About Randy Field

Woodworking has been a passion and tradition in my family since the mid-1800s. My brother Robb and I represent the 5th generation of a continuous line of woodworkers. We were privileged to be raised in a house with a fully functioning wood shop, holding tools since before I can recall. My childhood entertainment was equal parts Saturday morning cartoons and PBS woodworking shows.

In addition to woodworking, science is also part of my family’s legacy. My father and grandfather both spent their careers as aerospace engineers, contributing to many of America’s military aircraft. My great grandfather was a food scientist responsible for the process by which chocolate chip ice cream was first made.

And although I chose art school in 1997, I’ve always kept my spirit of curiosity, research, and problem-solving; all critical skills for any engineer. I spent 6 years in art school learning design and illustration, which served me well in my modest freelance career, including book layout, logo design, illustration, video editing, and motion graphics.

Additionally, I’ve created comics that have seen the front page of Reddit, and published two award-winning board games.

Greater than any of these was being a proud stay-at-home father of two exceptional kids. Passing on my love of science, math, music, games, comics, and art remains my greatest source of joy.

As of 2023, both children were finally attending school full-time and I began to pursue my creative career as more than a part-time effort. It started as a journey of being an all-purpose maker, though it quickly became clear that woodworking was my most in-demand skill and the one I most enjoyed. Thus, Field Woodworking was born.

I’ve since designed and created a broad range of furniture, much of which can be seen in the gallery. I’ve also been very fortunate to find work repairing and refinishing vintage furniture, some from legendary designers like George Nakashima, Ettore Sottsass, and the Eames brothers.

I’m a perpetual student. I love dissecting work from old masters and new masters alike, in a wide variety of creative disciplines. I hope to one day be at least competent in as many mediums as possible. Sculpting is my favorite pastime.

In my own designs, I enjoy using reclaimed wood and materials whenever possible. My design sense tends to be modern, while rooted in practical engineering.

My personal philosophy is simple:

1) The best designs begin with a unique challenge.

2) Ideally, each aspect of a design should contribute equally to both form and function.