Himalayan Cedar
At 2 1/2 inches thick, this was a massive chunk of wood.
We have a picnic Table
Starting with a Chilean/Argentine Mesquite tree milled by Todd Langford, I set out to create a complete collection.
This collection will include:
‘What is Urban Lumber?’ you may ask… Think of all the unique and interesting trees people grow here in the Valley. Then think about all the downed trees you see during monsoon season, when someone has to remove a tree because of where it’s growing. Where do these trees go? To the dump? To the mulch or compost farm? Why not to a local saw mill where they can be turned into lumber? On my quest for new and different wood for a project, I found three sources of just that, lumber made from trees that grew in the city. Imagine all the exotic hardwoods you could ever want grown right near home, no more cutting down the rainforest or national park near you, and the hardwoods are amazing. I found Maple (from Oregon), Arizona Ash, Elm, Cottonwood, Black Acacia, and four types of Mesquite so different in color that it’s hard to believe they were the same type of tree. Talk about sustainable Local, Handmade, furniture built from renewable and beautiful wood.
Hi everyone, I’m Bill Hemphill, the Industrial Craftsman.
Every piece of ICF furniture is handbuilt by me in a small studio at my cottage in Downtown Phoenix.
The Industrial Craftsman story begins at a time when I was a union carpenter, and as the recession hit, I became a stay-at-home dad with two babies.
While helping a friend on a Micro Dwell (tiny house) concept, I was invited to start a small cactus nursery in the parking lot of his art gallery, known as The Hive. Aside from tending these plants, I built furniture from alley scraps that I found on my way to work. One day while foraging, I came across a unique wood table, it was really old and well built. I discovered it was a Gustav Stickley circa 1910! This led me to study his work, where I found so many themes I could relate to, including— a man should enjoy his work, nature should be valued, and workers are craftsman. Inspired by the clean lines and use of quality materials.
So I began to study the turn of the century Craftsman Movement, from Macintosh and William Morris, to Greene and Greene and Stickley. I found myself not only drawn to the design but also to the underlying philosophy of quality, simplicity, craftsmanship and usefulness of each piece. My nursery became more and more a workshop, until it no longer fit my art gallery surroundings. I did some great work and moved my shop to a newfound home at the cottages. I continue to build and study, finding some success. My style began to evolve from furniture of scraps to something that truly resembled the Craftsman Movement. Although while still using repurposed material, it became something different, neither Industrial nor Craftsman, but something in the middle, like “Gustav Stickley with a welder”. That’s how the Industrial Craftsman style was born.
We’re at a time and place in the world where we can no longer afford to be wasteful by buying disposable furniture. The Industrial Craftsman Movement is about taking back the craft by putting it in the hands of the worker, while creating a quality product that lasts several lifetimes.
My philosophy is to deliver high-quality, custom, handmade furniture that serves the businesses and residents of my community. Because of its simple design and diversity of materials, I can create a beautiful piece to fit any budget. I aspire to have a piece of furniture in every home and business in my neighborhood, and I’m off to a good start.
Zoo Micro Nursery
Early inlay
Early table, Found base, bowling lane top.
Early table and cactus planter.
One of the first “craftsman”inspired tables.
Newer Industrial Craftsman style. Complete with signature W.
The Boys.
The boys and I.
Much happier me. (photo credit Miss Bane)
Candles are a romantic way to make home feel like home. Whether you burn them for light, scent or ceremony, candles play a big part for many of us. So, Industrial Craftsman Furniture decided to give them a proper home in your home. These candle stands are made of parts and scraps left over from my furniture projects. They are unique, handmade, pieces of mini furniture for you to enjoy. Prices starting at around $20.
We also made the candles featured. Check out Solar Love Candles on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/solarlovecandles
Candelabra featuring Solar Love pillar candles
After a year of a mattress on the floor, Miss Bane finally convinced me to build her a bed (she says it is ours). It is made of new steel, a Clarendon Hotel balcony rail, reclaimed redwood, and some very serious bolts. The wooden feet allow it to move easily on tile scratch-free. The dramatically tall height gives it an “Alice in Wonderland” feel. I find myself inspired by Moorish tile work, so I put a “star of squares” in it. With such solid construction, the bed is completely “rock free”. Beds start around $900 (minus Moorish stars).
Nice reclaimed redwood and Carriage bolts soften the appearance.
Gusseted frame with serious bolts prevent “rocking”.
Moorish 8 sided star represents harmony and balance.
Detail of star. (+ cat tail)
This tiny table is made from Ponderosa Pine from the Verde Vally. It is 16″ x 10″ and 18″ tall. Tiny tables are stylish and very functional, they sit in a corner and are easy to carry around a room. They hold plants, or beer well. It is a perfect first piece of custom Industrial craftsman furniture. At $65 there is no reason not to take this beautiful piece of handmade furniture home.
It is 16″ x 10″ and 18″ tall.
A Client came by the studio with an old wooden address from a former location of the business. Wanting to preserve it and display it. So I used a little steel, some style and put a W on it. 
I built an herb store using reclaimed Douglas Fir and some steel.
Industrial/ Craftsman Furniture 