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.
The focus of Chesapeake Crafted is to design and construct one-of-a-kind pieces that clients may not be able to find to suit their unique needs. While strongly influenced by my background in woodworking, these pieces are not limited to wood only.
Designed and formed from natural materials – Chesapeake Crafted pays careful attention to quality of construction that should last generations.
In some cases, a Chesapeake Crafted product, may humbly be a better version of an existing product. This might include a table sized-to-fit a specific space; a custom sized fireplace screen, removable garden fence panels or a patio table built of material that will last 50+ years. These pieces are designed and built to order. This process assures the design will complement a client’s existing home, architecture, or décor.
Chesapeake Crafted also sees value in repurposing. This may be an item that has a sentimental connection but you’re unsure on how to transform it into something usable. Together, we will find a solution that creates a memorable piece of art or sculpture – or a focal point in a table, chair, or headboard.
“The greatest use of life is to spend it on something that will outlast it.” – William James
A Chesapeake Crafted piece are not intended to be mass-produced or commercialized. Designs do not follow trends. No planned obsolescence in any piece.
If you have a specific need and find it elsewhere, by all means, buy it – production products are fine if they serve your purpose.
But if your home, farm, or garden needs something that can’t be found let’s talk about how a well-designed and quality-built original piece, made from natural materials, can become an enduring addition to a Life Well Lived.
