Furniture Philosophy

Rex's first experience at building was in rural Alabama doing barn raising and house repair. His hands-on interest and skill were further developed at the University of Alabama where he received his Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, served as an officer in the Army Corps of Engineers and then as a Manufacturing Engineer for Corning Glass Works. Rex then attended the Wendell Castle Workshop, school for furniture making and design in Scottsville, NY.

From this background, Rex developed his philosophy about building furniture:
"When I think about building a piece of furniture, there are several things that are foremost in my mind. First, as a piece of furniture, it must fulfill it's design function (ie. a chair must be comfortable and stable). Second, the best construction methods should be used so that there will be many years/generations of trouble-free use. Third, since the largest part of the cost of building a piece of furniture is the labor, it is wise to get the most out of that cost by using only the best materials and hardware. Lastly, I give the same attention to detail to the bottom, back and inside of a piece as I do to the easily viewed/touched surfaces. Based upon my background and training, the first things I focus on are the function of the piece and how to build it. Almost without exception, all of my commissions have been designed around a function. Be it a desk, a bed, a bookcase, or a fireplace mantel, the client has always come to me to fill a need. Based upon the function of the piece, I then determine the best construction and joinery methods for the piece - mortise and tenon, dovetails or frame and panel - whichever joinery will allow for wood movement and provide the strength and durability needed for the use of the piece."