Surface Workshop creates beautiful custom furniture and provides sustainable finishing & refinishing services. Our mission is to produce high quality and exceptionally creative products in an environmentally sensitive operation. Surface Workshop is a collaboration between a family of artists, designers, and craftsmen based in Miami, FL.
It's better for the earth
We use sustainable materials and finishes that lessen the impact on forests,
water systems, and landfills.
It's better for indoor environments
We use low-voc paints that do not emit the harmful odors and gasses traditional furniture does.
It distinguishes and adds value
The certified materials and environmentally senstive manufacturing add value.
It's beautiful and long-lasting
Green furniture is durable and attractive because it embraces the natural beauty of materials.
It's affordable and refined
We are committed to making sustainable furniture more accessible.
It's local and hand-made
We work each piece by hand in our South Florida shop.
* Custom Designed furniture and woodworking
* Custom built-in units
* Finishing using Sustainable and Traditional finishes
* Refinshing and restoring furniture
* Touch-ups on site
* Funiture consultation
* Design consultation
We have an in-house registered interior designer and an architectural designer, in addition to painters and carpenters.
We can design, build, finish, and install custom furniture that fits your needs and the space that you have.
From kitchen cabinets to wall units to closet systems, we can build pieces that are made from reclaimed materials, FSC certified wood, or formeldahyde free MDF to name a few green options. Then we can finish these with water based or natural finishes and finally, we can install these using low-voc adhesives.
Our designers can assist, give us a call or send us an email.
Kaelsie studied architecture at the University of Pennsylvania (BA, 2006) and Florida International University (M Arch, 2009). At the University of Pennsylvania, she was part of the winning team that designed the Bernice Elza Home, a low-cost, sustainable multi-family apartment building for homeless, single mothers which was built later that year in Philadelphia.
After Penn, Kaelsie interned at Elemental in Santiago, Chile. She conducted post-occupancy research at the ultra-low cost housing project Quinta Monroy in Iquique, Chile.
Kaelsie became a LEED Accredited Professional in the Fall of 2006 and served on the environmental task force at ADD Inc, an architecture, interiors, and planning firm based in Boston. At Florida International University, Kaelsie received her Master's degree in architecture and served as a teaching assistant for architecture history. She serves as a board member of Green Mobility Network.
Jose Saravia
Jose began painting furniture at age 14. More than four decades later, let's just say he's gotten really, really good at what he does. He has an expert ability to mix colors to produce a vast spectrum of finishing possibilities. His passion for craftsmanship and beautiful furniture have kept him busy with thousands of projects and clients over the years.
The sustainable advancements in finishing systems have brought an air of excitement to the field of furniture. These green products are not only great for the environ-ment, they are also a delight for Jose. The Greenguard certified finishing systems that Surface Workshop offers are water-based and thus produce no harmful fumes and do not require the use of harsh solvents. We are delighted to provide these water-based finishes because we know they are good for the earth and good for the craftsman!
Yelsi studied Interior Design at Florida International University (BA, 2004) and is a licensed Interior Designer in the state of Florida. She consults on space planning and custom furniture designs. She is also a product designer for our line of wall panels.
Luz oversees operations. She specializes in managing the preparation process for finishing. It is her careful attention to detail that ensures quality products and successful projects.
Orlando studied English and Business at the University of Florida (BA, 2008). He oversees shipping and receiving. Orlando recently received an M.B.A. at Florida International University.
Lola is an American Bulldog mix who joins the team a few days a week. She loves coming to work and keeping a watchful eye on the shop.
Sharky is a rottweiler mix who guards the shop sometimes. She is the first to sense visitors and can be easily bribed with ham.
The Surface Workshop van got some love from Los Angeles street artists Sand and Vyal. Sand painted one of her signature cute girls on the driver's side, with the message "Share the Road" to promote safe driving and cycling. Vyal painted a blue figure on the passenger side.
As featured in Home Miami 2/10, Surface Workshop can help you achieve a green home- headache free.
Since the article was published, we have met many like-minded customers who share our affinity for eco-friendly living and well-crafted furniture.
Kaelsie was selected as a runner up the Daily Candy "Make your Mark" competition. The selection committee was impressed by the sustainable goals and services offered through the Surface Workshop.
Annie Liebovitz, renowned portrait photographer, took the photograph of Kaelsie, to the right.
Visit the online photo collection, with a foreward by Gloria Steinem, here.
A few of our pieces were featured in the "Books and Furniture" Show during Art Basel in Wynwood 2010. The show was a collaboration between Florida International University School of Architecture and Lombardi Properties .
Photos above taken by Lillian Rodriguez of Lilly Pondering Blog.
Get in touch with us to discuss your project, visits to the shop by appointment only:
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