I’m always proud of myself when I can figure out a home repair issue and fix it on my own. The other day, I went to the hardware store to purchase a part for my sink. When I stated what I was looking for, the store owner said “you know, they don’t teach these crafts like they used to.” They don’t craft things like they used to either.
He and I discussed this a bit further. These days, most everyone is encouraged to go to college. In this goal, we are in danger of losing the craftsmanship that holds up our communities. The plumbers, carpenters, mechanics, electricians, stone masons…well, you understand my point. The irony is many kids graduate college without a clear career, but some of them might have thrived at building and crafting. At the same time, if everyone becomes an architect, who will build the buildings? I always think its ironic that an architect gets all the credit for a building. Where is the reverence for the hands that built it?
On a work retreat this past weekend, we discussed this idea at length. As a digital company, being progressive and modern is essential but drawing out of this kind of artisanship gives it a layer into the physical world. This is a unique and challenging blend.
Woodsmithe is almost the other way around – a company that builds in the real world with a respect for the digital. Although, I think their web design is pretty wonderful. To me, they seem to embody the same principals and they are extremely evident on their website:
-Craftsmanship – True care and thought in building, reverence for your predecessors
-Community – Truly investing in your team and emotionally in your clients in a way that is authentic and respectful
-Ambitious – Continually striving for innovative systems (technology), working methods and better products
-Happiness – Their studio seems flexible and welcoming to cultivate a happier workplace
Developers are not so different from carpenters.
Love this. It’s so true…remember the elaborate mosaic work at Pompeii. Amazing…and now seemingly a lost art.