In a city where everything seems to be increasingly brand new, businesses that work to build upon the character of what's already there stand out. Original Timber Company does just that by locally sourcing reclaimed hardwood to create beautiful handmade furniture, casegoods, flooring, and other custom accessories. All of their raw material comes from within 50 miles of their 4,000-square-foot workshop in Oakland, where owner Anthony Marschak grew up.
Photo Courtesy of OTCO
Original Timber Co. has occupied a storefront showroom in the historic Colombo Building on the corner of Washington Street and Columbus Avenue for the past year or so, but has been in business since 2005. The character of the landmarked building, over 100 years old and nestled amidst the modern development of the Financial District, seems to embody the old-versus-new aesthetic of the company's work itself: Sleek, minimal and modern, the furniture still brings a warmth and familiarity using slabs of old wood brought back to life.
Stephen Jackson/Hoodline
The son of an architect and grandson of a woodworker, Marschak says he fell into woodworking because it's a combination of architecture and product design. He received his degree from formerly California College of Arts and Crafts (now called California College of the Arts) in 2009. He's particularly interested in fabricating well-built items because of their ability to last for generations. "It's sustainable in the fact that a quality piece of furniture is passed down to your kids. It's never going to end up in a landfill. It always has a second life," he told us.
With just six employees, OTCO is able to manufacture a wide array of items in-house from start to finish. Marschak and his colleagues work with clients to design the piece just right, beginning with the selection of wood species from a variety of "exotic domestics," including walnut, acacia, elm, sycamore, and red iron bark eucalyptus. "It's like going to a fabric store or getting a custom suit," Marschak told us. "You pick the fabric you like and go from there."
Products range from smaller coffee tables to entire restaurant and living space environments, including bespoke custom flooring. Their client list is impressive, including restaurants like Saison and Regalito in San Francisco and Camino in Oakland. Other clients include Public Bikes, SF Recreation and Park, and 111 Minna, to name a few.
Saison. Photo Courtesy of OTCO
Prices vary a great deal, but Marschak said a dining table will cost anywhere from $2,500 to $8,000, and they try to work within people's budgets.
Marschak feels that OTCO's network of suppliers and vendors and the quality of their workmanship and design sets them apart from the competition. He also cites his own passion for the craft itself. "I love the attention to detail, the proportionality of the design, and the finish work. Almost everything we stress is on the finishing," he told us.
Marschak is extremely happy to showcase his work and host clients in his wood-clad storefront on the border of the FiDi and North Beach, citing the character and history of the area. "I value the aesthetic of the neighborhood. The people that are still here evoke the nostalgia and era we're trying to come back to, where things were American made and had high quality," he said.
Photo Courtesy of OTCO
As for the future, Marschak plans to expand his Oakland workshop and also develop more small products, such as eyewear, leather goods, and homewares. He's also part owner in the barber shop that just opened next door, Blades Co. Barber Shop, an offshoot of Oakland's Charles Blades Barber Spa. Marschak feels the two businesses work together naturally, and hopes to someday open similar side-by-side businesses in New Orleans and Los Angeles.
Stephen Jackson/Hoodline
For now, if you're interested in any of OTCO's services, keep in mind that custom orders have a four- to six-week turnaround. You can visit their showroom, give them a call at (415) 501-0735, or email them at info[at]originaltimber[dot]com for more info.
