Award

D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 4 | 27 Architectural Woodwork P H OTO G R A P H Y CO U RT E S Y B EN S O N C A B I N E T RY & M I L LWO R K As architectural woodwork reclaims its place in modern design, skilled craspeople are shaping everything from grand condos to cozy rentals by ROBIN BRUNET T he architectural woodworking sector in 2024 saw the continua- tion of various trends, driven by interior designers increasingly turning to wood as a sustainable construction material. The use of local and unique woods was prevalent in high-end projects, and the demand for bespoke woodworking in different sectors remained strong. Also, in some cases, craftspeople concerned with sustainability found themselves sourcing lesser-known species of wood, an example being the substitution of American cherry or applewood instead of mahogany. Benson Cabinetry & Millwork (BCM) has been a key player in the multi-residential and high-rise inte- rior trade since 1976, but the company has entered a new phase since its transition of ownership in 2018. Tim Benson, the current president and CEO, aims to reshape the company – formerly known as Benson Industries – into a trusted partner for both existing and new clients. BCM emphasizes end-to- end customer service and team integration, backed by a strong track record of executing large, complex projects on time, and with a commitment to quality. This dedication has solidified BCM's position in the West Coast market for 2024-2025. Like many local service providers, BCM is nav- igating the challenges of inflation and market fluctuations. According to Benson, the presence of low-cost, low-quality import goods in high-rise projects has added pressure, as has the local hir- ing challenges stemming from limited interest and training for young people in manufacturing and trades. Coupled with a low Canadian dollar and high living wage demands in B.C., the past five years have posed unique challenges compared to the pre- vious 43 years before the acquisition. Open dialogue and transparency are essential for fostering productive relationships among all stake- holders. "It's important for government entities to consider the cost implications of the electoral ini- tiatives being proposed at the provincial level," says Benson. "While import goods will remain part of the market landscape, BCM hopes that federal and provincial regulators will recognize that ensuring a quality of life for local workers relies on maintaining local jobs and fair competition." Despite these challenges, Benson says BCM is experiencing growth in B.C., with a robust order book filled with provincial projects, unlike previous years when it often had to look outside the province or country for work. The opposite of a company such as Benson's in terms of size is Oake & Rowan Millwork Design Ltd., launched in 2021 by Ciaran and Naomi Adams in Cobble Hill, B.C., to address the need they saw for a skilled and agile shop focused primarily on architec- tural millwork – they guarantee that each cabinet and millwork project will finish as a work of art in wood, brought to life through a detail-oriented approach. Ciaran Adams agrees that inflation has taken its toll, however, as a relatively small firm with a par- ticular focus, "We've been busier than we know what Against the Grain Bespoke woodworking by Benson Cabinetry & Millwork.

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