KISEI

tree spirit or tree heart

The material itself is the beauty and deserves our respect, in order that its natural expression may be observed.

Kisei

Starting from this position, Japanese carpentry known for its beauty and grace is a result of accurately laying out complex joints then cutting them precisely before the pieces are hand planed. The result of using planes as finishing tools creates a beautiful and perfectly smooth surface allowing the material to honestly express itself and shine. Left natural the surface will age and patina unlike any that has been hidden by stain or suffocated under industrial coatings.

After 25 years of western style carpentry and construction and observing the industry and market driven approach to housing I became disillusioned. Looking into traditional building techniques led to a class in Japanese carpentry. Six years later having established a working relationship with master builder and teacher Dale Brotherton owner of Takumi Company in Seattle, I have decided to offer traditionally joined and hand finished carpentry and woodworking in the Japanese tradition here in the Flathead valley and Rocky Mountain West.

This company is Kisei. Working with relationships established along this path I am confident our work will endure for generations owing respect for the materials used and the tradition from which our craft came.