BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
photos provided by Timber & Ash Designs
The creativity behind Timber & Ash Designs of Grand Forks, N.D., can be fully traced to the chief designer and builder, Jacob Barney. This local craftsperson has built a solid following for his original and hand-built furniture that will not only withstand the daily joys of life but is meant to be enjoyed for generations to come. Lake & Home spoke with Jacob Barney and he shared the passion behind his company and the purpose that each piece he creates exceeds his clients’ design dreams.
“IT WASN’T LONG BEFORE WE STARTED GETTING REQUESTS FROM FAMILY AND FRIENDS.”
WHEN DID TIMBER & ASH BEGIN, AND HOW HAS IT GROWN OVER THE YEARS? Deep down it began when I was a little kid, maybe 3 or 4 years old, when my dad would let me tag along with him to his work projects. As a building contractor in a small town, he could do a little bit of everything, from pouring concrete to small home remodels, and building new construction. He did all of this while also doing small wood repair jobs for customers. My childhood of learning from him is what set the foundation for craftsmanship that guides me today. In 2014 when my wife and I purchased our first home, we started building small furniture pieces and floating shelves to decorate. It wasn’t long before we started getting
requests from family and friends to make similar pieces for them. Within 12 months we were shipping products nationwide out of our single-stall garage. By 2016 Timber & Ash Designs was officially born, and we continued to work out of our garage until 2019 when we moved the shop into our current space. This move allowed us to create some of the larger 15 to 20-footlong tables, and also gave us a space for a permanent showroom.
WHAT IS THE PHILOSOPHY THAT DRIVES TIMBER & ASH DESIGNS? We strive to build original, one-of-a-kind pieces that are built to the exact specifications and desires of our clients. Building a few higher-quality pieces that can be enjoyed, ones that will stand the test of time and become heirloom pieces is what drives everyone at Timber & Ash Designs.