What people say about our work

Al is an artisan; one who is imbued with the skill to move dimensional lumber into  a beautiful piece of functional furniture. But he is much more than a craftsman...he is a teacher and mentor. He patiently determines what the client envisions and then provides the mentoring to move from a dream, to a concept and to a functional design.

We stumbled into Al at the Lunenburg Craft Fair in 2003. The first piece he made for us was an 8’ edition of the C-4 canoe display case. We now also have two magnificent pieces of Mission-style quarter sawn white oak furniture...a book case, and a buffet with an insert of Nova Scotia marble in the top. It is joy to have met him for he has enriched our lives with his friendship, his tutelage and the fruits of his labours.

~ Ron Nicholson

Al built some custom built-in bookcases and a corner cabinet a few years ago for my last home and they blended seamlessly with the room, the workmanship  was excellent. I have seen many of his Arts and Crafts pieces at craft shows and am really impressed! Beautiful detailed work.

 ~ Mary Dixon, Newcombville, NS

The two skiff boat shelves and barrel stave votive holder we bought from Riverworks Studio truly are works of art and are greatly admired by all who see them for their beauty, individuality and craftsmanship.  We will certainly be visiting again soon to add more unique pieces to our cabin.  Al and Charlotte offer a warm, friendly service and to visit their showroom is always a pleasure.

 ~ Anne Holland, London, UK (summer home in East Dalhousie)

The units are beautiful, built with care and meticulous attention to detail. Your suggestions on improving the custom design were perfect, that resulted in pieces that worked out better than I had imagined. As well, your attention to little things, like the recessed supports for the lower shelves, demonstrated a real love and affinity for your craft. We are more than pleased with the results.

I would be happy to say more nice things about the units-they have worked our perfectly. At some point, you may want to drop by and take a picture or 2, as I do not imagine you will be making anything quite like this again.

 ~ Adam Huber, Head of St. Margaret’s Bay

Al made us an extraordinarily beautiful Memory Box that we took to the U.K. recently as a wedding present. It was all the more special because Al consulted with us throughout its design and creation - suggesting Nova Scotia woods and stains to use. The results were spectacular, and it made a meaningful and intimate gift. 

~ Deborah Woolway, Producer, Maritime Noon, CBC Radio, Halifax