Furnituremaking differs from the construction of built-in cabinetry in fascinating ways.  Freestanding pieces get scooted across floors and suffer the indignities of  being sat upon heavily, all without the advantage of  being screwed to the house itself.

  For this reason furniture pieces are constructed not with scews and glue only but with wood-to-wood joinery. The time tested basic joints in woodworking do not exceed five, even though modern variations have evolved.

  Well-made furniture pieces need carefully engineered joinery.  This is especially important in delicate pieces that are subjected to considerable strain, such as chairs.  If the joints are not well made, the chair will not last.  It is because the cheap furniture available today has poor-quality joinery that it falls apart. 

  Custom-made furniture isn't worth the trouble of building if it is not made to last.  While we are at it we might as well sweat the other fine details that make owing a custom piece a unique pleasure.

  I invest a lot of thought in creating an "ergonomic" experience.  I do not know what else to call it.  Sharp or jutting corners are carefully considered and softened just a little - we don't want to lose the clarity of the design and make something that is doughy and over-rounded. 

Maple Breakfront with Oil Finish.  This cabinet appeared on Designer's Challenge on HGTV and in the Best of Designer's Challenge resource book.