Walter Goodman has been doing woodwork for nearly his entire life.
“I remember fondly the little wood shop in my grandfather’s basement, where he re-caned and repaired chairs, not to mention making jigsaw puzzles for all his grandkids. Less fond memories are of wood shop in high school, but at least it was still considered non-outlandish to have a serious wood shop, machinery, riskiness and all, in public education.”
Photo: Ronnie Andren
Walter’s professional journey began in 1981 in New York City and it has continued there since.
Walter Goodman Cabinetry is located in a spacious, 14,000-square-foot loft in Brooklyn’s Industry City. Part of the shop is a cooperative enterprise where other professionals run their businesses, working on machinery and equipment that is procured, restored, and maintained by Walter himself. These machines are each unique works of art, and caring for them is one of Walter’s deep passions. The classic European and American machines embody the design aesthetic of a Walter Goodman Cabinetry creation. Machine techniques used judiciously allow for efficient work and time to concentrate efforts on the areas best served by fine craftsmanship.
Photo: Ronnie Andren
Of course, hand skills are essential to woodworking, and are always fundamental to the craft. As such, the classic cabinetmaker’s bench, with racks of sharp tools at close hand, occupies a central place in the workshop.
Working in New York has meant working closely with woodworkers from countries all around the world, including Austria, Germany, Switzerland, England, Chile, Palestine, and several of the countries of Eastern Europe, many of which are a vibrant repository of traditional woodworking craft. Working alongside such a diverse group of woodworkers is how Walter came to meet mentors who have taught him both traditional and modern techniques. The variety and quality of skill and the heart each person has brought to their craft has served as inspiration. Walter Goodman Cabinetry sits, partly by design and partly by serendipity, at the center of an exciting whorl of cross-fertilization and common interest among a number of woodworkers doing a great variety of woodworking.
The result of this synergy is a team of professionals who share interests and possess skills that are wide-ranging and highly varied in their craft. Walter Goodman Cabinetry builds cabinets, of course, but our specialties extend far beyond that.
Our Specialties
Art Fabrication: Conceptual art specified in wood, cases, vitrines, and pedestals
Period Display Cases: Created for antique dealers and discriminating collectors
Furniture: Tables, beds, dressers, credenzas, chairs, and vanities, including designer furniture, architectural commissions, and reproductions. These may include turnings and carved details.
Small production runs of furniture
Architectural millwork
We are well versed in solid timber, and the enormous palette of species from which to choose. We also do runs of custom veneer work, which is handled in-house.
What our clients are saying…
We're thrilled to give Walter Goodman our highest possible recommendation, for anyone looking for an extraordinarily talented craftsman who is also a complete pleasure to work with. We engaged Walter on our architect's recommendation. We ended up being so pleased with the results and the experience of working with Walter that we asked him to help design additional pieces for us. The results in each case were beautiful, built with uncommon sensitivity to detail and care, and always delivered on schedule and budget. We will certainly be using Walter for any and all of our woodworking needs going forward, and we've already recommended his services to close friends. We live with Walter's work everyday, and we couldn't be happier about it.
- PRIVATE CLIENT,
EAST END AVENUE
I have known and worked with Walter Goodman for over 15 years. His professionalism, knowledge, craft and care are among the highest I know and he is a delight to work with.
-Douglas Fanning,
Douglas Fanning Design and DYAD INc.
Walter and his team deliver nothing but meticulous craft and attentive service. Walter's experience and knowledge are far reaching, and his input is always helpful. Once they are on the job, you'll feel peace of mind knowing everything will materialize just beautifully.
- Jude Heslin De Leo
I’m an architect, and our firm has been working with Walter Goodman since 2006. Our collaborations have included custom kitchen cabinetry, built-in Murphy beds with custom integrated lighting, custom dining tables, and - our latest project with Walter - custom wood extensions for a glass dining table.
Walter is extremely knowledgeable about all species of woods and wood finishes, and we’ve rarely worked with anyone as detail oriented and conscientious as Walter. He’s been a tremendous help with offering construction advice for pieces in which the detailing is key to their success. Our clients have the highest regard for Walter, as do we. Craftsmanship on this level is rare.
-Jane Stageberg,
Bade Stageberg Cox Architecture
Professionals We Partner With
Let’s work together.
At Walter Goodman Cabinetry, we value our clients’ ideas and believe good craftsmanship starts with great collaborations. Tell us about your project today.