I didn’t grow up with blueprints in my hand or a paintbrush in my pocket — but I’ve always been drawn to spaces that feel different. Spaces where the details aren’t loud, but they speak. Where craftsmanship isn’t just visible — it’s felt.

For over a decade, I worked in commercial construction, managing large-scale projects that were built fast and built to spec. But something was missing: soul. The work was technical, relentless, and efficient — but rarely beautiful. I began to crave slower, more intentional projects. Ones where quality mattered more than quantity. Where I could obsess over a miter joint, a texture, a light fixture. Where I could build spaces people actually loved to live in.

That’s why I founded Forge and Oak — to marry two of my greatest values: craftsmanship and character. “Forge” stands for the hands-on grit it takes to make something excellent. “Oak” represents the warmth, strength, and timelessness I want every space to embody.

Today, I lead a small, design-driven studio focused on high-end residential remodels. We keep our project list short on purpose — so every client gets our full attention, and every detail gets the care it deserves. We work with a trusted team of artisans and subcontractors, selected not just for skill, but for pride in their craft.

This work is personal. Every space we build carries a part of my story — and becomes part of yours.

Let’s create something enduring.

— Nick Kutsch
Founder, Forge and Oak