John Kraft was introduced to construction by a small town midwestern contractor doing all phases of construction; foundation through roofing. Woodworking became his focus with an emphasis in timber framing, custom cabinetry, built-in furniture and fireplace mantels using Japanese and traditional joinery.
Moving to California in 1987 afforded John the opportunity to work with engineers, designers, architects and clients who valued the input that craft persons could provide. This has enabled John to work with highly skilled and motivated teams on projects in California, Pennsylvania and Hawaii. With the needs of the client as the initial motivation, projects are carefully planned taking into account historical design, current building codes and structural integrity with smooth, seamless trasformation as the goal.
Licensed as a General Contractor with a DBA of Kraftmanship Carpentry, John works primarily by himself from design through fabrication, but is always excited when opportunities arise to collaborate with other artisans
This Mahogany and tile fireplace surround was designed by John Kraft for a home in Berkeley, CA, based on mantels and cabinetry by architects Greene and Greene. The surround was modified from the original mantle so that it could be centered in the room. The Matowi Tile facing was professionally installed by Riley Doty.
Finger joint detailing highlight the corners of this mantle designed and built by John Kraft. Pillowed Ebony plugs accent the legs of the surround and the corner finger joint. The mantle is done with joinery that avoids the use of nails or screws, and the upper mantle course “floats” above the lower course on purlins, creating a stepped effect. Matowi Tile installed by Riley Doty.
Western Red Cedar was used for this trellis built by John Kraft for a San Francisco Victorian home. Custom detailing and half-lap joinery on the timbers, and wrought iron brackets designed to match the handrailing complete the project.
This custom redwood door with Arabesque detailing on the top rail was one of many doors and windows made to replace lost originals. Carpenter John Kraft used reclaimed old growth redwood to mimic the existing woodwork of this Bernard Maybeck designed home in Piedmont, CA.
Finger joint detailing, influenced by Greene and Greene designs, highlight the corners of this mahogany mantel by John Kraft for a home in Berkeley, CA. The mantel legs have pillowed Ebony pegs as accents. Matowi Tile facing installed by Riley Doty.
A mahogany fireplace mantle and cabinetry built by John Kraft, which he designed to wrap the existing brick chimney in a John Hudson Thomas home in Berkeley, CA. Finger joints were used at the mantel corners. The top mantle layer appears to float on the purlins while through tenon joinery add subtle highlights to the side cabinets. The tile work by Riley Doty includes glass inlay starting on the hearth and rising up both sides of the firebox.
