At Yew WoodShop, a studio and workshop just off of Clark Drive in East Vancouver, wood is taking on new life, both artistic and functional. Working largely with BC timber and, when possible, reclaimed material, the team here is making a name for themselves as producers of well-designed, ethical wood products.
The space operates not just as a shop, but also as a studio and showroom. The group of friendly folks who occupy work here take on a wide range of design and building projects – from doors, furniture and countertops, to artwork and unique custom projects.
“We're the starting point that takes the idea, builds it and develops it. Either we can do the entire project here or we will subcontract other businesses where necessary. For example, if we need to do a table that requires a metal base, we'll find another local shop that does the metal work,” explains Danielle Gilday, co-owner.
The Yew WoodShop is sectioned off into three areas, with the front two rooms serving as a studio, where designs and ideas are discussed and as a showroom, displaying completed projects like instruments, tables, decorative rockets, doors, and more. The expansive shop is in the back, where the project come to life.
Pat Christie and Danielle and Logan Gilday studied industrial design together at Emily Carr. They ended up sharing a house on Yew Street and when they acquired their working space in 2011, they decided to incorporate the name.