Business Details
27 Years
experience
Crafting Timeless Contemporary Furniture in Chestertown, MD
Robert Ortiz Studios has dedicated 38 years to mastering the art of furniture craftsmanship, operating in Chestertown, Maryland for 26 years. Our work merges Shaker and Japanese design traditions with contemporary sensibilities, creating custom pieces that honor both material and client vision. Each itemwhether chair, table, cabinet, or bedis meticulously crafted from carefully selected woods, reflecting decades of expertise and a deep respect for natural materials.Our workshops offer immersive, hands-on experiences where participants learn professional techniques to create their own furniture under expert guidance. We prioritize precision, artistry, and the transformative power of handmade objects, ensuring every project embodies both functional beauty and enduring quality. Clients benefit from personalized service, tailored workshops, and a commitment to preserving traditional craftsmanship in modern design.
Services
Custom Furniture Design
Furniture Workshops
Wood Selection
Table Making
Cabinet Crafting
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- We offer 38 years of expertise in traditional and contemporary furniture craftsmanship.
- Our work merges Shaker and Japanese design principles with modern functionality.
- Custom workshops provide hands-on learning in a professional woodworking environment.
- Each piece is crafted from carefully selected, high-quality hardwoods.
- Personalized service tailored to clients' unique aesthetic and functional needs.
What people say
Extraordinary blend of artistry and craftsmanship
Privilege to work with finest woodworkers
Immense patience and knowledge
Transformative hands-on experience
Pieces reveal deeper beauty over time
Services
Custom Furniture Design
We create one-of-a-kind furniture pieces tailored to client specifications using Shaker and Japanese design principles. Our process begins with wood selection, followed by collaborative design refinement and meticulous handcrafting. Clients receive functional art that balances aesthetic elegance with enduring quality, made from sustainably sourced hardwoods.
Furniture Workshops
Immersive one-on-one workshops teach professional furniture-making techniques in our fully equipped studio. Participants learn to design, cut, join, and finish a custom table over 3-6 days. No prior experience requiredprojects adapt to skill levels, culminating in a handmade piece the student takes home as a tangible achievement.
Wood Selection
We handpick premium hardwoods based on grain patterns, stability, and workability to match each project's requirements. Our selection process emphasizes sustainability and material integrity, ensuring every slab enhances the final piece's beauty and durability. Clients may participate in choosing wood for their custom furniture.
People
Robert Ortiz
Owner & Master Craftsman
With 38 years of experience, Robert Ortiz blends Shaker and Japanese traditions in contemporary furniture design. He has operated his Chestertown studio for 26 years, teaching workshops and creating bespoke pieces that highlight material integrity and craftsmanship.
Anatole Burkin
Former Editor, Fine Woodworking
Recognized Robert Ortiz's work for its subtle detail and material respect, noting how each piece reveals deeper appreciation upon inspection. Provided editorial endorsement of Ortiz's craftsmanship through published testimonials.
Rick Hearne
Owner, Hearne Hardwoods
Collaborated with Robert Ortiz as a wood supplier, acknowledging his unique ability to merge artistry and craftsmanship. Described Ortiz as a rare woodworker whose work reflects profound respect for natural materials and human creativity.
Questions
What types of furniture can Robert Ortiz Studios create?
We specialize in contemporary pieces rooted in Shaker and Japanese traditions, including chairs, tables, cabinets, and beds. Each item is custom-designed to meet specific client needs while maintaining material integrity.
Are the furniture-making workshops suitable for beginners?
Yes—our one-on-one workshops accommodate all skill levels. Projects adapt to individual experience, teaching professional techniques from design to finishing. No prior woodworking experience is required.
How does the custom furniture process work?
The process begins with client consultation to understand functional and aesthetic goals. We select appropriate materials, develop design sketches, and refine details before beginning handcrafting. Clients receive regular updates throughout production.
What materials do you use in your furniture?
We work with sustainably sourced hardwoods chosen for grain patterns and stability. Our selection includes exotic and domestic species, with clients often participating in the wood selection process for their custom pieces.
How long do furniture workshops last?
Workshops typically run 3-6 days depending on project complexity. We offer two new three-day options for those with limited availability while maintaining the depth of professional training.
