About MJ Martin Design Woodworking
Through years of commitment to their customers, always striving for better techniques, equipment, and materials,
MJ Martin Design Woodworking is a sought-after option for people who value quality, honesty, and integrity.
We are a family-run company that specializes in handcrafted, solid wood cabinetry and fine architectural pieces. We have been described as artists that work in the medium of wood. We are proud of this description and we view homes and living spaces as our canvas. We see each project as an opportunity to design and create spaces that are unique to the family and to the home for which is was built.
We have been in business for over two decades and have spent that time carving a reputation for ourselves based on trust, craftsmanship, and value. Our clients are everything to us and we aim to build a product, and a relationship, to last a lifetime.
Master Craftsman and Owner
Michael Martin
At a young age, Mike was introduced to working with wood by his father. It seemed to come naturally, quickly becoming a passion, an identity, and eventually a business in his early 20s.
“Our first project was the restoration of an old building that caught fire, from there, design and construction of additions and new homes”
“We always had a small shop where we designed & crafted things like built-ins, mantles, custom doors, and millwork for our projects. I believe that is where the real passion for the finer aspects of woodworking – joinery, cabinet, and furniture making was born”
Over the years, Mike has evolved the business into a high-end custom cabinetry & millwork company. Although his job description has changed, he is still happiest returning to the shop where it all started and working with his hands. He feels he is one of the lucky ones, as what he is privileged to do for a living is a large part of who he is.
Design & Project Management
Liz McEvily
Liz grew up in Newport, RI surrounded by some of the best examples of American architectural styles. Her mother was involved in real estate and her father was a yacht designer, so Liz spent a lot of time learning how things are built, and what makes them special. This passion for studying beautiful things translated to college, where she majored in Art History at Boston University. However, she also majored in Economics and spent too many years in New York City working in finance before returning to her roots.
After working toward a masters in Antique Restoration, she began an internship with Jonathan Adler. Once he realized Liz was creative, but also great at spreadsheets, her career pivoted to the development teams at Knoll, Janus et Cie, and Dedon. She managed the furniture development team at Kelly Wearstler, working with creatives and designers while also managing budgets and timelines. After years in NYC and LA, she and her family moved to CT in 2020 and embarked on a huge restoration of their 1837 home. She chose MJ Martin to design the kitchen, recognizing their attention to detail and pride in their craftsmanship. Mike kept saying “I should hire you.” And in December 2022, he did!
Awards
Best of Houzz - 2014, 2015, 2016, 2019
Skills USA Connecticut – Chairperson 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
HOBI Award – Best Kitchen Remodel over $100K, 2012
HOBI Award – Best Remodeled Bath, 2012
HOBI Honorable Mention Award – Design Portfolio, Residential Furniture Category, 2009
