With sawdust running through his veins, George Sawyer has become a staple furniture maker that follows traditional woodworking techniques with a timeless and modern twist. Simultaneously admiring and growing up in his father’s Windsor Chair shop, Sawyer was immediately rooted in the history and functionality of American Windsor tradition. Sawyer Made has been featured in countless publications such as Luxe Magazine, The New York Times and now aspire design and home. Sawyer also has the esteemed pleasure to be a part of a group show at the Brattleboro Museum + Art Center, this fall of 2021. Introducing this week’s Maker Monday, George Sawyer of Sawyer Made.
This decked-out-in-black kitchen features Sawyer Made Hunter Bar Stools. The seats were hand-carved with traditional Windsor joinery, and include contemporary detailing.
Andrew Joseph: What makes you angry?
George Sawyer: Wastefulness.
Andrew: What is the last book you read?
George: I have toddlers at home, so the last book that I read was In the Night Kitchen.
Andrew: What is something you hope to see trending in design in the future?
George: A continued appreciation for objects that are handbuilt, high quality and deeply personal.
Andrew: If you had a superpower, what would it be?
George: The ability to fall asleep at a moment’s notice.
Andrew: If you weren’t a designer, you’d be a ….?
George: Stonemason.
Andrew: What’s the best thing that happened to you this month?
George: My best friend moved back to Vermont!
Andrew: What’s your favorite cocktail?
George: Brown Derby.
Pictured here is the Shaker Bench in its last stages of production. It features a riven back, wedged joinery and is made of local wood.
Andrew: What are your ideal weekend plans?
George: Staying home and building stone walls.
Andrew: What’s one thing people don’t know about you?
George: I used to build steam engines.
Andrew: What are your design pet peeves?
George: I have so many. When things are out of proportion is a big one.
Andrew: What was your first job?
George: Working with a local potter when I was in high school.
Andrew: Are you a good cook? If so, what’s your specialty?
George: I think I’m a pretty good cook – I’d say I make a pretty good French omelet.
Andrew: Do you get your eight hours a night? – what is your schedule like?
George: I live with two toddlers, sleeping in means we woke up after 6am.
Sitting around this dining table are both Sack-back Arm Chairs and the Balloon Back Side Chairs. Each inspired by American Windsor style, these seats allow for maximum comfort for you and all your guests.
Andrew: What would your dream project or dream client be right now?
George: I love problem-solving – so I really enjoy complex custom work.
Andrew: What’s one ingredient you put in everything?
George: Butter.
Andrew: Favorite piece of clothing you own?
George: A t-shirt from the museum of Jurassic technology.
Andrew: What’s inspiring you in life (in the industry) right now?
George: People who can bring together high quality, thoughtful construction and playfulness.
Andrew: Favorite tea to decompress, and in what mug?
George: Usually lemon ginger, in a half-broken mug by Lucinda Smith (Greenwood pottery).
Andrew: What’s a new hobby/skill that you have learned recently?
George: I took a coopering class which was a lot of fun!
About The Maker | George Sawyer grew up amidst the wood shavings in his father’s Windsor chair shop in South Woodbury, Vermont. His approach to design centers around the way in which human touch informs the creation and use of his pieces. Drawing on traditional woodworking techniques, his seating has an easy timelessness rooted in the grace and functionality of the American Windsor tradition.
Recently George has also been producing custom work for hospitality, and is preparing for a group show at the Brattleboro Museum + Art Center, fall of 2021.
Andrew Joseph is a regular contributing editor for aspire design and home magazine. See more of his work here.
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