We approach our work from the standpoint of the Aristotelian “architect”: the one who aspires to know both the how and the why of the object. For us, the design process is never far from the building process; the what to be built is always informed by the how to be built.
This approach considers the strengths and weaknesses of wood and how to best utilize them to create a work of grace and efficiency.
We can begin from a napkin sketch and a conversation or we can work with existing drawings to implement timber elements in a preexisting program. We frequently work in conjunction with architects, builders and owners to facilitate ideas and design within a given budget. Whatever your needs, Finch Woodworks understands the value of clear communication and will work with you to define and realize your ideas.
We seek a balance of appropriate technologies in our work, and are constantly finding solutions from both medieval and modern times. We often incorporate classical drafting techniques – circular or “daisy wheel” geometry – as a means of designing structures that are mathematically proportional and based on an underlying geometric order. The possibilities of complexity within this system are endless, but require only a compass and straightedge to produce. As a complement, we also use a 3D CAD program to model the frame from the geometrically derived working points. These models provide an opportunity for everyone to see the project more fully and consider the spaces and volumes long before anything is built. Conveniently, these models are easily transferrable into professional quality architectural line drawings which become the basis of the construction documents for planning, permitting, pricing and building.