about rook
Welcome to Rook Fine Furniture, where craftsmanship meets collaboration. Founded by three craftsmen with a shared passion for elevating furniture design and construction. Having honed our skills in some of the most esteemed workshops in the region, we embarked on individual paths driven by a common goal: to create furniture of unparalleled quality and beauty. Yet, amidst the competitive landscape, we discovered a greater opportunity—to join forces and pool our talents, expertise, and creativity.
At Rook Fine Furniture, collaboration reigns supreme. United by our dedication to exceptional craftsmanship, we bring together different skills and techniques to craft timeless pieces that embody both artistry and functionality.
Whether you're seeking a custom piece or timeless classic, Rook Fine Furniture invites you to experience the culmination of craftsmanship, collaboration, and passion. Welcome to our world of exquisite furniture, where every piece tells a story.
ken stahl
Partner
Ken grew up in an old house, surrounded by antique furniture that was either lovingly collected by his parents or inherited from family. This is where he gained his appreciation for well made things that could last through generations .
After a brief stint in college studying history he came to the realization that he felt more rewarded while working with his hands so he joined the trades. It was during his time working as a tradesman and restoring an old home in St.Louis that he began building simple pieces of furniture and built ins for himself. In 2013 he made the decision to formally study furniture making and design at the Center for furniture craftsmanship in mid coast Maine (where he has since been asked to return as an instructor).
Following completion of his studies he returned to St.Louis where he opened a small one man shop concentrating on custom furniture pieces. During this time he also worked closely with a number of well regarded local shops and was sought after for jobs that called for complex joinery or veneer work.
Furniture making and design is the perfect setting to combine his loves of history, art, and hands on work all while creating well made things that will last through generations.
cory herweck
Partner
Believe it or not, Cory started his journey into woodworking by making longboards. While providing quality longboards was fun and enjoyable, it was not a great way to make a living and provide for a family. After five years as an Operations Manager for a nonprofit organization, Cory jumped into full time woodworking.
He started working at Wunderwoods Custom Hardwoods in 2017, where Scott quickly became a mentor to Cory. There he learned about basic woodworking and more detailed knowledge of cutting and drying lumber. He quickly helped the business grow and became the production manager for the company in 2019. In 2021, he parted ways and started Terraform Woodworking Co. where he focuses on custom furniture and cabinetry. As Terraform was new and fresh, he also worked at Goebel Furniture Co. as a part time lead craftsman. Alongside Shawn, Cory moved his shop down to Fox Park in 2022, now the home of Rook.
shawn hoven
Shop Lead
Shawn fell into woodworking in the spring of 1995 when he answered an ad in the local paper to “help carve wooden bowls.”.
The ad was placed by Michael Bauermeister, an emerging artist who created both sculptural wooden art and his own unique style of solid wood furniture.
And carve wooden bowls Shawn did, many many hand-carved sculptural vessels that ended up going all over the world.
In a stroke of good fortune, he began an apprenticeship under the tutelage of Bauermeister. He spent two years living in an apartment above a converted general store shop in the river bottoms of Augusta, Missouri.
He had found what he liked to call his preoccupation, a way to make a living while enjoying both a creative and meditative outlet.
Almost 30 years later, he has compiled quite a body of work as a sole proprietor, with a few exceptions like managing ReSource Woodworks in Boulder and serving as lead builder for Taylor Donsker Design in Los Angeles and lead builder for Goebel & Co. Furniture here in St. Louis.
He plans on learning and working on his craft to the very end of his days.
workshop gallery
