2017 Wood Diamond Award
Dark Horse Woodworks (Atlanta, GA)

Main Category: Kitchen
Sub Category: Inset
Dollar Amount: Over $50,000

Briefly describe your business and the type of products manufactured.
We are an independent studio based in Atlanta that specializes in the design and hand-crafting of custom cabinetry for some of the most creative and discerning clients in the Southeast. We have extensive experience executing many styles, but most of our work is focused on contemporary and modern designs for kitchens, living areas, libraries, bathrooms and beyond.
The list of custom, built-in wood furnishings we have created over the years includes kitchen cabinetry; lockers and cabinets for foyers, closets and other areas; laundry room cabinetry; shelving for living areas and libraries; bathroom vanities; entertainment centers; high-end home bars; Murphy beds; and “floating” side tables and bathroom benches.
Our collaborations with innovative design and architecture firms have led to awards as well as coverage in national publications such as Dwell magazine and The New York Times. Quite a few of the homes we have worked on in recent years have been featured on the Modern Atlanta tour.

What materials/species were used in this project/item?
Solid Walnut
Prefinished Plywood Boxes
Sequenced Walnut Plywood
Through Dovetail Maple Drawer Boxes
Blem Servo-Drive on all drawers

Describe, in detail, the project/item's construction
Face frame construction with prefinished plywood boxes. 

What is the most unusual aspect or outstanding characteristic of this entry?
Utilizing 16/4 walnut for the face frames seemed easy while looking at the plans. In reality, finding enough of it at the length required was difficult. We ended up purchasing all of it available in the area to complete the project. We took great care to make sure that each door was cut not only from the sequenced panel before it but also so the same section of panel was used, when you look at the tall cabinet the lower next to it uses the bottom of the next panel in the sequence. This was done throughout the kitchen. Having the face of the doors recessed added interesting depth to the look. We also had custom steel pulls made for the tall cabinet that we chemically darkened and them clear coated. ​

How has being a member of the CMA benefited you and/or your business?
Learning opportunities provided by the CMA have been invaluable as the business has grown, helping us as we have purchased equipment, added employees and taken on difficult projects outside our normal scope.

List any items that were outsourced.
Steel pulls, stone counters