Tim Kennedy of Wyewood Custom Cabinets smiles broadly when he talks about his career as a custom cabinet maker.

Kennedy in his workshop at home.

“I have only one specialty – carpentry, and maybe gardening… I’ve been doing this since I was 15,” he says. “That’s 24 years, now.”

Kennedy, a master, expands on the challenge he finds in creating fine furniture from scratch. “I love working on stuff other people can’t do, like hand-turned and curved pieces. I build to exact specs and make it so everything is perfect.”

Kennedy’s eyes light up when he talks about the creative process that results in a myriad of furnishings for his clients – everything from custom dining room and bedroom suites, built-in entertainment units and kitchen cabinets, to custom bars.

“I work with designers and from architects’ drawings, as well as clients’ ideas,” he explains. “I ask people to find a picture of something they like. I build from a picture and make something to fit their exact requirements. The thrill for me is starting from raw boards or rough-sawn lumber and coming up with a fine finished product.”

Kennedy’s designs are practical, yet they add beauty, depth and dimension to special kitchens.

“My father wanted us to be doctors or lawyers, but, with my brother, who’s also a talented cabinet maker, my dad ended up with tradesmen,” laughs Kennedy. “But recently I found out that my great-grandfather was a cabinet maker, so, I guess it’s in my blood. After 24 years, I still love it! I’m good at geometry. I enjoy doing fine work – something I have to think about, something creative.”

Kennedy’s wife Katherine breaks through Tim’s modesty. “His turnings are incredible,” she says. “He does everything by eye. Now that’s talent!” Katherine is right and that’s why Kennedy’s many customers come to him by word-of-mouth and why he already wants to expand his new woodworking shop in Wyevale.

A view of Tim’s unique reproduction of the famous American architect and designer Frank Lloyd Wright’s historic dining room suite, which Kennedy created from only a small newspaper photo, is stunning, as is the sight of his finely crafted scalloped provincial coffee table fashioned from curly maple.

Kennedy is a master carpenter who specializes in custom furniture and cabinetry.

It’s rare that a man can create everything from fine furniture to wooden coffered ceilings for a variety of institutional, business and individual clients.

Kennedy’s expert craftsmanship is reflected in his designs, fashioned from hardwoods like cherry and maple. It’s easy to see that his love of wood has born fruit in the wonderful furniture he has created.