Chesapeake Crafted is a companion business to David Sutphen Design. From the workshops of many craftsmen and makers flows my vision of simple home, farm and garden products – inspired by early American problem solvers. In most cases, these early settlers had one option and that was to “make it.” I found many examples of this inspiration in museums, antique shops, but mostly through my observations while traveling.
Chesapeake Crafted was unofficially founded in 1967, when I was 12. Throughout our home were pieces my father created in his wood shop. It was in his shop that my interest with making things started. This fascination with “can I make this?” literally led to my eventual occupation.
In my 20’s, I set up my own wood shop and began making furniture, strongly influenced by early American cabinet makers. The book Country Furniture by Aldren Watson became my handbook. The satisfaction of working with my hands on these small projects led me to finding employment as a carpenter, gravitating towards the finer tasks of interior trim, cabinets, stair building and millwork.
When I began my home building and restoration company, I incorporated cabinet and millwork whenever the opportunity would allow. I realized that unlike other builders, having the ability to offer this service was unique and over time our company built a reputation for quality, focused on traditional building practices.
During my four decades of crafting and residential building, I have amassed a wealth of relationships with some of the best tradesmen and makers within the Chesapeake watershed.
My interest in “creating” never waned. Many of the pieces I made in my 20s and 30s are still in use in our home. By designing and crafting my version of simple, practical, long-lasting products – Chesapeake Crafted was born.
