The ultimate purpose of making a living is to be satisfied in one's occupation; that the work itself is reason enough to be engaged.

Not only is it important that the project be done well but that it exceeds the expectations of the client in function and especially form. This is accomplished by high attention to detail. A piece is designed so it is in harmony with geographical location, architechtural consideration of where the piece is placed, the proportions of the room and most importantly the piece should reflect the individual tastes and sentiments of the client. Design should be minimally affected by what is easy to build, standard mainstream conventions and designers' tastes and predispositions, instead it should be unique to the individual's standards. It is as the Chinese say: "In matters of taste there are no disputes". The designeers true task is simply to pull together and make sense of all the information presented and only offer creative inspiration and guidance where it is truly needed.

All the client needs to know before working with the designer are wo things, the function of the piece (Media center, kitchen cabinets, amoire, etc...) and what they do and don't like as far as styles and decor. This s usually apparent by what has already been accumulated such as artwork, furniture and rugs.

After consulting with the client a design concept and proposal is submitted along with finished wood, door and molding samples. In some instances the piece is drawn full scale so the details and proportions can be clearly realized. On some projects the piece is actually drawn on the wall where the final work will be installed. Depending upon the complexity of a project the client will be invited to inspect the piece at the shop while being built to offer input and approve design modifications. This is to assure the client that their wishes are being met and that the quality is up to the client's expectations.

Attention to detail is most important during the shop phase. Particular attention is paid to wood grains, color, molding details, reveals and transitions. This is the "microscope and magnifying glass" portion of the project. For example, if there are three pieces of wood next to each other, their respective grain direction, type and color are taken into conideration. This is done for every piece no matter how simple the design or function. The overall effect is undeniable even to the casual observer. As Meise Vandr Rohe once said "God is in the details".