The Man Behind the Craft

From the villages of Bedfordshire to the homes of Southeast Michigan.

Raymond Hammer - Master Carpenter

Meet Raymond Hammer

Raymond’s journey began as a young boy in Clophill, England. In a small village workshop, he had the rare privilege of undergoing a traditional apprenticeship under his father Raymond Hammer's father - master craftsman —a master custom craftsman who instilled in him a reverence for the grain, the tool, and the joint.

With over 40 years of experience, Raymond continues to practice those same timeless techniques. He doesn't just build; he preserves a standard of excellence that has largely disappeared in the age of mass production.

"My father taught me that a piece of furniture isn't finished when it looks good—it's finished when it's structurally perfect for the next hundred years."
Historic Woodwork Restoration

Our Heritage & Philosophy

Raymond’s expertise was forged in the demanding world of English Listed Buildings—the UK equivalent of National Historic Landmarks. Working on structures that have stood for centuries requires more than just skill; it requires a deep historical understanding of period-correct joinery and timber conservation.

Today, he brings that same meticulous care to Michigan’s historic homes and modern estates. Whether he is hand-planing a walnut dining table or restoring a 19th-century mantelpiece, each project reflects a careful design process. Using traditional hand tools alongside modern precision, Raymond honors the original beauty of the wood while ensuring every piece is built to be a future heirloom.