Master Craftsman  ·  Artisan Woodwork

Where History
Meets Craft

Mitchell McWayne
Bespoke Woodwork  ·  Historical Restoration  ·  Legacy Commissions
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The Craftsman

Built on Tradition

"The same craft passed down through generations — now carried forward with everything I have."

Mitchell McWayne's relationship with wood began at age nine, standing beside his grandfather in a winter workshop, learning the feel of the material long before he understood its full possibilities. Those early years — small projects, honest tools, and the quiet patience of a craftsman at work — shaped everything that followed.

A formal education at the American College of the Building Arts deepened that foundation, where Mitchell trained in the classical traditions of the building trades. An externship at Homestead Timber Frames followed — cutting every frame entirely by hand, no CNC machines, no shortcuts. It was there that the discipline of true craftsmanship became not just a skill, but a standard.

Today Mitchell works independently, taking on the commissions that demand the most — restoration projects, bespoke architectural work, and pieces built to outlast the people who commission them. His workshop is more than a business. It is the fulfillment of a legacy begun by his grandfather, and one he intends to pass to his own son.

Mitchell McWayne
Artisan Woodwork  &  Restoration
14+
Years working with wood — from a grandfather's workshop to professional commissions
ACBA
American College of the Building Arts — trained in classical building traditions
100%
Hand work — every frame, joint, and profile crafted without CNC or automated cutting
HTF
Homestead Timber Frames — trained cutting heavy timber frames entirely by hand
Governor's Mansion DoorsSignature Commission

Project No. 01

Illinois Governor's
Mansion Doors

Original French doors salvaged from the Illinois Governor's Mansion — a once-in-a-career piece of American architectural heritage. Every ornamental profile, gilded egg-and-dart cornice, and painted surface was preserved and restored to museum quality.

The sole element rebuilt from scratch: a custom curved solid oak threshold, hand-formed to precisely follow the bowed arched surround.

  • Full door assembly & surround restoration
  • Gilded egg-and-dart cornice conserved
  • Custom curved solid oak threshold — hand-formed
  • Original antique brass hardware preserved
  • Period-accurate paint color matched & applied
Antique Warehouse Doors40-Year Discovery

Project No. 02

The Warehouse
Doors

Discovered untouched in a warehouse after 40 years — these extraordinary hand-carved doors had never once been installed on a home. The ornate scrollwork, reeded pilasters, and original wrought iron grille inserts were in remarkable condition, requiring minor cleaning and touch ups.

A custom sapele threshold was crafted from scratch to complete the installation — chosen for its rich warmth and finished to complement the deep walnut tones perfectly.

  • Full structural assessment & restoration
  • Hand-carved scroll & pilaster detail preserved
  • Original wrought iron grille inserts conserved
  • Custom sapele threshold — made from scratch
  • 40 years of storage wear carefully remediated
Custom Alder French DoorsComplete Rebuild

Project No. 03

Custom Alder
French Doors

When these original French doors were beyond saving, the client didn't want a generic replacement — they wanted their doors back. Every dimension, profile, and detail of the originals was studied and faithfully recreated from scratch in solid alder.

The doors, jamb, and threshold were all built new — nothing carried over from the deteriorated originals except the character and proportions that made them worth preserving in the first place.

  • Doors, jamb & threshold — all built from scratch
  • Original size & style faithfully replicated
  • Solid alder throughout
  • Full-lite glass panels matched to original layout
  • Rich dark stain finish applied in-shop
Custom Hewn Timber TrussesStructural Timber

Project No. 04

Custom Hewn
Timber Trusses

A technically demanding commission that few craftsmen would attempt: these heavy timber trusses were hewn by an external company. After installation, the builder discovered two trusses had been completely missed. Unable to find anyone willing to take on the repair, the builder contacted Mitchell — who used a mix of creative and traditional techniques to match the hewing perfectly.

Each beam was shaped on-site — reading the grain and working with the wood to match the hewing perfectly.

  • Full truss system hewn entirely in place
  • Creative and traditional techniques
  • Structural & decorative in a single element

Restoration Process

Before & After

Cornice Before
Before  — Stripped & Prepared
Cornice After
After  — Gilded & Restored

Egg-and-dart cornice  ·  Illinois Governor's Mansion door surround

Alder Doors Before
Before  — Original Deteriorated Doors
Alder Doors After
After  — Complete Alder Rebuild

Custom alder French doors, jamb & threshold  ·  Built from scratch

Design Process

From Concept to Craft

Every commission begins not with a saw, but with a pencil. Each project is conceived through hand-drafted drawings — measured, scaled, and detailed before a single piece of wood is selected. It is the same process master craftsmen have used for centuries, and the foundation of work built to last.

M. McWayne — Concept Drawing, Custom Bar
Custom Bar  — Front Elevation & Side Profile
M. McWayne  ·  Concept Drawing
Scale 3/4"  ·  Hand Drafted
Hand Drafted at Scale
Every drawing is produced by hand at precise scale — typically 3/4" — allowing proportions, profiles, and joinery to be worked out on paper before any material is committed.
Classical Design Language
Ionic columns, arched pediments, beadboard panels, and layered cornices — each element drawn with the same vocabulary used by master craftsmen of the 18th and 19th centuries.
Collaborative by Nature
The drawing stage is where client vision becomes reality. Dimensions, materials, and details are refined together before the work begins — ensuring the finished piece is exactly what was imagined.

What We Do

Areas of Expertise

Every project is unique. The scope, materials, and approach are always tailored to the work at hand — reach out to discuss what your project requires.

01

Restoration & Conservation

Historic woodwork, architectural elements, and antique pieces brought back with care and accuracy. The goal is always to preserve what's there — rebuilding only what cannot be saved.

02

Custom Millwork & Doors

Original designs or faithful reproductions — doors, surrounds, jambs, thresholds, and architectural trim built to last. Any species, any profile, any level of detail.

03

Structural Timber Work

Heavy timber framing, exposed trusses, and structural beams that are as much a design statement as a building element. Traditional techniques applied to contemporary and historic projects alike.

04

Ornamental Detail Work

Carved profiles, decorative mouldings, gilded accents, and period-accurate ornamental elements. The finishing touches that separate fine woodwork from everything else.

05

Specialty Finishing

Paint, stain, lacquer, and gold-leaf applied to the standard the work deserves. Color and finish matching for historic restorations; custom finishes developed for new commissions.

06

Consultation & Assessment

Not sure what a project needs? Happy to take a look, give an honest assessment, and help figure out the right path forward — whether that leads to a commission or not.

Availability and scope vary by project  ·  Reach out to discuss yours

Get in Touch

Begin Your Commission

Every project begins with a conversation. Whether you have architectural drawings in hand or a story you want to tell in wood, Mitchell would love to hear from you.

Mitchell McWayne
Artisan Woodwork  &  Restoration
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