One of the best things about being an interior designer, for me, is the chance to work with extremely talented craftspeople to create custom furniture. There is simply nothing more gratifying than developing a design that perfectly suits a particular space, and then watch it come to life in the hands of a master artisan. I had the chance to work with Charlotte woodworkers Mica Sorkin and Mark Hefner several years ago on a Craftsman-style bench I designed for my own home. They did a wonderful job crafting an exquisitely detailed heirloom quality oak bench to my exact specifications. I loved it so much that I recently re-engaged the pair to produce a custom entertainment unit for a client’s living room. I look forward to unveiling the photos when it’s completed! In the meantime I want to share a bit more about this talented duo.
Mica Sorkin and Mark Hefner
Mica Sorkin and Mark Hefner launched their business, Hefner Woodworking + Sorkin Design back in 2003. Lifelong friends, they share a passion for woodworking that came from growing up in families involved in furniture making here in North Carolina. (Read more in this interview by QC Exclusive Magazine.) Together, Mark and Mica produce custom furniture and cabinetry for kitchens and baths in a range of styles from traditional to contemporary. With over ten years in business, they’ve amassed a portfolio of work that shows off both incredible technical skill and artistry as woodworkers. Here is a little Q&A with Mark and Mica:
Hefner + Sorkin’s work ranges from Craftsman styles like this desk…..
…to warm and contemporary pieces, like this dresser.
Mark and Mica, you both have backgrounds in woodworking and furniture production, and I understand you’ve been friends for a long time (since the 3rd grade!) Tell me about the moment you decided to launch a business together.
Mica: It was an evolution more than one particular moment. Our skills compliment each other’s, we work well together, and we laugh a lot so it all happened naturally.
Mark: We never really sat down and said “Hey, let’s start a woodworking business.” We both had pursuits in the craft, and collaborating came easily.
Custom integrated headboard and night tables.
What aspects of the work you do gets you out of bed each morning? What do you find most fulfilling?
Mica: There’s a lot to love about designing and building custom furniture. I like the problem solving, finding ways to use tools and materials in interesting ways. There are nights when I go to bed figuring out how to build something or what design will provide an elegant solution, and I wake up with a new idea. I also love the feeling of stepping back at the end of a day and seeing a piece of furniture on the bench that’s never existed before. Wood is such a beautiful, versatile material. I feel lucky to be around it.
Mark: For me, the wood is the main draw. I am always fascinated by this amazing material. I also enjoy the relationships that are built with vendors, clients and other tradespeople.
Mark and Mica also produce custom cabinets, such as this kitchen done in bamboo.
And custom bath vanities too!
Which artists, artisans or styles would you say have been most influential in your work?
Mica: When I was in college, I took my first trip to the Milan Furniture Fair and was blown away. Seeing the work of my design heroes and seeing how many people took design seriously was amazing. The level of craft was so impressive too. My personal favorite is Jasper Morrison. He’s known for clean, minimalist designs, and he sweats the details. We work in any style the client ask for, but I gravitate toward modern design.
Mark: I love the Shaker and the Arts and Crafts styles. To me, the simplicity is the beauty.
Stacked wood dresser by Mica Sorkin.
Which piece are you most proud of and why?
Mica: I like the dresser with the stacked, curved drawer faces. It was incredibly fun to build, and I could try something new. I like how it invites you to touch it and open the drawers however you want. There are no drawer pulls. (See photo above.)
Mark: There are many, but one that comes to mind is the built-in walnut hutch. All the lumber came from one local tree, and the client got to visit the sawmill when we were planning the piece. (See photos below.) I think its great when a client has an interest in where the wood comes from and the process it takes to make it furniture. I also really like building inset style furniture where precision is key.
Cabinet with hutch by Mark Hefner.
Detail photo of cabinet by Mark Hefner.
Totally left to your own devices without time or budget as constraints, what would you love to build?
Mica: I actually work best within constraints. I like responding to a particular need a client has like how to store sheet music or display objects that are important to them. I like when a project is a little out of my comfort zone and I need to research a new technique or (hopefully) buy a new tool. Left to my own devices, I don’t trust that I would have the discipline to build something as nice as I would when given a project.
Mark: I love to build anything with live-edge slabs. It’s great to just focus on one piece of wood, and large slabs are so interesting visually. They really tell the story of the life of the tree.
Mica created this great textured wall and wetbar area in his own home.
What advice do you have for someone interested in commissioning a piece of custom furniture?
Mica: Bring a spirit of collaboration. Some clients have a fully realized vision and some rely on us to design from scratch, but good communication always brings the best results.
All photos courtesy of Mark Hefner and Mica Sorkin. See more images of their work at Hefner Woodworking + Sorkin Design.
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Tamara Leicester is a licensed interior designer and owner of Tamara Heather Interior Design, LLC. She designs casually elegant interiors with an artistic sensibility, often drawing upon the talent of local artists and craftspeople in her work. Dreaming about updating your space? Learn more at tamaraheatherinteriors.com.