Kevin Hughes
Georgetown,South Carolina
Summary
To immerse myself in the craft and to continue learning all aspects of woodworking with a special focus on traditional methods. My long-term goal is to transition into teaching and pass on the skills and techniques inherited from my teachers, mentors, and coworkers.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Shop Manager
Beachside Refinishing
Myrtle Beach, SC, SC
01.2026 - Current
- Managing client consultations and project fabrications, bridging the gap between design concepts and workshop execution.
- Overseeing quality control for complex refinishing and restoration projects, ensuring finishes meet premium industry standards.
- Directing daily shop operations, including personnel scheduling, material procurement, and project timelines for high-end residential and commercial contracts.
Joiner
GCA Contractors
Mt Pleasant, SC, SC
06.2025 - 01.2026
- Fabricated high-quality, custom-designed solid wood doors and architectural gates for luxury properties.
- Employed advanced traditional joinery techniques, including mortise-and-tenon and dovetailing, enhancing longevity and structural integrity in coastal environments.
- Selected and prepared premium hardwoods, managing moisture content and grain orientation to achieve optimal stability and aesthetic appeal.
Cabinet Maker
Beachside Refinishing
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
09.2024 - 06.2025
- Designed, fabricated, and installed bespoke cabinetry and built-in furniture tailored to specific client requirements.
- Operated various woodworking machines to shape and join materials effectively.
- Collaborated with clients to understand design preferences and specifications.
Owner/Operator
An Crann Furniture LLC
Asheville, NC
01.2012 - 07.2024
- Founded business specializing in handcrafted furniture and custom woodworking, fostering unique design solutions for clients.
- Executed diverse projects encompassing residential and commercial furniture and high-end cabinetry, delivering quality craftsmanship and tailored solutions.
- Developed client ideas from design concepts through fabrication and installation, ensuring personalized service and satisfaction.
Exhibit Technician
NC Arboretum
Asheville, NC
06.2013 - 11.2025
- Coordinated logistics, setup, and maintenance of traveling displays, enhancing visitor experience and exhibit integrity.
- Served as traveling technician for Arboretum's diverse exhibits, ensuring seamless presentation and engagement.
- Assembled exhibit components for educational displays at the botanical garden.
- Serviced tools and equipment for effective exhibit preparation and upkeep.
Furniture Maker
DIY Woodworking Shop
Asheville, NC
06.2010 - 01.2012
- Crafted custom furniture pieces utilizing diverse woodworking tools and techniques.
- Developed and instructed various courses on basic woodworking and furniture making.
- Supervised workshop activities to ensure quality craftsmanship and mentor participants.
- Ensured compliance with safety standards in high-traffic community environment.
Furniture Maker
Sash Window Restoration
Kilkenny, Ireland
03.2009 - 03.2010
- Crafted traditional box sash windows, ensuring durability and aesthetic appeal through time-honored craftsmanship.
- Crafted custom furniture pieces using various woodworking techniques and tools.
Furniture Maker
Rowland Henderson Design and Joinery
Kilkenny, Ireland
02.2006 - 02.2009
- Fabricated custom furniture and high-end structural joinery with precision.
- Executed commercial joinery and cabinet-making projects, ensuring alignment with client specifications and enhancing customer satisfaction.
- Interpreted design specifications to produce high-quality furniture solutions, contributing to timely project completion and client approval.
Furniture Maker
Monarch Industries
Christchurch, New Zealand
06.2005 - 12.2005
- Created custom pieces, tailoring designs to align with unique client specifications.
- Designed traditional period-style furniture, enhancing appeal for high-end retail market.
- Operated production shop, delivering quality handcrafted furniture to meet client demands.
Furniture Maker
Rowland Henderson Design and Joinery
Kilkenny, Ireland
01.2003 - 01.2005
- Fabricated custom furniture and high-end structural joinery with precision.
- Executed commercial joinery and cabinet-making projects, ensuring alignment with client specifications and satisfaction.
- Interpreted design specifications to deliver high-quality furniture solutions, enhancing overall project outcomes.
Cabinet Maker
Pat Lennon Furniture
Kilkenny, Ireland
06.1999 - 06.2003
- Completed cabinet making apprenticeship, specializing in design and construction of custom kitchens and furniture.
- Crafted custom cabinets using precision woodworking techniques and quality materials.
- Operated various power tools to shape and assemble furniture components.
- Interpreted blueprints to ensure accurate measurements and specifications.
Skills
- Cabinet making and production
- Workshop tool management
- Project management and estimation
- Machine maintenance and repair
- Traditional woodworking techniques
- Hand tool proficiency
- Design interpretation
- Attention to detail
- Team leadership
- Client relations and consultations
- Craftsmanship standards
Publications
- Profile feature in Carolina Home & Garden magazine.
- Work featured on the cover of Carolina Home & Garden magazine.
Awards
- Completed professional apprenticeship with merit distinction.
- Qualified and competed in the National Skills Competition (Ireland).
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Shop Manager
Beachside Refinishing
01.2026 - Current
Joiner
GCA Contractors
06.2025 - 01.2026
Cabinet Maker
Beachside Refinishing
09.2024 - 06.2025
Exhibit Technician
NC Arboretum
06.2013 - 11.2025
Owner/Operator
An Crann Furniture LLC
01.2012 - 07.2024
Furniture Maker
DIY Woodworking Shop
06.2010 - 01.2012
Furniture Maker
Sash Window Restoration
03.2009 - 03.2010
Furniture Maker
Rowland Henderson Design and Joinery
02.2006 - 02.2009
Furniture Maker
Monarch Industries
06.2005 - 12.2005
Furniture Maker
Rowland Henderson Design and Joinery
01.2003 - 01.2005
Cabinet Maker
Pat Lennon Furniture
06.1999 - 06.2003