Business Details
23 Years
experience
Custom Contemporary Wood Furniture Design
Rapaport Designs has been crafting custom contemporary wood furniture for over two decades, blending artistic vision with functional design. Founded by Mason Rapaport, a third-generation woodworker raised in a family of artisans, our work reflects a deep understanding of traditional techniques combined with modern innovation. Clients across the United States commission bespoke pieces that transform living spaces into curated environments, from dining tables and chairs to architectural woodwork. Our use of premium materials like Italian Poplar and Finnish Birch veneer ensures durability while achieving sculptural elegance. With a philosophy rooted in creating heirloom-quality furniture, we prioritize unique shapes and textures that distinguish our work from mass-produced alternatives.Our expertise extends to CNC machining for precision manufacturing, serving clients in North Carolina's Research Triangle and beyond. Exhibited nationally and featured in publications like Architectural Digest, our designs balance craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics. Every project begins with hand sketches before transitioning to digital modeling, ensuring meticulous attention to detail throughout the creation process. This approach allows us to produce both practical and artistic furniture that becomes a lasting legacy piece. Our commitment to quality has earned recognition through awards and invitations to prestigious craft exhibitions nationwide.
Services
Custom Furniture Design
CNC Machining
Architectural Woodwork
Veneer Bending
CAD Modeling
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of experience in custom furniture design
- Our work merges traditional woodworking with modern CNC technology
- Each piece uses premium Italian Poplar and Finnish Birch veneers
- We create heirloom-quality furniture with artistic, sculptural designs
- Our designs have been exhibited nationally and featured in major publications
What people say
Artistic expression in furniture
Heirloom-quality craftsmanship
Innovative use of materials
Featured in major publications
Award-winning designs
Services
Custom Furniture Design
Crafting one-of-a-kind wood furniture tailored to client specifications. Our process combines hand-drawn sketches with digital modeling to create pieces that balance artistic expression with functional design. Each creation uses premium materials and traditional techniques to ensure lasting quality while maintaining contemporary aesthetics.
CNC Machining
Computer Numerical Control machining for complex wood projects. This technology enables precise 2D and 3D shaping that would be difficult to achieve manually. Ideal for intricate designs, architectural elements, and production of unique parts with consistent accuracy across the Research Triangle region.
Architectural Woodwork
Creating built-in wood elements that integrate with interior spaces. From wall units to kitchen cabinetry, we design pieces that function as both practical storage solutions and artistic statements. Our work complements both modern and traditional architectural styles with custom detailing.
Veneer Bending
Specialized technique for shaping wood veneers into dynamic forms. Using vacuum press technology, we bend Finnish Birch and Italian Poplar veneers over custom forms to create fluid, sculptural elements that define our distinctive furniture style while maintaining structural integrity.
CAD Modeling
Transforming conceptual ideas into detailed digital blueprints using AutoCAD software. This process allows clients to visualize projects before production begins, ensuring precise execution of complex designs. Combines modern technology with traditional craftsmanship for accurate realization of custom furniture concepts.
People
Mason Rapaport
Owner & Lead Designer
Third-generation woodworker with 20+ years of experience creating contemporary furniture. Combines traditional techniques with modern technology, holding exhibitions nationwide. Featured in HGTV and recognized through multiple craft awards.
Questions
What distinguishes Rapaport Designs from other furniture makers?
Our work uniquely combines artistic vision with functional design, using premium materials and techniques that create heirloom-quality pieces with sculptural, contemporary forms.
Do you create both modern and traditional furniture?
While our signature style is contemporary, we adapt to client preferences using traditional woodworking methods that ensure quality regardless of design aesthetic.
Can you match existing furniture styles?
Yes, our expertise in historical techniques allows us to create pieces that complement existing furnishings while maintaining our distinctive artistic approach.
What geographic areas do you serve?
We operate from Raleigh, NC but serve clients nationwide for custom furniture commissions and locally for CNC machining projects.
How long does a custom furniture project take?
Timelines vary by complexity but typically range from 8-12 weeks, including design consultations, material selection, and meticulous craftsmanship.
Do you offer repair services for existing furniture?
Our focus remains on creating new pieces, though we occasionally consult on restoration projects that align with our expertise in traditional woodworking methods.
