My formal introduction to the world of carpentry and joinery began in the summer of 1977 while pursuing my appreciation of nature and architecture through my hobby of photography. Near the coast of Maine I met a craftsman who offered short term employment who stated “not everyone who picks up a hammer is a carpenter”. This comment influenced me through my years of study and apprenticeships.

Returning to Virginia later that year I began working for a local federally assisted housing improvement program.. Working with quality carpenters and university architecture students we assisted many families, providing new roofs, new structural foundation beams, new insulation, new siding, gaining valuable knowledge of the different building trades.

After a year I opted for a 7 year apprenticeship with a high quality journeyman craftsman and builder. Here I learned the true practical definition of craftsmanship and joinery, from the layout of foundations, to custom milled and installed trim, staircases, and on-site cabinet work. To note, this same craftsman is still building today and is renowned for his high standards of quality.

Working as a self-employed subcontractor for the next 17 years, I provided high quality custom carpentry/joinery to contractors, architects and individual homeowners. Projects included turn key custom homes, small additions, sine-wave ceilings, winding staircases, round turrets, walnut handrails with inlaid maple butterflies, large dovetails joints in heart pine beams, nonagon (nine-sided) decks, reworking of a log cabin and numerous kitchens and baths. These years brought contact with various cabinet and furniture shops offering many great learning opportunities and insights into the world of custom woodworking and furniture making.

In my current shop built in 2002, I now design and build custom furnishings which include cabinets, bookcases, doors, moldings, china cupboards, tables, beds and other furnishings for the home. With my 29 years of experience I hope you will keep me in mind to discuss, design and build your next furnishing making your home more beautiful and habitable, together creating a woodworking treasure that you and your family will admire and appreciate for many years.

Please continue to enjoy my website showing a sampling of my work as well as a virtual tour of my shop. Feel free to call or email with questions you may have. If you would like to visit, please contact me for a scheduled appointment time.

Regards,
Bill Sams