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First Place

HWC Custom Cabinetry (North Charleston, SC)

2014 Wood Diamond Award

Main Category: Kitchen
Sub Category: Design
​Dollar Amount: Over $25,000

Briefly describe your business and the type of products manufactured.
HWC Custom Cabinetry Manufactures & Installs custom cabinetry. We utilize the latest technology to communicate with our clients ensuring timely and accurate completion of their project.
We primarily manufacture full-access style cabinetry for the following areas:
-Kitchen, Bath, Entertainment centers, Built-ins, Bars, Murphy Wall Beds, Closets, Libraries, Outdoor Cabinetry, Home & commercial offices.

What materials/species were used in this project/item?
Painted cabinets': Frosty White CV, Conestoga doors,Grass Nova Pro Drawers, numerous Rev-a-Shelf interior functional items. Hafele duo-stays for top upper doors,
-Custom designed hood meeting clients particular functional & style. (it was to get lighting fixtures above the pullouts, but she decided not to install them after things were in the house)
Island, Hood & bar area: Cherry with Honey stain & brown glaze. Verona doors (Conestoga). Canopy arch & matching radius doors at bar area were from Walz-Craft
Salice Salentia hinges, Camar Leg levelers, Camar Hanging rail system, Columbia FP plywood,
Not in our scope or our #’s, but FYI:
-Custom artisan leaded restoration glass @ bar (local artisan)
-Calcutta Gold Marble tops and back splash.
-Imported custom WaterWorks back splash behind range
-Custom locally made dining table from old structural members (from a barn I think, but can’t remember for sure just now, but he provided papers documenting their origin and the creation of the table.

Describe, in detail, the project/item’s construction.
Client wanted to dramatically renovate the kitchen in their Island vacation home (will likely move here full time in the future..??). They enlisted our services as well as that of localy based, internationally recognized architect (Chris Rose). The owner was very involved in the design process, with frequent meetings done through logmein allowing her to view her project in KCD and make changes ‘live’ while we talked. She had very specific design requirements and this remote meeting ability was instrumental in addressing these numerous details in as efficient a manner as possible, especially with her being out of town most of the time. If you watch the video, this is one of her most significant comments. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdARo2mcwjU)
Outside of the extensive design work required on the front end. There were the usual remodel challenges, including the bottom side of a stairwell that had to be dealt with in the upper area to the right of the range. Floors, walls and ceilings not as they should have been, some structural issues under the kitchen area, HVAC & lighting issues that had to be very precisely located or worked around. While we were only technically responsible for the cabinetry items, close coordination, often time having the lead role in making sure the space was outfitted correctly to accept the cabinetry was common on this project.
We utilized our standard True32 library of custom cabinetry in KCD for the bulk of the design & machining information. Sent out to our CNT motion router from KCD through Cad-Code. Edgebanding handled by our Holz-Her bander. CA technologies AAA pump for spraying of Sherwin Williams CV.
-All processed through our ‘old’ shop of 1950sqft.

What is the most unusual aspect or outstanding characteristic of this entry?
A lot of high end details in this one space, every item, cabinet door swing, functional accessory, had to be evaluated on a case by case basis to ensure all would work as it should once installed. Every little space or area has a very intentional purpose. A LOT of involvement by the homeowner throughout the entire project. The drawers under the bench seat include file rails for the husbands ‘work’ that he does from this table overlooking the golf course. She is an artist, and a very good cook so both the form & function were truly important (not just buzz words) As you can see from the video, she could not be happier! I was excited to get to work with Chris Rose as well, quite an honor there!

List any items that were outsourced (not produced by you or your shop).
Doors as noted above
Mouldings (light rail & base bd) produced by a local mill shop
Corbels by Osborne Wood Products
​
Please offer a brief explanation of how being a member of the CMA has benefited you and/or your business. 
Members have been a willing and ready resource for solving design issues, business related issues, evaluating products and machines. Unlike some other forums, I know that the members posting are professionals, not hobbyist, and I can take their input as such, not trying to figure out if they really know what they are talking about. I also like that the forum is NOT open. I feel a greater latitude in being honest or discussing potentially ‘sticky’ issues where comments could easily be taken out of context and used against us.

Cabinet Makers Association
PO Box 888678
​Grand Rapids, MI 49588-8678
(616) 930-4610
  • Who We Are
    • Contact Us
    • About Us
  • Membership
    • General Membership
    • Associates & Distributors >
      • Associate & Distributor Member Directory
    • Students & Instructors
    • Make a Payment
  • For Homeowners
    • Shop Finder
    • Cabinetry Buyer's Guide
    • Wood Diamond Awards
  • Events
  • News
    • PROfiles
    • Benchmark Survey
  • Forums