My main objective is to design and handcraft high quality and attractive furniture that is to be used every day.
On a forested country property in Kauri, Northland I have a little home and workshop nestled in old trees surrounded by rolling hills, huge boulders, streams and dams.
The forest consists mainly of New Zealand trees and bush, added to every year with local and mainly exotic tree varieties like oak, walnut, cherry and maple. Most of these trees have been planted and are maintained yearly for timber use in the distant future – way beyond my time here. My hope is that my successor to this property and the trees will also care for the trees till the day that they are ready to play the leading role in the creation of fine furniture. I am happy in the knowledge that I am growing many more trees than I will ever use.
I use solid timber where every piece of wood is selected to compliment the item of furniture and add to it’s uniqueness, colour and character. These are sustainably harvested timbers and often Forestry Stewardship Council certified. The choice of timber also varies according to the furniture design, clients wishes and the availability of locally sourced timber of suitable quality.
I am not the first in the family with a keen interest in woodworking. My father was a very accomplished amateur and my grandfather was a German Master cabinetmaker. He served his apprenticeship and then for 3 years & a day went on a working pilgrimage as a journeyman through Germany and Scandinavia.
The family cabinetmaking history and my interest in Japanese architecture and lifestyle may be the reason why my design style has the light, clean and classic lines typical of Scandinavian, Shaker and Japanese furniture. The fine edges, gentle curves and slight tapers are subtle, but add greatly to the overall look and feel. Typical of this style of furniture is that it is well and finely made without being overly elaborate.
I am continually thinking of new designs, often inspired by my extensive reading as well as the studio furniture of fine woodworkers -past and present.
Every piece of furniture in the Dinkelacker Woodworking range is designed and entirely made by me Pete Dinkelacker.