François Staub

Cabinetmaker

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Mixing digital tools and traditional craftsmanship

François is an experienced cabinetmaker and designer
His work uses digital and traditional woodworking techniques
His piece Corte Nacosta took 7,000 hours to make

An accomplished cabinetmaker and creator, what drives François Staub forward in his craft is the search for new forms and how to innovate in his approach to making. Wanting to always go further in his craft, he masters different digital and innovative techniques, programmes and machines. François combines his cabinetry skills with a singular approach to design and a fascination for innovation, which make for endless possibilities in crafting furniture, woodwork and light. One of his chef d’oeuvres is a very special piece that took over 7,000 hours of work to be completed: a small cabinet full of the secrets of cabinetmaking, with a facade inspired by the Ca’ d’Oro in Venice, and a miniature world like a maze of secrets inside.

Interview

How do you use digital in your work as a craftsman?
I am first and foremost a cabinetmaker, but I also design and draw 3D digital plans. My 3D plans are sent to a five-axe machine, and the possibilities of craftwork once you bring in digital machinery is amazing and limitless. I really enjoy the mix of digital and manual.
What is your favourite design?
The 1930s was the best time for design. That is when there was a lot of veneer with different materials, and the shapes were studied. It was the beginning of the Bauhaus, it was completely renewed, with pure lines and much more interesting shapes.
Are lines and light an important part of your work?
The object only exists because the light lands on it. If the angle is well made the light will run over the angle, and bring it to life. Light allows the object to be sublimated, it is impalpable but it is what makes the item exist, allowing it to appear and live.
What is your piece Corte Nacosta?
I wanted to make a piece like this for a long time, beyond restriction and to go as far as possible in the mastery of wood. Inspired by the Ca' d'Oro in Venice, it is full of secrets; when you open the facade you are in a dreamlike world. Secret rooms, staircases, hidden figures...

François Staub is an expert artisan: he began his career in 1979