
Our Six-Phase Process
Craftsmanship as a Journey
From the first conversation to the final installation detail, every step in our process is designed to exceed expectations while honoring the traditions of fine craftsmanship.
Custom Kitchen Design Process | Professional Service
Creating exceptional custom cabinetry is not merely a manufacturing process—it is a collaborative journey that begins with understanding your vision and culminates in the installation of pieces that will serve your family for generations. Our six-phase methodology, refined over hundreds of projects, ensures that every detail receives the attention it deserves while maintaining clear communication and project momentum throughout the entire experience.
This systematic approach allows us to navigate the complex intersection of aesthetic vision, functional requirements, and technical constraints while providing multiple opportunities for refinement and approval. Each phase builds upon the previous, creating a foundation of understanding and agreement that supports the exceptional craftsmanship for which we are known.
Whether you are renovating a historic estate in Montecito or creating a contemporary masterpiece in Atherton, our process adapts to your unique requirements while maintaining the standards of excellence that define every PineWood Cabinets project. The result is not just beautiful cabinetry, but a collaborative experience that honors both your vision and our commitment to craftsmanship.
Our Design Process
Our proven methodology ensures exceptional results while providing clear milestones and expectations throughout your project journey.
Discovery & Consultation
Our journey begins with deep listening. We explore your lifestyle, aesthetic preferences, functional needs, and long-term vision through comprehensive consultation and site analysis.

Conceptual Design
We translate your vision into preliminary design concepts, exploring multiple layout options and aesthetic approaches to establish the fundamental design direction.

Design Development
The selected concept evolves into detailed design solutions with precise dimensions, comprehensive specifications, and photorealistic 3D visualizations.

Final Specifications
Every detail is finalized through comprehensive shop drawings, material samples, and final approvals that serve as the blueprint for fabrication.

Fabrication Excellence
Master craftsmen bring your vision to life in our workshop, combining traditional techniques with modern precision to create heirloom-quality pieces.

White-Glove Installation
Our master installers complete your project with precision and care, protecting your home while ensuring every detail meets our exacting standards.

Our Design Process
The foundation of exceptional cabinetry begins with deep understanding. Our comprehensive discovery process ensures that every aspect of your lifestyle and vision informs our design decisions.
The Art of Listening
Our initial consultation is far more than a simple needs assessment—it's an exploration of how you live, entertain, and interact with your space. We spend considerable time understanding your daily routines, cooking habits, entertaining patterns, and long-term lifestyle goals. This deep dive into your personal and family dynamics informs every subsequent design decision.
We examine not just what you want, but why you want it. Do you prefer to cook alone or with family members? How often do you entertain, and what style of entertaining do you prefer? Are there specific cuisines or cooking techniques that require specialized storage or equipment? These conversations reveal the functional requirements that will drive our design approach.

Architectural Analysis
Structural Assessment: Evaluation of existing conditions, load-bearing elements, and modification possibilities to optimize space utilization.
Natural Light Study: Analysis of daylight patterns, seasonal variations, and artificial lighting integration opportunities.
Traffic Flow Analysis: Understanding movement patterns and sight lines to create intuitive, efficient layouts.
Integration Planning: Coordination with adjacent spaces and existing architectural elements for seamless visual continuity.
Technical Documentation
Precision Measurements: Laser measurement and 3D scanning for perfect dimensional accuracy and field verification.
Photographic Record: Comprehensive documentation of existing conditions, architectural details, and surrounding context.
Utility Mapping: Location and assessment of electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems affecting design options.
Code Analysis: Review of applicable building codes, accessibility requirements, and permit considerations.
Our Design Process
Where vision becomes reality through the marriage of traditional craftsmanship and modern precision. Our workshop transforms premium materials into heirloom-quality cabinetry.

Traditional Techniques, Modern Precision
Our fabrication process combines time-honored joinery techniques with contemporary manufacturing precision. Master craftsmen trained in traditional methods work alongside computer-controlled machinery to achieve tolerances and quality levels that neither approach could accomplish alone.
Each piece begins with careful material selection and grain matching, ensuring visual continuity across the entire project. Our craftsmen understand wood as a living material, accounting for its natural characteristics and behavior throughout the construction process.
Quality Control Checkpoints
Material Inspection
Verification of species, grade, moisture content, and defect assessment before machining begins
- • Moisture content 6-8%
- • Grade verification
- • Grain matching approval
- • Defect assessment
Machining Verification
Dimensional accuracy and surface quality inspection after each machining operation
- • ±1/64" tolerance
- • Surface smoothness
- • Joint fit verification
- • Profile accuracy
Assembly Inspection
Complete inspection of assembled components before finishing processes begin
- • Joint integrity
- • Alignment verification
- • Hardware operation
- • Surface preparation
Finish Quality Control
Multi-stage finish inspection ensuring color consistency and surface perfection
- • Color matching
- • Surface smoothness
- • Sheen consistency
- • Durability testing
Workshop Environment
Climate Control: Maintained temperature and humidity levels ensuring optimal working conditions and material stability.
Dust Collection: Industrial-grade dust collection systems protecting both craftsmen and work quality.
Tool Maintenance: Daily tool calibration and maintenance ensuring consistent precision and surface quality.
Safety Protocols: Comprehensive safety systems protecting our craftsmen while maintaining productivity.
Finishing Excellence
Controlled Environment: Pharmaceutical-grade air filtration and climate control in our 2,000 sq ft finishing facility.
Surface Preparation: Meticulous sanding progression through 320 grit for perfect smoothness and stain acceptance.
Color Consistency: Spectrophotometer verification ensuring perfect color matching across all components.
Protective Coatings: Multiple coat systems providing superior durability and long-term protection.
Our Design Process
We understand the collaborative nature of luxury residential projects. Our process is designed to integrate seamlessly with your design vision and project management requirements.
Collaborative Design Integration
Our team works as an extension of your design practice, providing technical expertise and fabrication insights that enhance your creative vision. We participate in design development meetings, provide constructability input, and ensure that our work seamlessly integrates with your overall project narrative.
We understand the importance of maintaining design intent while navigating the practical realities of custom fabrication. Our early involvement in the design process helps identify opportunities and constraints that can inform design decisions before they become costly change orders.

