Squirrel Hollow Woodworks was founded in 2017 during a time in which two baby squirrels found their way into my family’s care and were raised into adulthood to flourish around our Virginia homestead property.

My personal shop, which had always been searching for a good name (none of them ever stuck), was jokingly dubbed Squirrel Hollow Woodworks one day after one of the squirrels made it into my shop and watched me work (after scaring the living daylights out of me) from the second floor loft. I then realized it had been residing in parts of my shop, that the forest out back was teeming with squirrels, and that the name was totally fitting. At this point, squirrels and their accouterments (such as acorns or pictures of squirrels) started showing up seemingly everywhere in my life and I felt the name was meant to be.

About Me

I have been working in either some form of construction or woodworking since 2007, when I took a position as a hands-on maintenance director for a church-school facility in northern Virginia in need of repair. After planning and leading numerous renovations and projects over a 5 year period, I Ieft that position to be closer to home and begin work as part-time furniture builder for the Strong Oaks Woodshop in Front Royal, Virginia.

My path led me to exit the shop (on good terms) in September 2013, during which time I obtained my Virginia Teaching certificate. My career in education led me to work as a history teacher, an accreditation team leader and  a Guidance Counselor.

After taking renown builder Noah Bradley’s Handmade Houses and Log Cabin Academies,  I left formal work in education to pursue  my passion in working with log cabins and traditional standing seam metal roofing. My work carries me through the Shenandoah Valley and parts of northern and central Virginia.

Throughout this journey, I have been privileged to meet and work alongside some of the most talented men and women in the trades. They have inspired me with their craftsmanship, can-do attitude, and willingness to share their knowledge.

Building Philosophy

I advocate building with vintage and locally harvested materials in an approachable style. Buildings should be strong and attractive, providing both a sense of security and comfort. The traditional American style log home, commonly referred to as a cabin, log cabin, Appalachian log cabin, or hewn log cabin, exceeds at this task.

I prefer a blended building style design that makes for an timelessly attractive and lovely home. This means the judicious use of timbers, logs, stone, and metal are my building materials of choice for achieving a home that exudes warmth and timeless beauty.