Master Generalist thinking applied to any problem.
I channel my systems-thinking through a prism of engineering, fabrication, art, architecture, and design. My tool set is also shaped by decades of working with wood, metal, mechanical, and electrical systems. I have the technical fluency to design for the most elegant solution, and then build it with structural integrity and long-term utility in mind.
I get to the root to fully understand any problem, and then present the range of viable solutions with clarity and precision. I’m a pragmatic perfectionist – I’ll gladly point you to the ten dollar DIY fix if that’s the best answer, or I’ll build you a one-of-a-kind piece to the highest standard if that’s what is called for. The solution will be driven by your goals.
Let’s talk if your project calls for this level of thinking or craftsmanship. You can meet me at the workshop – I’ll make the coffee.
Hi, I’m Nick! I work in my shop in Saint Paul, which I designed and built myself.
I enjoy both the engineer and artist parts of my brain – fixing broken things, making old things new again, or inventing a new thing in the world for the first time. I like helping people, teaching, and solving hard puzzles. Function usually drives form for me, but I know which forms I like, too.
I enjoy finding big and small adventures with family and friends. I recharge with fresh air and exploring the great outdoors by foot, or boat, or four-wheel-drive. In work and life I try to leave it better than I found it!
Workshop Journal
Articles, insights, and oddities from the workshop. Also a place to see my systems thinking and how I approach problem-solving.
SeatRack Headrest Material Hauler
I made the SeatRack to haul long material or items inside my vehicle securely. It’s a steel rack that slots in place of your vehicle’s seat headrests – including ring washers to protect your headrest mount and protective ball post caps. Contact me for pricing if you want some! It allows me to load more…
Solid Brass Milled Handrail Brackets
I designed and milled a pair of bespoke solid brass brackets to put the finishing touch on a custom railing project I made for a client in Minneapolis. The powder-coated railing set includes four pieces: a straight rail, stair rail, hand rail, and gate. Once we had it all installed and mounted, the handrail was…
Guidelines for Applying Lanolin Wet-Film Undercoating on Your Vehicle
I’ve been spraying Fluid Film & Woolwax for ten years, and have applied it for dozens of clients in my shop. Prepare the Vehicle At minimum, removing any flaking or deep/thick rust is necessary to success. Flaked or layered rust will get the film on the top surface, but prevent it from getting into the…
Can I Heat My Home When the Power is Out?
A few quick introductory categories, in case it’s helpful to someone: Smallest Solution To the extent that you don’t need to keep the whole house warm, it’s a lot easier to just generate enough heat for your body. Make your heated space smaller, like close off a room, or set up a tent, or just…
Storage Shelves
I’ve built a number of storage shelf solutions, built-in and free-standing. I’m a maximizer, so I like to model the shelf space with detailed dimensions where it’s helpful to strategize ideal bin or section sizes tailored to planned use. And I’ll tailor structural members to maximize for efficiency, or include steel reinforcement if space is…
Products
Here are some tools you can use to enhance your own processes. Purchase digital downloads like spreadsheets, guides, and templates. These are proven tools doing work in the real world, with detail and strategic thinking documented for you to leverage into your own thinking.
Breaker Panel Map Templates, Spreadsheet
You’ll receive a download link by email immediately after purchase. Product: Four breaker panel map templates (XLSX file, 379KB, 4 sheets) Use notes and footnotes to keep track of technical details. Print selected cells and turn off cell borders for a clear sheet to post by your breaker panel. Icons The icon set is designed…
Garage Build Plan Reference, 34’x24’x10′
Garage-Construction-Master-Plans-v4.3.pdf 8 MB This is a 14-page PDF file formatted for printing on 8.5″x11″ paper, with plans I developed and used to build my 24’x34’x10′ garage/workshop. These plans are intended for use only as a reference starting point for your layout and planning – not a complete, permit-ready plan set. Of course, you’ll need to…
Client Reviews
“I’m a retired Architect, living in a 1929 house. Nick finished a project encasing the new electrical panel with a frame and cabinet door. Nick was a perfectionist and installed the door and frame with some adaptation work needed to make it straight and true. Great cleanup. The cost was more than fair.”
Bruce
“Nick did an amazing job with a couple of welding projects I needed done, and one of them was particularly tricky, involving cast iron. He knows what he’s doing and is a great communicator. I recommend Nick without hesitation.”
Ken
“Nick was fantastic. He did a number of jobs for me. He even fixed a door that I was told by 2 other people that they would have to take the wall apart, he did it no problem. Very trustworthy, pleasant and kind. Would definitely recommend and use again.”
Melanie
“Nick is fantastic to work with. He is timely, thorough, and fair. He has a lot of practical knowledge and the know-how to make things right. He’s also trustworthy and communicates really well.”
Seth
More reviews
“I hired Nick to help get our house ready to put on the market. A handful of more ambiguous jobs that required some figuring out (which is why I had been postponing them). He knocked them all out with superior workmanship.”
Jared
“We hired Nick to help us plan an exterior handrail and provide a schematic drawing for HOA approval. The plan was accepted with enthusiasm and the handrail was expertly designed and installed. We could not be happier with Nick’s quality of work and professionalism.”
Susan
“Nick was able to problem solve when our straightforward project took a turn for the complicated. Very professional and clean. Wide range of skills.”
Jenna
“Communication and workmanship were excellent. Reliable work with attention to safety and detail.”
Rosanne
“Nick did a great job patching the ceilings in our kitchen and bathroom. He was tidy even with a messy job like ours. He was on-time and pleasant to work with. Would hire him again!”
Gina
“Nick installed an exterior door for us and we couldn’t be more pleased. He was precise, neat, and helpful with understanding all options throughout the process. The door looks great and works perfectly. Very professional and courteous. Thanks Nick!”
Dan
“Nick is a talented, professional, reliable, and efficient. He is, by far, the most skilled craftsman I’ve ever hired. I highly recommend this pleasant, talented young man. I will have him back again when I have created a new list of things to be taken care of.”
Michele
“I hired Nick to build a coat closet in my living room. He did an excellent job and I am super happy with it! He listened, asked questions, and reviewed the project with me as he went along. The closet turned out to be just what I wanted. I would recommend Nick to anyone!”
Ellen
“Nick’s attention to detail, and equally as important, his clear, timely, and concise communication made working with him easy and predictable. The work results are quite good. We highly recommend Nick.”
Joe