19: Michael Haynes

May 2026

I met Michael several years ago while watching football in a pub. Back then, he was just starting his woodworking journey; I distinctly remember seeing his “Trio side table” and appreciating the attention to detail and high-quality finish. Since that first encounter, his portfolio has grown impressively. Recently, I had the opportunity to tour his space and chat about how far he’s come.

Hello, Michael. Before we get into it. What have you been up to this week?

I’ve recently been preparing for a show opening at Piscina in Red Hook. It was the first show I've participated in, so that was especially exciting! The show brought together process drawings and sketches from artists and designers. Alongside my drawing, I presented the NURU sconce, which was my first lighting design.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Midlothian Virginia

How did you get into the creative industry? Both as a graphic designer and also adding woodworking to your skill set.

I knew early in High School that I wanted to pursue Graphic design. At that point, I was more focused on fine art, but I knew it was a pathway for me to pursue art as a career. My dad is a carpenter and general contractor, and when I was growing up, I would work with him at times. That background and the skills I learned definitely helped once my interest in furniture started in 2022, at first with furniture 101 classes during COVID and then more seriously once I found a studio space and transitioned into freelancing as a graphic designer.

“
I'm always exploring ways I can be more sculptural with my work.
”

Where do you feel most rooted—creatively or otherwise?

I really value the creative process. There's definitely some overlap with graphic design and woodworking, but I've come to appreciate all the stages and planning in making furniture. I feel most rooted in the process of bringing ideas to life in such a tangible way.

What were your earliest creative instincts?

Definitely drawing. When I was younger, I was obsessed with learning how to draw hyper-realistically.

How do you define “good design” in your practice today?

Most importantly, I think it's about making work I feel connected to. I try to be intentional about approaching woodworking as a practice more than work.

Can you walk us through your process when approaching a new project?

It's a little bit of everything and intentionally scattered. Some sketching, looking at inspiration, rendering, or creating mockups. Starting a new project always feels like play before you land on an idea

Your work balances clarity and expression—how do you maintain that tension?

For me, the tension is having to push myself to be more expressive. Sometimes that's going with the idea you doubt at first, or deciding to approach something differently than before.

In what ways does your background influence your design perspective?

My design background feels very digitally precise with minimal constraints. In contrast to making furniture, which is very tangible, materials can be unforgiving. It's a rewarding and humbling experience for sure, and I really enjoy the contrast.

Name two creatives in any industry that inspire you?

Can I pick 2 design types instead?! I'm always inspired by typography and packaging design

How do you approach collaboration, especially across different perspectives?

Graphic Design is a huge part of my work. I'm constantly collaborating with different people, and you have to be open to different perspectives. At times, I think design is about taking a step away from yourself or how you'd normally think to better understand what success looks like. In woodworking, I generally work more independently, but there are always opportunities to bring people into the creative process.

What has been a challenge that reshaped your approach to design?

Moving away from graphic design as a full-time job was a big shift for me. It was the only career I had known, but I saw value in pursuing my woodworking practice and being able to create and challenge myself in different ways. I had to take myself seriously as an artist, and, of course, that came with a lot of self-doubt and imposter syndrome as I stepped into a new field.

What are you currently exploring in your work?

I'm always exploring ways I can be more sculptural with my work.

What does success look like to you right now?

Right now, it's about finding new opportunities to put myself and my work out there. For me, that's been the most effective way to learn and grow.

What kind of future are you interested in helping design?

A future where even the most everyday objects can be elevated with design

Now, here are some quick-fire questions.

Sunset or sunrise?

Sunset

Analog or digital?

Analog

Minimalism or maximalism?

Minimalism

Research first or jump straight in?

Research

Solo work or collaboration?

Solo

Music while designing or silence?

Music

One tool you can’t live without?

Pencil

A place that inspires you?

The ocean!

Follow Michael on Instagram @pith_designs

Cheers mates!