International Wood International Wood 2008 | Page 58

Mitchell points to a few of the many pieces
that make great use of exotic and imported ve-
neers. A gladding cabinet of South American
walnut (Juglans spp.) coordinates very well
with a Thompson chest made with domestic
walnut, both designed by Thomas O’Brien.
“The woods blend and complement each other,
even though they don’t match.”
On the Maria center table designed by
Alexa Hampton, a clear-coated Makassar
ebony veneer is set off by a black painted
rim and base. “We import the Philippine
mahogany (Toona calantas) base because
it is hand-carved, and frankly we couldn’t
offer the same value if it was produced do-
mestically.”
When it comes to selecting veneers,
Mitchell says Hickory Chair’s suppliers know
what their standards are, and serve as a great
resource for making the right choices.
“We really depend on our great relation-
ships with suppliers to help us create these
pieces,” says Reardon. “Our two to three
primary suppliers advise us on materials that
are becoming harder to get, or tripling in price,
especially when we’re picking a new product.
To be honest, cost is not as big a factor for us
and our customers, as are quality and service.
They also know that, when possible, we want
to purchase FSC certified woods. It’s be-
coming more important to show respect for
the environment and its sustainability.
“We work with suppliers to maintain a
chain of custody to assure we’re purchasing
materials that will be available for generations.
Customers are looking more and more for
that affirmation. That’s a key component of a
truly great enterprise.”
Reardon brings the conversation full-
circle and closes with Hickory Chair’s core
theme. “By respecting the customer and the
environment, we can provide future gen-
erations the same benefits we’ve had, if not
more.” iw
58 i m p o r t e d
wood
Below: African mahogany solids with a
top in plate 7 cathedral mahogany and a
quartered mahogany border separated
by black and white maple inlay. The door
and drawer fronts feature a cerejeira
field with a kingwood border and a maple
inlay line. Left: Rogue cherry veneers
and a solid Philippine mahogany base.
Opposite: The bed and chest are made
from American rogue cherry veneers
and solid Philippine mahogany.
“Our accent items take advantage of the most exciting
woods – rosewoods, zebrawood, or Persian yew wood.”
CATHY MITCHELL, Director of Merchandising for Hickory Chair