About Me
Hi, I’m Adam—founder of The Happy Woodwright. My journey into woodworking started early, watching This Old House and The New Yankee Workshop as a kid, captivated by the way raw materials could become something lasting and meaningful. I took a few woodshop classes in middle and high school, but it wasn’t until we left city life for a quieter, more rural setting that the craft truly took root.
At first, I built small home projects—shelves, planters, simple repairs. My first big piece was a bookcase made from basic Home Depot lumber and plywood. It wasn’t perfect, but it sparked something. From there, I dove deeper: experimenting with joinery, exploring furniture design, and eventually road-tripping to small mills and local suppliers to source unique woods.
For a while, I was drawn to exotic hardwoods from around the world. But the more I learned, the more I questioned where that wood came from—and what impact it had. That curiosity led me to discover incredible sources like Street Tree Revival, Angel City Lumber, Ross Alan Reclaimed, and many more. These businesses rescue urban trees, salvage old beams, and give forgotten wood a second life. That’s the kind of story I want to build into every piece.
Today, I work primarily with urban lumber, salvaged wood, and sustainable materials. I buy full slabs and raw chunks when I can—it’s more economical and gives me flexibility in milling. I also keep and reuse offcuts from every project, minimizing waste and honoring the full potential of each tree.
Creativity energizes me. Whether I’m crafting a one-of-a-kind gift or a custom piece of furniture, I strive to make something that lasts—and that means something. Every item I make comes with a provenance card, detailing where the wood came from, how it was harvested, and who supplied it. You can view and share these stories right here on my site.
Eventually, I plan to share more of my process on YouTube—so you can see not just what I make, but how and why I make it.
Thanks for being here. I hope you find something that speaks to you
My Mission
To honor the legacy of every tree by transforming salvaged and sustainable wood into heirloom pieces with provenance, purpose, and heart.
Create Sustainably
I believe beautiful, lasting work doesn’t have to come at the environment’s expense. I prioritize urban lumber, salvaged wood, and responsible sourcing—crafting with care and minimizing waste at every step.
Embrace Provenance & Story
Every tree has a past—maybe it came from a city street, a backyard, or a century-old beam. I trace that history and share it through provenance cards and transparent sourcing. When you know where your piece came from, it becomes more than furniture—it becomes part of your story too.
Create Emotional Connections
I don’t just build furniture—I build meaning. My goal is for you to feel proud of what you bring into your home, knowing it was made with intention, integrity, and a story worth sharing.