Design Development Support
Technical expertise during conceptual and design development phases
- Constructability analysis
- Material recommendations
- Hardware selection guidance
- Cost estimation support
Documentation Coordination
Comprehensive technical documentation integrated with your project drawings
- Shop drawing development
- Specification writing
- Detail coordination
- As-built documentation
Project Management
Seamless integration with your project schedule and quality standards
- Schedule coordination
- Progress reporting
- Quality control protocols
- Installation coordination
Professional Resources & Support
Technical Resources
CAD Library: Comprehensive library of standard details, hardware specifications, and construction assemblies.
Material Specifications: Detailed technical specifications for all wood species, finishes, and hardware systems.
Installation Guidelines: Comprehensive installation details and protection protocols for luxury residential projects.
Maintenance Documentation: Care and maintenance guidelines for client handover and long-term stewardship.
Professional Services
CEU Presentations: Continuing education programs covering luxury cabinetry design and specification.
Showroom Access: Private showroom tours and material consultations for you and your clients.
Project Photography: Professional photography services for marketing and portfolio development.
Reference Network: Access to our network of preferred contractors, suppliers, and specialty trades.
Our Design Process
Understanding project timelines and investment levels helps ensure realistic expectations and successful project outcomes.
Typical Project Timeline
Discovery & Consultation
Initial meetings, site analysis, and program development
Conceptual Design
Layout exploration and aesthetic direction establishment
Design Development
Detailed design and 3D visualization development
Final Specifications
Shop drawings, approvals, and fabrication preparation
Fabrication
Material procurement, fabrication, and quality control
Installation
Site preparation, installation, and final adjustments
Total Project Duration: 4-7 months from initial consultation to completion, depending on project complexity and scope.
Investment Considerations
Design Complexity: Simple, rectilinear designs are more cost-effective than complex curved elements or specialized joinery details.
Material Selection: Wood species, grain matching requirements, and finish specifications significantly impact project investment.
Hardware & Accessories: Premium hardware systems and specialized organizational features add functionality and value.
Project Scope: Kitchen-only projects versus whole-house millwork programs require different planning approaches.
Site Conditions: Challenging access, protection requirements, and coordination complexity affect installation costs.
Investment Range: $150,000 - $800,000+ depending on scope, materials, and complexity. We provide detailed cost estimates during the design development phase.
Factors Affecting Timeline & Investment
Design Variables
- Layout complexity
- Custom details
- Hardware selection
- Finish specifications
- Grain matching requirements
Material Factors
- Wood species selection
- Availability and sourcing
- Sustainable certification
- Exotic species permits
- Reclaimed material processing
Project Conditions
- Site accessibility
- Protection requirements
- Coordination complexity
- Permit requirements
- Seasonal scheduling
Our Design Process
Our commitment to excellence extends far beyond project completion. Comprehensive quality assurance and warranty programs protect your investment for years to come.
Multi-Stage Quality Control
Material Inspection: Every piece of lumber and hardware component undergoes inspection before entering our fabrication process.
In-Process Verification: Quality checkpoints throughout fabrication ensure consistent standards and immediate correction of any issues.
Pre-Delivery Inspection: Complete assembly and inspection in our workshop before any components leave for installation.
Installation Quality Control: Final inspection and adjustment during installation to ensure perfect operation and appearance.
Client Walkthrough: Comprehensive review with you to ensure complete satisfaction before project completion.
Comprehensive Warranty Program
Construction Warranty: 5-year warranty on all joinery, construction methods, and structural integrity.
Finish Warranty: 3-year warranty on all finishing work including stains, topcoats, and color consistency.
Hardware Warranty: Full manufacturer warranties plus our installation and adjustment guarantee.
Installation Warranty: 2-year warranty on all installation work and operational adjustments.
Lifetime Support: Ongoing support, maintenance guidance, and repair services for the life of your cabinetry.
Ongoing Relationship & Support
Annual Maintenance
Optional annual inspection and maintenance service to ensure optimal performance
- Hardware adjustment
- Finish conditioning
- Operational verification
- Preventive care guidance
Repair Services
Professional repair services for any damage or wear that occurs over time
- Finish touch-up
- Hardware replacement
- Structural repair
- Modification services
Expansion Services
Additional cabinetry and millwork as your needs evolve and expand
- Matching existing work
- Coordinated additions
- Style evolution
- Technology integration
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
Experience the difference that meticulous process and uncompromising craftsmanship can make. Schedule your private consultation to begin creating cabinetry that will serve your family for generations.