A family that builds together stays together.

Our Story

In October 2016, we tied the knot and moved into our first home. Upon moving in, we quickly realized we had absolutely no furniture. So, we did what every reasonable newlywed couple does and went to a big-box furniture store. We found what looked like the “perfect“ dining set–until we looked at the price tag and low quality. We realized how imperfect it truly was. Michael said, “for $700 we could buy the tools and build this ourselves!” Reluctant wife, Emma, nervously said, “Sure. . .”

After countless hours of watching videos, and reading numerous articles, we took the two tools we had and got started. Fast forward six years, three kids, and three dogs later, we now have a house full of furniture, and a shop full of tools. With the support of our friends and family, we took the leap to start our business, Howard Family Designs.

When Barry Gordy, the founder of Motown, wrote his first song and received a royalty check for $3.19, his friend, Smokey Robinson, said: “If they are going to pay you like this, then you might as well go into business for yourself.” Growing up in Detroit, the Gordy family is especially inspirational to us. The Gordy family came together and started business after business, with the belief that if Gordy was your last name, you wouldn’t be without a job. We carry that same spirit in our family business! Our mission is to build artisan furniture while building lives in the process.

  • A woman with long brown hair wearing red earrings and a white shirt is holding a large red and white sign celebrating the 2020 Detroit Red Wings Stanley Cup victory, standing outdoors with green plants and flowers behind her.
  • A man and two young girls working together outdoors on a woodworking project on a sunny day in a residential neighborhood.
  • A young man smiling in a woodworking workshop, sitting in front of stacks of finished wooden planks and against industrial shelving with woodworking supplies.
  • A bride and groom walking down the aisle in a church, holding hands, with guests seated on benches on either side. The bride is wearing a white wedding dress and holding a bouquet, and the groom is in a suit. In the background, there is an altar decorated with flowers and a large white arch.
  • Person sitting on a wooden deck holding a sign that says 'Oliver Jeffrey' with a tractor graphic at the bottom.
  • A young child squatting outdoors, using a cordless drill to work on wooden pieces, with a red cup nearby and several pieces of lumber leaning against the house wall in the background.
  • A man wearing a black face mask and a red beanie is taking a selfie with a little girl who is also wearing a purple face mask. They are sitting outdoors in front of a wooden fence, and the girl is holding a red and black box of Mega Bloks building blocks.
  • A bride and groom embrace inside a church, with the bride wearing a lace wedding gown and holding a bouquet of white flowers, and the groom dressed in a gray suit with a boutonniere, surrounded by empty pews decorated with purple ribbons.

Let’s Build Something Beautiful

Are you looking to have a custom piece built for your home or business?

Don’t worry, we’ll prepare a proposal and walk you through every step of ordering your dream project.

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