We believe in Collaboration, Integrity, Joy and intention in our work.
Emily Appenzeller
Emily is the owner of Appenzeller Woodworking LLC. Daughter of engineers and avid travelers, she holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Pasadena College of Art and Design (2013). She began her career as a cabinet maker when a visiting artist at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles needed specialty benches made for an exhibit. This led to a career change from hopeful fine artist to the trades. After a few years as an apprentice furniture and cabinet maker, she wanted to be taken more seriously by her male peers and decided to study furniture making at the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship in Maine. In 2020, she formed Appenzeller Woodworking, which subsequently expanded to a 100-square-foot solar-powered workshop in 2023.
See examples of Emily’s past work.
Rachel Davis
After working in social care and as a professional baker, Rachel began woodworking in 2011, learning to build wooden boats at The Apprenticeshop in Rockland. She continued her education at the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship, then became an on-site carpenter for the design/build company PHI Builders and Architects in Rockport. She spent 2 years working in this role on projects including the new Rockport Library, countless high-end residential houses, and Zoot Coffee shop, before she moved into the cabinet shop and soon became the foreman. After 8 years at PHI, with her own house renovation, a month-long Japanese woodworking course, and a wonderful array of challenging projects under her belt, Rachel made the move to Appenzeller Woodworking to continue honing her skills and experience a more direct client-maker relationship.
See examples of Rachel’s past work.
Nina Noah
Originally from New York, Nina left her job teaching middle school science in Harlem and moved to Maine in 2015 to learn how to build and sail boats at The Apprenticeshop in Rockland. After graduating from the 2-year apprenticeship program, she decided to stay in the Midcoast, eventually settling in Thomaston. She continued her tenure at The Apprenticeshop, first teaching high school programming and then joining the staff full time as the Director of Student Affairs and Outreach. In 2023, she left her position at the Apprenticeshop and worked as a freelance carpenter while contemplating her next move. In 2024, she started work for a South Thomaston-based contractor as part of his crew, where she worked for 2 years before joining the team at Appenzeller Woodworking.
See examples of Nina’s past work.
What Sets Us Apart
We are a small, all-woman shop, which makes for a more intimate and direct partnership between client and maker. We engage the client as an active participant in the design process, listening carefully to their needs so we can create beautiful, functional pieces we are proud of that facilitate comfort and joy in the home. We believe in and care about the work we do and are invested in the end product lasting. If there is an issue, we will fix it.
Integrity & Intention
We build consciously and thoughtfully, present and attentive to detail, taking pride and fulfillment in a job well done.
Collaboration
We work in partnership with our clients, listening and building on one another’s gifts to produce the best possible outcome while balancing the needs of both client and maker.
Beauty
We strive to create pieces that inspire and excite, while also prioritizing function and comfort.
Client Reviews
“Emily’s craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail are unmatched. But what we love most is how collaborative she is in the design process. No idea is too large, no question too dumb. Her incredible work has transformed our house.”
— Rob & Melanie“Appenzeller Woodworking produced a very high quality island cabinet that was the central piece of our kitchen renovation. The design and fabrication of the cabinets were best-in-class. The attention to detail was obvious and visible on the countertop's finishing workmanship. Delivery was on time and we would definitely use Appezeller Woodworking again for all cabinets and furniture.”
— Bob & Kathy“Emily designed and installed a stunning kitchen for our new build, bringing our vision to life with precision and care. Her attention to detail is impeccable, and the quality of her work is evident in every aspect of the final product. She was a pleasure to work with—always responsive, creative, and a fantastic problem solver, especially in our quirky space. The final result is beyond beautiful, and her pricing was incredibly reasonable. I couldn’t recommend her more highly!”
— Jenna & Evan