Meet James Davis

Today we’d like to introduce you to James Davis.

James, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My adventure into woodworking started back when I was 12 and I built a rickety table from plywood and 2×4’s so that I could make model cars. My father was a mechanical engineer and I grew up helping him do all manner of home improvement projects that I had no idea were even possible.

With that knowledge, I began renovating houses in early 2000. Building my skills and making more elaborate projects. Eventually making my own countertops, cabinets and furniture for the properties. As the downturn of 2008 happened, it was the perfect time to advance my knowledge. Industrial Design was the degree that caught my attention and Metro State University of Denver had a fantastic shop set up that expanded my woodworking knowledge and allowed me to incorporate metal and resin into my work.

Upon graduation in Dec 2010, I was selected to be a part of the “Design By Colorado” exhibit at DIA as well as being awarded my first commercial project for the Renegade Brewing Company in the Santa Fe Arts District. These two projects jumpstarted my career and I’ve been building custom work for commercial and residential clients ever since.

In early 2015 I was snowboarding on Mt. Evans with a good friend when a spring storm materialized. Thunder and lightning were all around and we were stuck on the mountain with near-zero visibility. Knowing that we were the tallest things (on metal and carbon fiber boards to boot) we knew the only option was to point our boards down, hope there were no rocks or cliffs and get off the mountain.

Days after safely avoiding a lightning incident curiously took over. I began researching what happens to someone struck by lightning. I came across a spider web of red scarring that was horrifying and intriguing. While down the electricity rabbit hole, a video of electricity burning wood popped up. I knew this was a new technique that was going to touch my work.

After a number of treacherous attempts, understanding the electricity finally began to come clear. Saltwater & baking soda allowed the fractal patterns to form while 2,000 volts created the power to push through the wood. Four years of tinkering and installing safer device handling tactics have allowed me to create larger installations.

Today, I build projects as small as wedding rings to large installs for climbing companies and corporate conference tables.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s never a smooth road… LOL Every craftsman I have ever met says “you never stop learning”. Translation: You never stop screwing up and figuring out ways to fix it.

The electricity portion has been a real learning curve with serious consequences. There have been a number of deaths and serious injuries for people that have attempted doing Lichtenberg fractals. After the advice of a number of master electricians, I have incorporated electrical rated boots, lineman gloves, remote pedal activation and keep clear of the work surface!

We’d love to hear more about your work.
I formed the company in October 2010 just before graduating design school. Since then, I have been the only official employee though I hope to grow in 2020 to bring on Alex Eichler who was a previous intern and current part-time assistant.

There are a number of proud moments as a company. The Renegade Brewing Company and The Spot Bouldering Gym are two of my favorite large scale projects. In the residential world, I strive to make furniture that my clients will cherish. I build a bench for one couple and when they decided it was time to build a new home they had their architect design the home so that the bench would still occupy their entry!

Quality craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and attention to client needs are what I am known for. Oh… and lightning my projects on fire… LOL

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Listening. Hearing what my client’s needs, budgets and timelines are. Working with a budget allows me to select the right materials and process to get the overall look that they desire. I’m able to talk with my clients about what is reasonable for budget, design, and timeline at the beginning of the project so we are all on the same page. Constant communication during the project is also an important part of my success.

Pricing:

• Sets of 4 coasters for $20a
• Serving trays start at $50
• Electrified Electric Guitars $399
• Walnut butcher block countertops with Lichtenberg fractals, resin infill and poly finish: Starting at $75/sq ft

Contact Info:

• Address: 2555 S. Santa Fe Dr #F2, Denver, CO 80223
• Website: www.JamesDavisDesigns.com
• Phone: 303-906-2888
• Email: James@JamesDavisDesigns.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/James_Davis_Designs
• Facebook: Facebook.com/JamesDavisDesignsDenver
• Other: https://indd.adobe.com/view/081fe6e4-e1d5-4e49-83b3-dd43fd0f36ad

Image Credit:
James Davis, Paul Duffy (Ping Pong photo)

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