered confidence in myself and my ability to solve problems.

  Teaching that would develop self-confidence and problem-solving abilities led to the development of the Wooden Boat Factory.  Our initial purpose was simply to teach boat building to young people. Once we held our first classes, our philosophy of developing skills through illustrating their purpose while building a boat began to emerge.

Through visiting my projects page you can get an idea of the variety and quality of my workmanship.  My last project was a 18' open daysailor, I designed and built for a client who will use the boat in Long Island Sound. 

Working as a designer and builder of custom wooden boats has enabled me to explore varied interests: art, creativity, problem-solving, fascination with wood and a respect for the self-reliance inherent in maritime pursuits. Boat building is a wonderful blend of art and science, physics and history as well as aesthetics and practicality. The building process is something I understand and enjoy.  I am grateful to have the opportunity to create and build boats.