How would you describe your style? Earthy, honest, live-able design. Refined, but raw. Minimal in form but large in spirit.

Do you remember the first thing you made? I’ve made things out of wood my whole life. The first thing I made where I was like “this is furniture, I designed this” was a three legged chair I made out of Ponderosa Pine from Hansen's Lumber in Santa Fe, NM and Oak dowels from Home Depot. I was 25 and had just finished building a small adobe casita from the ground up. We needed dining chairs.

Before I started making I… Was a photographer living in a tent. Making pictures.

If I weren’t a maker I’d be... A Ski Bum.

If I could run away I’d go… Live off the grid in AK.

What would be on your maker’s soundtrack? Phoebe Bridgers on repeat

What is your perfect day? Skiing down sunny slopes with my wife and son.

If you could learn a new skill what would it be? Guiding a drift boat down the Kenai River in Alaska.

Favorite scent? Lavender or Mint, an old dog I love

Favorite flower or tree? We have a massive pignut Hickory on our property that has the most beautiful form to it.

Where did you grow up? Outside of Oneida, NY, in a log cabin my parents built on 102 acres of woods and fields that have been in our family since the 1700's.

What is the most challenging project you have worked on? Why? I built a house with my family that is now our home. It was a long, beautiful project- the amount of collective decision making was what made it challenging.

What do you see outside your bedroom window? Two large trees that have been growing in unison for many years- a Sugar Maple and Hickory.....long time companions.

Who is the most famous person you’ve ever met? Robert Redford once bought a New York Times from me when I was 25 working as a cashier in a small town in New Mexico.

What is your favorite family tradition? Persisting outside together in cold, windy, and/or wet climates.

Favorite time of day? High noon in the shady grove around my house

If money was not a factor how would you live your life? I most enjoy working on my home and land. If money were no object I'd probably own a large swatch of property and be designing buildings, furniture, landscapes and gardens throughout it.

How do you stay creative and inspired? I go through phases. It's not always there. I think the most important part for me is being present and figuring out what makes you happy and inspired in your day to day and what doesn't.

What are you most thankful for? I’m thankful to be able to work alongside amazing and talented people everyday, making furniture for a living.

How do you stay creative and inspired? I go through phases. It's not always there. I think the most important part for me is being present and figuring out what makes you happy and inspired in your day to day and what doesn't.

To see more of Michael’s work visit FAIR Design