Business Details
33 Years
experience
Custom Handcrafted Furniture & Woodworking Workshops
Gochnour Design has been crafting handcrafted fine furniture and sharing woodworking expertise for over three decades. Founded by Chris Gochnour, our studio combines traditional techniques with modern design to create bespoke pieces for homes and offices across the Intermountain West. Our work reflects a deep commitment to quality, using solid, handpicked woods and time-honored joinery methods. As a nationally recognized hand-tool expert, we specialize in restoring vintage tools and integrating them into contemporary craftsmanship. Through workshops and one-on-one instruction, we actively teach traditional woodworking techniques to aspiring artisans. Our contributions to Fine Woodworking magazine and collaborations with institutions like the Marc Adams School of Woodworking underscore our industry leadership.Every commission, from Shaker-style sideboards to custom skateboards, demonstrates our dedication to preserving woodworking heritage while innovating for modern needs. The studio maintains rigorous quality standards, personally overseeing each project from concept to completion. Our team balances artistic vision with practical functionality, ensuring every piece meets exacting durability and aesthetic criteria. This enduring commitment to craftsmanship has earned recognition, including featured furniture in the Utah Governor's formal office.
Services
Furniture Design
Woodworking Workshops
Custom Commissions
Tool Restoration
Traditional Techniques Instruction
Details
- Year established: 1993
Highlights and features
- 30 years of experience in traditional woodworking techniques
- Handcrafted quality with solid, handpicked woods
- Expert instruction from nationally recognized artisans
- Published expertise in Fine Woodworking magazine
- Custom solutions for residential and commercial spaces
Services
Custom Commissions
Gochnour Design creates one-of-a-kind furniture pieces tailored to client specifications. Using traditional hand-tool techniques, we craft dining tables, cabinets, and specialty items from premium solid woods. Each commission receives personalized attention from design through completion, ensuring perfect integration with the client's space and style preferences.
Woodworking Workshops
We offer hands-on instruction in traditional woodworking methods at our Salt Lake City studio and partner institutions. Classes cover furniture making, joinery techniques, and hand-tool proficiency for both beginners and advanced woodworkers. Small group settings ensure personalized guidance while working with professional-grade equipment and materials.
Tool Restoration
Our expertise extends to reviving antique woodworking tools for modern use. We meticulously restore planes, saws, and chisels, preserving historical integrity while optimizing functionality. This service caters to collectors and professionals seeking authentic tools with renewed performance capabilities for contemporary projects.
Traditional Techniques
We specialize in time-tested woodworking approaches including hand-cut joinery and manual finishing processes. These methods produce durable, high-quality results while maintaining connection to historical craftsmanship. Clients benefit from enhanced structural integrity and unique aesthetic characteristics unachievable through modern mass-production techniques.
Design Consultation
Our consultation service guides clients through material selection, spatial requirements, and functional needs for custom furniture projects. We provide detailed design proposals and dimensional drawings to ensure perfect execution. This service ensures seamless integration of bespoke pieces within residential or commercial environments while maintaining structural and visual harmony.
People
Chris Gochnour
Owner & Master Woodworker
With 30 years of experience, Chris Gochnour is a nationally recognized hand-tool expert and contributing editor to Fine Woodworking magazine. He teaches at Salt Lake Community College and the Marc Adams School of Woodworking, specializing in traditional techniques. His work includes the Utah Governor's formal office furniture.
Questions
What types of furniture do you create?
We specialize in custom Shaker, Arts and Crafts, French country, American Southwest, and contemporary styles using traditional hand-tool techniques.
Do you offer woodworking classes?
Yes, we provide workshops at our Salt Lake City studio and partner institutions like the Marc Adams School of Woodworking.
Can I commission a custom piece?
Absolutely. We create bespoke furniture tailored to your specifications, from initial design to final installation.
What areas do you serve?
While based in Utah, we serve clients throughout the Intermountain West region.
