STL339: The Woodshop is a Play Room
Robby Simon, a Black woodworker and designer from Atlanta, Georgia, shares his journey from a corporate career at Mailchimp to becoming a professional furniture maker. He discusses his apprenticeship with mentor Rebel Awaka, the influence of his WWII veteran grandfather, and how he integrates his cultural background into a unique design language. Simon explains his philosophy that woodworking is 'magic' rather than science, emphasizing accessibility and the importance of maker spaces for underrepresented communities.