Our Studio

JUSTIN

FOUNDER & WOODWORKER

Justin founded Fernweh Woodworking in 2015 in Bend, OR. With this step into the unknown, he found his deep passion for design through woodworking, eventually specializing in furniture. He developed the Sling Chair and Tripod Table in 2017, which led to his full line of small-batch hand-crafted furniture with the Oxbend Collection in 2020. Justin draws inspiration from Sam Maloof's passion and work ethic, Hans Wegner's practicality, and Finn Juhl's perfect curves. After studying business at Purdue University, he joined the Marine Corps and deployed with an Afghan Police advisory team. He later moved to Oregon to join a wildland fire Hotshot crew, starting Fernweh during the fire off-season.

BARBARA

SALES & MARKETING LEAD

Barbara was first introduced to the world of design by vintage furniture collector and dealer George Champion, after studying Fine Art at the University of San Francisco. Seeing the world of design through the lens of history gave her the vigor to further understand the craft. Upon moving to Oregon she joined The Good Mod working as sales, buyer, and showroom curator. This is where paths converged and Justin and Barbara first met. Barbara joined Fernweh in 2021 and is (remotely) running the Sales & Marketing side of Fernweh, as well as keeping the whole team on track with timely delivery and shipment coordination.

AARON

PRODUCTION MANAGER & WOODWORKER

Aaron joined Fernweh in 2022, moving from Minnesota to lead the wood shop team. He developed his woodworking skills in his grandpa's shop as a kid and later worked as a framer. After serving in the Marine Corps as an Airframe Mechanic shop manager on C-130's, he studied under Tim Rousseau at the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship in Maine. Aaron's expertise was instrumental in developing the fjoon collection and Nyala batch fabrication techniques. In his spare time, he creates custom flag displays for military funerals.

MATTHEW

WOODWORKER

Matt began woodworking in 2019, after he built a small nightstand in his apartment and decided he wanted to keep making things. Over the following years and after many late nights in the shop, he realized woodworking was more than a hobby and instead a true passion. Transitioning from working in the Mental Health field, he packed his truck and moved to Maine to attend the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship’s 9-Month comprehensive, where he was mentored by a master design maker, Aled Lewis. In his spare time, Matt enjoys hanging out with his dog Paloma, road trips and spending time dreaming up his next big project.

JOSH

WOODWORKER

Josh has traded his background in engineering, tech, and psychology for his love of fine furniture, metal fabrication, and sculpture. When not shaping steel or wood, he’s seeking to better understand history, planning a new adventure, or cooking overly-ambitious dishes with his wife.

ZACH

WOODWORKER