My interest in building and creating things most likely came from two sources. One was my father, who was a civil engineer. The other, my summers spent working in heavy construction while pursuing a degree in fine arts and education. I started out working in a small company manufacturing Euro-designed windows and doors here in Asheville, NC. I left to start my own business, Architectural Woodcraft. I saw a great opportunity to work not only in the restoration of buildings in Western North Carolina, but of new architectural designs, too. My goal is to create this finest finished product whether historic or contemporary.

Karla Weis, born and raised in Asheville, North Carolina, has been immersed in the world of craftsmanship since childhood. As the daughter of the owner of Architectural Woodcraft, she developed a deep appreciation for wood and artistry early on, inspired by her father’s founding of the company and her mother’s work as an art director for a local craft book publisher.

After eight years in Chicago, Karla returned to Asheville to raise her three daughters amidst the natural beauty of Western North Carolina. Now, as Operations Manager at Architectural Woodcraft, she is dedicated to supporting her father and the talented craftsmen in continuing Architectural Woodcraft’s legacy of excellence.

Growing up in western Massachusetts, Todd was exposed at an early age to home restoration projects, many of which date to the colonial period. His father, a welder by trade, spent 25 years restoring an old home which he had rescued from the brink of demolition. Helping his father on that project created a love for old homes and woodworking that allowed him to get experience in various fields of construction from timber framing to cabinet making. After moving to Asheville, Todd spent two years working for a builder of custom homes before joining the Architectural Woodcraft team. Todd’s can-do attitude makes him equally valuable in the field restoring vintage windows or in the shop producing doors and cabinets.

When not working, Todd spends his free time with his family and building motorcycles.

For as long as Matt can remember he has been immersed in the woodworking craft. Starting at the age of three he watched his father craft a sixteen foot sailing dory unaware that the seeds of a lifetime of woodworking and carpentry had been planted. At the age of sixteen, following in his father’s footsteps he built an ultra-light canoe and various other projects throughout high school. In 1990 he attended Ferris State University in Michigan to pursue a degree in construction management. Matt came to find his passions lay more in the woodworking craft he had loved throughout his life, rather than the broader field of construction. After a few years of traveling in a 1973 VW Beetle he landed in the great town of Asheville in 1994. Over the last 24 years he has put his heart and soul into designing and building custom cabinetry, furniture, doors, windows, and wood products throughout Asheville.

Shane attended Haywood Community College’s Professional Crafts for Woodworking program. He has been a cabinetmaker for 15 years, and has done many unique and custom projects. His other interests are riding his classic motorcycle. And tipping a pint from time to time.

Roderick “Rod” Engleberg graduated with a BFA in designed objects and sculpture from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. He then worked as a professional cabinetmaker and furniture maker in Chicago for 12 years, before settling down in Asheville with his wife, Alia, in 2017.

As a student, Rod, drew inspiration from furniture makers, such as George Nakashima, Sam Maloof and Wendell Castle. Rod loves the various ways in which wood can be freely manipulated. One can machine it precisely or sculpt it like an artist, but it always retains an inherent natural beauty. He’s always admired the skill and craft involved in working with wood as an ancient and timeless tradition.

Natalie is a savvy somebody; born to tried and true DIY’ers. From the time she was small, she‬ understood that anything could be built through determination and a willingness to learn.‬ She moved to Asheville in 2002 with a relocating mom-and-pop picture framing company. Over‬ two decades under its wing, she mastered the craft of conserving and beautifying all mediums‬ of art; while assisting to improve business systems and execute administrative tasks. In 2010,‬ that accumulated knowledge energized her to co-create and operate an art and craft shop with‬ a focus on upcycled, reclaimed materials. It was a four year venture that challenged her‬ tenacity. She would eventually return to art handling and preservation; additionally seizing the‬ opportunity to assist with exhibit installations. Today she is managing the books and lending a‬ hand to keep a top-notch woodshop running smoothly. She is excited to journey alongside‬ Architectural Woodcraft’s dynamic owners and skilled craftsmen.‬ ‭