About us

Knots & Burls

Knots & Burls is a Rockville, Maryland studio focused on creating well-built furniture, mirrors, and décor. Our work prioritizes balanced proportion, thoughtful material and hardware selection, and refined finishing — pieces intended for daily use with lasting durability.

The studio produces original designs, limited small-batch décor, and revived vintage furniture. Whether newly built or carefully restored, each piece is held to the same standards: sound construction, clarity of form, and attention to detail.

Some pieces follow established forms; others experiment with design and proportion. All are made with intention.

Knots & Burls does not pursue a single aesthetic. Instead, the studio emphasizes craftsmanship and longevity — creating pieces that live comfortably in a range of interiors while retaining a clear point of view.

Built to be used. Built to last.

Alex Smith

Alex Smith is a second-generation woodworker with more than 25 years of hands-on experience. Trained in his father’s shop, he developed an early respect for process, proportion, and the discipline required to build lasting work.

His background spans custom furniture, architectural carpentry, and detailed cabinetry. He has also spent several years fabricating and finishing wall-mounted works and sculptural pieces for established artists, refining his understanding of surface, color, and dimensional composition.

Working from his studio in Rockville, Maryland, Alex maintains a hands-on practice, guiding each piece from initial design through its final finish. His approach favors precision, restraint, and long-term function.