Sept 26 – A Local Success Story, AWD of Savannah Announces Expansion and Sales Growth

Last Updated on Monday, 26 September 2011 11:44 Written by Lou Phelps Monday, 26 September 2011 11:15

By Lou Phelps, SBJ Staff

Sept 26, 2011 - The April-June 2011 quarter brought a pleasant surprise for AWD of Savannah, a local woodworking company building custom furniture and cabinetry, according to president and head designer of AWD, Harley Ashbaugh.

With fall approaching, the company saw a substantial increase in demand for cabinetry and custom made furniture, a trend being experienced in Savannah and across the U.S. based on national orders in the custom cabintry business, according to the Austin Texas based Build Fax Remodeling Index. May 2011 had the highest index since 2004; May 2011 orders rose 22% over the prior year.

AWD experienced the growth, as well. And, with more design jobs on the books, AWD has announced that it has been able to hire two additional staff members to ensure timely design and project delivery, according to Ashbaugh.

The new team members will support Ashbaugh in all phases of design process and wood working execution. They include Russell A. Klee Jr., an award winning furniture maker who joins AWD in the function of cabinetmaker, and Makayla Schaller, a seasoned woodworker who will fill the position of woodshop manager at AWD.

“AWD is fortunate to be in the position of hiring and expanding our business,” said Ashbaugh. ”I am convinced that the positive trend for our firm, custom cabinetry and furniture will progress into 2012 and beyond due to the fact that homeowners are investing in their existing properties instead of buying new real estate. Our clients are looking for individual design solutions for their living environment, the Special Something, most chain stores are not able to offer.”

AWD (www.awdsavannah.com) provides high-quality architectural woodworking and design in furniture and cabinetry, customized for individual needs, including desired style, creative design execution, and purposeful functionality, with all products made in the U.S.

Ashbaugh received his B.F.A. in Interior Design and a Minor in Furniture Design from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in 2002, and remained in the area to found a company. His interest in design and woodworking began in early childhood, influenced by his father’s dedication to craftsmanship.

In 2003 Asbaugh partnered with Architectural Woodworking and Design of Savannah, which he acquired as sole proprietor in 2009, and transformed the firm into AWD, now recognized as a premier design and woodworking company in the South.