Article by Amy Walker
Since swapping St. Louis snow for St. Pete sunshine in 2015, David Calvin has crafted custom furniture pieces and built-ins for dozens of local families and interior designers.
Customers love the control it gives them over design, size, color, wood, and complementary materials like metal and glass. David makes furniture of all types (and styles) including:
- Desks
- Dining tables
- Beds
- Dressers
- Hutches
- Accent tables
- Bars
- Buffets
- Built-ins
As David Calvin Furniture Studio celebrates its 5th year in St. Pete, we talked to David about his craft and his business.
Q: What type of furniture is most popular in St. Pete?
A: Dining tables! It’s an important gathering place, and people have a hard time finding exactly what they want in retail stores. They come to me to get the exact size and look they have in mind. It makes me feel great when customers tell me they can’t wait to create new memories eating, playing games, and entertaining around their new heirloom.
Q: What style of furniture do you make?
A: I actually like the challenge of making ALL styles of furniture – traditional, contemporary, mid-century, you name it.
Q: How did you get into furniture making?
A: From typewriters to lawnmowers, my parents say I’ve always had a knack for tearing things apart and putting them back together! Seriously, I began building furniture as a hobby for family and friends more than 20 years ago. When I decided to make it my full-time job, I studied at the well-known Center for Furniture Craftsmanship (Maine) and honed intricate veneering skills at the Marc Adams School of Woodworking (Indiana).
Q: How are you celebrating your 5th anniversary in St Pete?
A: By having a sale. I’m offering 10% off new custom furniture orders placed by Sept. 30, 2020.
Q: Can you take new custom furniture projects while keeping proper COVID protocols?
A: Absolutely. I don’t even have to enter your home or meet in-person. We can do everything remotely through photos, measurements, drawings, and sample drop-offs.
Q: Where can I see your work?
A: Scroll through my online gallery a www.dcfurniturestudio.com. Or, contact me at dcfurniturestudio@att.net or 314-605-1313. My studio (2222 16th Ave. N) is by appointment only.
