I got my start as a contributor to Atomic Ranch covering Mid Century Modern architecture in the Pacific Northwest, where I reside. So, I am always delighted when my path crosses a regional architect or designer. Danny Moulder is a woodworker and designer based in Portland, Oregon who crafts Mid Century Modern-inspired furniture that also taps into the PNW design style.
Getting Into Woodworking
Danny explains that building was a tradition in his family. His grandparents traveled the country with a group of missionaries who built churches and campgrounds. He grew up watching his grandfather build and make repairs.
Danny’s journey to woodworking involved stops along the way in other mediums. He first drew portraits and comics, then tried photography. “As a child I designed my own treehouse,” Danny says, “calculating the cost of every nail it would take to build the simple structure I had imagined, even though I would never follow through with the actual build.”
It was only in Danny’s mid 20s that he moved into furniture crafting on the recommendation of a counselor at Portland Community College, who suggested the DESIGN/BUILD degree.
Design Inspiration
Danny works in a range of styles, since his clients live in homes with diverse styles as well, including MCM, Craftsman, Victorian and Bungalow. Many of his pieces show strong MCM inspiration. He cites Frank Lloyd Wright as one of his early influences.
“There was something about his lines, his use of compression and light that just stuck with me,” Danny says. “The fact that he designed every stick of furniture as well as all the sconces and windows, still blows my mind. How he kept everything straight is beyond me and that idea that he was a true designer makes me want to move further into design.”
Danny also admires a Japanese furniture designer on YouTube, whose brand is called Ishitani Furniture. “His style is minimal and delicate but also has a very organic feel to it, while showing that clean, Japanese joinery,” says Danny.
I asked Danny how he approaches balancing his vision with that of a client. He views the client’s constraints as an engine for his creativity, stating, “I love having little nuggets of information or constraints and a pallet to work with, because the ideas start to flow. I feel my best work has always come from a problem that needs to be solved.”
Materials and Sustainability
Danny works with many types of wood. His favorite is sapele. He says, “Sapele, hands down is my absolute fave! It’s easy to work with, and it is so stunning when you get material that has well defined gold ribbons set against that rich, mahogany tone. Chef’s kiss! Oh, and it smells fabulous!”
His second favorite is black walnut. “It handles so well when working it and it’s just so rich!” he says. “I love when I come across some iridescence in the wood, usually near a crotch or joint in the tree, and I try to seek out a way to highlight those sneaky colors within the piece.”
Danny also makes use of woods that are abundant in the Pacific Northwest, such as Clear Vertical Grain (CVG) Douglas Fir, which he describes as a versatile wood that can warm up a space. “Sometimes the material is the spark well before a design has come to light,” he adds.
Danny takes care where his wood is sourced from, and strives to minimize waste, making use of reclaimed wood and plywood scraps when possible.
Words of Wisdom
I asked Danny what else he’d like his readers to know. He says, “You never know where your skills can take you. This started out as just a hobby for me, as I feel like it has for most, and now 14 years of professional design and woodworking, I can look back at all the amazing things I’ve built, that I had only dreamt of years prior. I’ve built custom airstreams, vinatage campers and vans. Ive built guitars and created some wonderful pieces of furniture that I wish I would have kept.”
Danny concludes, “Just as I started, you never know where your curiosities will take you, what adventures you will have, and the type of people who you will meet just because of something that lives inside you. So give things a try and make some sawdust, my friends.”
You can visit Danny Moulder’s website at Moulder and Craft. If you enjoyed this post, you may also like MCM Furniture For Every Mid Century Home and Spotlight on 3 Vintage MCM Furniture Shops.
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