ABOUT
Since 1994, Vicco von Voss has been living and working on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, using locally salvaged trees to produce one-of-a-kind, contemporary furniture designs. Born in Kiel, Germany, von Voss was greatly influenced by both his grandfathers—one a forester and woodcarver, the other an architect who worked with Frank Lloyd Wright in post-war Germany.
After graduating from Washington College in 1991 with a degree in fine art, von Voss went on to a formal 3-year carpentry apprenticeship in Hamburg, Germany. It was then that von Voss was introduced to the world of contemporary furniture making.
His relationship with his work is as dynamic as the medium he uses – and the clients who commission it. Combining traditional joinery methods with contemporary design elements, each harmonious, sensual piece is as unique and as lasting as the tree from which they are created.
PHILOSOPHY | PROCESS
PHILOSOPHY
At Vicco von Voss Furniture Design, the philosophy behind our work is a tribute to the tree, every step of the way. Each piece of furniture we create begins with a profound respect for the life of the tree—its long, silent existence, its time spent reaching for the sun, and the shelter it has provided to countless living things. This isn't just about woodworking; it's about honoring a life and transforming its essence into a new, purposeful form.
Our values are our foundation. We are committed to creating timeless, one-of-a-kind wooden heirlooms through exceptional craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and a deep respect for natural materials. This commitment allows us to shape a sustainable business rooted in our principles, ensuring our craft and livelihood can flourish for generations.
PROCESS
We begin our process by meticulously selecting each piece of wood, looking for slabs that tell their own story through natural curves and unique grain patterns. Our hands, guided by decades of experience, don't simply cut and shape; they listen. We seek to highlight the wood’s inherent beauty, teasing out the organic curves that already exist. This process is a dialogue, where we respond to the wood's natural inclinations rather than imposing our will upon it. We understand that it’s all about the line—always looking at the line when shaping something. We approach the wood by trying to determine what it is asking us to do, how it wants to be interpreted. When a log has a curve, we cut it along that curve, knowing that the curve is the strength of the wood.
This intentional approach extends to every detail. We personally oversee the entire process, from the careful milling and drying of the lumber to the final delivery and installation. This full-circle involvement ensures that each piece is not just a work of furniture, but a functional sculpture—a living, useable work of art that carries the spirit of the tree into your home. The result is a fusion of nature and craftsmanship, a unique expression of art and utility that brings the soul of the forest to life.
CURRICULUM VITAE