ABRA Philosophy
ABRA Builders seeks to create bespoke and finely crafted wood furniture designed with the human first.
The ABRA bookshelf is an allegory for all of my projects. While a single bookshelf might be beautiful on its own, its true value is only achieved when it is filled with books. The books give it a memory and the memory gives it signifigance.
Likewise, I recognize that no single one of my pieces is truly great when build a priori. It is only when these are used, scratched, moved, spilled on, and enjoyed that these pieces achieve their full artistic potential.
Nathan Roberts is a woodworker and furniture maker based out of San Francisco.
He specializes in making anything unique, detail-oriented, and beautiful that can be done with wood.
About
When I’m not designing and building you might find me reading, hiking, skiing, or getting beat by my friends and family at board games.
Experiments
I’m always working on something on the side.
Currently I’m working on designing and building skis with a Southwestern wood design.
I’m also writing a novella inspired by two Franciscan Friars who disobeyed the papacy and Spanish crown and disappeared into the northern dreamlands of New Spain in 1542, never to be heard from again.
Past Projects
Cabinet - September 2025
This cabinet, built for STUDIO by Lark in Cole Valley serves as both a functional storage space and an artistic division between the conference and gallery space.
It’s top surface is precisely cut and joined to wrap around the existing column, blurring the line between where the space and cabinet start and end.
Tea Tray - December 2025
This tea tray showcases a bold cherry and maple pattern inspired by those adorned by Southwestern rugs and blankets.
The pattern is constructed using long trapezoidal prisms of wood glued together so that when they are cut cross-ways, they reveal a beautiful arrangement of shapes.
The tray itself is made from polished walnut, and the handles are attached using wedged mortis and tenons for added durability and aesthetic appeal.
Hephaestus Lantern - November 2025
This wenge lantern uses a Japanese rice paper to suffuse a soft and warm glow.
It is wired on a 12V circuit to reduce power usage and bulky cord extensions. It can be unplugged from its power source for easy movement. It features a removable lid for easy bulb replacement.
Liquid Carbon - August 2020
This image of a block of walnut melting into itself is meant to explore the effects of humanity on its environment.
Yes, the block subsumes itself and seems likely to disappear entirely, but it is also extremely beautiful. Where is the line between noble creation and frivolous material waste?
The piece appeared briefly at the Site Santa Fe Gallery and received a Scholastic Key of Excellence.
Foyer Bench and Frame - October 2025
These pieces were contracted by Mighty Pilates for their new Culver City location in Los Angeles.
They wanted a bench that would be a functional place for clients to get ready for class while also discreetly blending into the surrounding studio.
The frame is painted a bright orange and includes a matte paper to match so that passing eyes will be drawn to take a look inside.
Taos Game Board - September 2025
This luxury rendition of the popular word game is constructed from over 1000 pieces of wood.
The surface is a matrix of cherry, maple, walnut, mahogany, and white oak inlayed with a lattice of cherry runners.
A custom system of ball bearings are placed through ought the bottom so that the board can both spin and maintain a low profile.
Record Cabinet - July 2025
This function focused record cabinet hosts a set of six soft close drawers, a display area, and extra storage space designed for the most seamless and enjoyable listening experience.
It was meticulously installed so that the transition between the existing cabinets and countertop disappear.
Geometric Side Table - December 2025
This two tiered side table serves as a great place to set a book and drink, and even has a built in cavity for extra book storage.
It is constructed from high quality pine and each joint is involves either a dado, biscuit, or both for timeless durability.
Cubist Hammer - May 2020
Admittedly, this piece is a paradox. It is impossible to create a three dimensional cubist piece. Cubism seeks to reduce various perspectives of an object into essential geometric forms which appear two dimensionally.
So then, how does a three dimensional object (hammer) get diluted into two dimensional characteristics that are then built three dimensionally?
Imagination. Imagination breaks paradoxes.
The hammer is made of multiple mahogany shaped into geometric forms and joined together with internal dowels.
Segmented Bowl - October 2020
This padauk and maple bowl is first constructed as a series of wood wrings of various sized made out of trapezoidal segments of wood whose angles add up to 360 degrees.
The rings are glued together in a stack and shaped and polished on a wood lathe.
My favorite place to sit
This was the first piece I was ever truly proud of.
It is constructed with dowelled pocket screws and features a Zia sun cutout in the center.
I am proud and touched every time I return home to see my family enjoying the view of the Sandias from the swing I made.
That is what creation is all about.
I would love to hear from you!
You can reach me at:
nathan@abrabuilders.com
+1 505 400 3201
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