Nick Noyes
Communications Director
Building is a particular passion of mine, so working at IES, with our focus on building and sustainability, is a satisfying fit. While I have always enjoyed reusing and repurposing, being here has heightened my awareness of the possibilities this presents. One quickly learns that while sustainable construction is difficult to do perfectly—for now, anyway—the process can always be better. As a woodworker and sometimes carpenter, I increasingly consider alternatives to new materials which, happily, also expands and enhances the creative opportunities. A brief illustration:
A recent project was a butcher block kitchen work table, which became the “table designed by a committee.” I made the top originally for a portable dishwasher, and confiscated it before the machine itself went to recycling. Four vintage turned oak legs, er, turned up in our local ReStore—my delight at finding them is still palpable. The apron, the frame that connects the top to the legs, was recycled stock from some oak shelves, run through the planer to refresh.
Cherry corner accents on the apron are offcut pieces from a picture frame project for my buddy, Art, who gifted me the leftover wood. A perfect touch that I would never have thought of if the pieces—seemingly too small for anything but kindling—weren’t staring me in the eye. Superbly hiding not-so-perfect corner joints, Art’s parts also complement the cherry in the butcher block top.
My brother, a baker by profession who knows a thing or two about kitchen work tables, happened by during construction. “Are you putting a drawer in that thing?” he asked. “Well of course I am (now.)” Mostly recycled materials, “Ian’s” drawer includes a handle fashioned from another small cherry scrid. Two towel holders later (full disclosure: bought new) and the design committee motioned the table (to the kitchen) and adjourned.
Building with a sustainability focus—and relishing such work—is a mindset shared by many here at IES. It also gives us an edge in our job, helping us to help clients and manufacturers alike find creative, greener alternatives to typical products and materials.