Meet The Makers: Kitting and Forming
A walk through our workshop is inspiring – not only to see the furniture passing through the stages of production, but also to witness the diverse group of makers under one roof, focused on building something of true beauty and lasting value.
Read more about our Kitting and Forming Process below. We look forward to giving you an insider’s peek into the other areas of our workshop in the coming weeks.
Kitting is the process of creating and gathering all of the aluminum components required to make any piece of McKinnon and Harris furniture - it includes forming, cutting, drilling and beveling. Our Pavillion Sofa is one of the more complex pieces to make and requires gathering over 300 components. Within every kit, each piece has to be cut at the precise angle to join properly with the adjacent pieces.
Forming is the part of the process that requires the most masterful skill of the craftsperson to hand-shape. Pieces are cold formed and can take many incremental shifts in the metal to execute a flawless curve and perfectly match the master template. Our Empire arms take 16 hours of forming for one chair.
Each kit is thoroughly audited to ensure that every measurement, angle, curve and component are exact.
GET TO KNOW TRAVIS
Travis has been with McKinnon and Harris for over four years and worked in packing and fabrication before moving to his current position as Kitting Supervisor.
What did you do before working with McKinnon and Harris?
I used to be a chef. I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands, but before joining McKinnon and Harris, the last thing I built was a plant stand in 8th grade!
What do you like to do outside of work?
I enjoy writing fiction, poetry and music. If I had time, I’d draw and paint more.
What’s your favorite piece of furniture and why?
The Virginia Bench—I like how the slats flush and integrate.
Are there any makers or artists you admire?
I’ve recently been looking at a lot of work by the artists Laurie Lipton and Francis Bacon.
What's your favorite thing about living in Richmond?
I really enjoy the walkability of Richmond. I grew up in Florida and have also lived in California, so it’s a nice change!
Favorite travel destination?
Montana or Barcelona, Spain
If you could live in another era, when would you choose?
The Stone Age. This period had the first farming cultures in the Middle East, you lived within smaller groups, and there was more stability.
GET TO KNOW TIN
Tin has been with McKinnon and Harris for 1.5 years and helps handshape, bend and form aluminum pieces.
What do you like to do outside of work?
Read the Vietnamese newspaper.
What's your favorite thing about living in Richmond?
I enjoy my job here and have family in town. Some of my family members also work at McKinnon and Harris!
What’s your favorite book?
A Vietnamese Book called Thành trì.
What’s your favorite food?
Hamburgers!
