Spencer Mason Designs Furniture Artisan in Marin County, CA
Spencer Mason Designs is a San Rafael workshop built on the belief that furniture can be both genuinely useful and genuinely beautiful. Founded by Curtis Underhill, the business produces handmade furniture craftsmanship centered on exceptional hardwoods and artistic epoxy resin, creating one-of-a-kind pieces for homeowners across Marin County and Northern California. Every commission begins with a conversation, not a catalog, and ends with a piece that could not exist anywhere else.
Marin County's Bespoke Furniture Maker Story
A Craftsman's Path From Passion to Purpose
Curtis Underhill relocated from Canada to the United States in 2019, bringing with him a long-standing dedication to woodworking and a clear vision for what furniture could be. After significant life changes, including marriage and the arrival of his children, he channeled that experience into a professional pursuit of high-level craftsmanship. The business name reflects that personal foundation: Spencer and Mason are the names of his eldest children, and the brand's continued evolution honors his third child, Tripp, as well. This is not a corporate identity; it is a family legacy expressed through craft. Curtis Underhill woodworking is defined by a deliberate rejection of mass production in favor of pieces that carry genuine meaning for the people who commission them. His move into professional furniture making was motivated by a conviction that the existing market was not delivering the level of design and material quality that discerning homeowners deserved, and that by combining organic natural wood character with the artistic possibilities of epoxy resin, he could offer something fundamentally different.
The term "functional art" is not a marketing phrase at Spencer Mason Designs; it is the operating principle behind every piece that leaves the San Rafael workshop. Each dining table, coffee table, desk, console, and bench is designed to hold its own as a centerpiece of interior design while serving the practical demands of daily life. The dialogue between exceptional hardwoods and custom epoxy resin is at the heart of this approach. Walnut is chosen for its dramatic grain patterns and natural character, qualities that make each slab biologically unique. Epoxy introduces color, movement, and contrast, allowing Curtis to extend the visual story of the wood rather than simply finish it. The result is furniture that cannot be replicated, not because of artificial scarcity, but because the raw materials themselves are irreproducible. Bases are fabricated in collaboration with local metal fabricators, keeping the production rooted in the Northern California community the brand serves. For clients who want full involvement in the process, the San Rafael workshop is open by appointment, offering the chance to compare slabs, examine edge profiles, and work directly with the maker from the first idea to the final installation.
What People Ask About Spencer Mason Designs
Who founded Spencer Mason Designs, and what is his background?
Spencer Mason Designs was founded by Curtis Underhill, a craftsman who relocated from Canada to the United States in 2019. His background is rooted in a long-standing personal interest in woodworking, which he developed into a professional pursuit of high-level furniture making. The business name honors his eldest children, Spencer and Mason, with the brand's continued growth also reflecting his third child, Tripp. This family connection is central to the brand's identity and sets it apart from impersonal, corporate furniture manufacturers.What does "functional art" actually mean for someone buying a piece of furniture?
Functional art, as Curtis Underhill applies it, means every piece is designed to serve a real, everyday purpose while also functioning as a visual centerpiece in the home. A dining table is not just a surface for meals; it is the gathering hub of the room. A coffee table is not just a place to set a drink; it is a statement of the homeowner's aesthetic. The combination of highly figured walnut and custom epoxy resin treatments ensures that each piece carries artistic character without sacrificing durability or usability.What types of furniture does Spencer Mason Designs produce?
The core offering includes custom dining tables, coffee tables, desks and office furniture, console and entryway tables, and benches. Smaller accessories such as charcuterie boards and coasters are also available as secondary items. Curtis does not manufacture chairs, but he provides sourcing assistance to help clients find seating that complements a custom dining table, ensuring the overall dining environment works as a cohesive whole.Why is highly figured walnut the primary wood, and how does epoxy resin factor in?
Highly figured walnut is the primary wood species because of its dramatic, intricate grain patterns and the natural character each slab carries. No two slabs are identical, which reinforces the one-of-a-kind nature of every finished piece. Epoxy resin is used alongside the walnut to introduce color, movement, and visual contrast. Ocean-inspired aesthetics are one example of how the epoxy treatment can extend the story of the wood. Custom metal bases are fabricated with local Northern California metal fabricators, with pre-made metal options also available depending on project requirements.How does the custom commission process work, and how long does it typically take?
A custom commission begins with the client sharing inspiration, photos, or a general idea of what they are looking for. From there, Curtis works directly with the client through material selection, including the specific walnut slab, epoxy treatment, edge profile, and base style. Workshop consultations in San Rafael are a key part of this process, giving clients the opportunity to physically compare materials before any decisions are finalized. The timeline for a custom commission runs approximately one month to ten weeks depending on the scope and complexity of the piece.Can I buy a finished piece without going through a full custom commission?
Yes. In addition to custom commissions, Spencer Mason Designs offers available furniture: completed original designs created by Curtis that are ready for purchase. These pieces have predetermined specifications and dimensions, and availability changes over time. Purchasing available furniture involves a simpler inquiry-based process rather than the full collaborative workshop experience of a custom commission. It is a good option for buyers who want an original, handcrafted piece on a shorter timeline or without the need for specific customization.What areas does Spencer Mason Designs serve, and how is delivery handled?
The workshop is based in San Rafael and serves clients throughout Marin County, including communities such as Ross, Tiburon, Mill Valley, Sausalito, and Novato. Service also extends to San Francisco, Napa, Sonoma, and the East Bay, covering areas including Berkeley, Danville, Orinda, and Walnut Creek. Delivery is handled through two options: white-glove delivery and assembly, priced by destination, or direct pickup from the San Rafael workshop. The white-glove option covers the full process from transport through final placement and assembly in the client's home.Can Spencer Mason Designs accommodate unusual room dimensions or specific architectural requirements?
Yes, and this is one of the core reasons clients choose a custom commission over catalog furniture. Standard furniture sizes often fail in spaces with narrow hallways, unusually proportioned dining rooms, or transitional entryways that need a specific footprint. Because every custom piece is built to the client's specifications, dimensions, edge profiles, and base styles can all be adjusted to fit the exact requirements of the space. Console and entryway tables in particular are a strong fit for spaces that standard furniture manufacturers typically overlook.
