Alicia Dietz

Richmond

VA

23227

While most of today’s manufacturing is built around planned obsolescence, permanence, integrity, and craftsmanship are at the core of my furniture. I respect each material, stay true to their nature, understand their imperfections, utilize their structural abilities, and embrace their aesthetic resonance. Previously a Blackhawk Maintenance Test Pilot and Commander in the Army, I understand the dedication and attention to detail required to fly an aircraft and build timeless pieces of furniture. What I really love is the collaborative process of making – the way that each piece of lumber is different from the next, working with clients to incorporate their own histories into a custom piece, and designing quality furniture perfectly suited for each space. No piece is identical to the next. What does ring true with each piece is the care, craftsmanship, and quality required for it to last for generations. Some people find it an odd jump to go from helicopter pilot to studio furniture maker. But many of the same principals apply. In the military, you learn to plan in both overview and specific detail. Then you execute. But, no plan survives first contact, so you make adjustments and execute again. This process leads to decisions more informed than the last. I find this to be true in my practice. There are design adjustments, timeline changes, and construction alterations. This adaptive mindset has allowed each piece to grow into something more beautiful than it was before.

I am the designer and builder of this object