Tom Owens

Tom Owens has been a woodworker since 1984, both as a furniture designer/maker and as a timber frame designer and carpenter. His furniture work was featured in the book, "The Custom Furniture Source Book, A Guide to 125 Craftsmen" published by Taunton Press and he has written for "Sukiya Living: The Journal of Japanese Gardening", on the topic of traditional Japanese carpentry.   Influenced by Greene and Greene, James Krenov, and the traditional sukiya and minka styles of Japanese architecture, Tom apprenticed with a Master Japanese carpenter and practices these skills in both the furniture he is commissioned with and with every timber frame he designs and fabricates. Tom not only designs the timber frame, he also puts in almost as much time considering every aspect of the project from the lot access and home orientation to the final landscaping

Peter Jankowski

Born and raised in Massachusetts, Peter found himself leaving the paper mill life for the cold Arctic waters on a Coast Guard Cutter and then to the warmer climate of Florida. Finding it a little too warm, Peter moved to North Carolina and spent a couple of years as a diver for the NC Dept of Transportation before getting involved, again, with carpentry and his love for timber framing. Well at ease with the outdoors, Peter is usually found in the shop, hand cutting the timbers and then scaling the frame during the timber raising phase of the construction process.  A strong work ethic passed down by his father and an eye for classic detail has guided Pete on his path of fine woodworking.  A full time woodworker, Peter is also a full time farmer, with his wife Dorene, specializing in growing hot peppers and tomatoes for his homemade salsas and hot sauces, under the label, Fire from the Mountain .

Mark Brayshaw

With a background in forestry working with the paper companies in the wilds of Maine, Mark picked up residential construction in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina in the late 70's. As an on site general contractor and home designer Mark has helped many clients of custom homes realize their dreams for quality yet affordable housing. His passion for timber framing results from an appreciation of the aesthetic and timeless qualities of traditional architecture.

Wynand Potgeiter

Wynand's work experience spans several industries and two continents. Born and raised on the red earth of East Africa, he began his professional life as a Manager of exclusive tented camps and lodges in the beautiful game reserves of Kenya . The last decade has brought a change of pace far from the hospitality industry that included a new professional focus and a new home in North Carolina . His work in the construction industry included finishing carpentry, flooring, framing and renovation projects. Wynand is thrilled to have the opportunity to work with High Country Timber Framing and Gallery Woodworking Co. where true craftsmanship is honored and preserved.

Austin Oates

Austin graduated from Appalachian State University with a degree in industrial design after trying out every other degree to see if they fit. In his search for knowledge he has worked in general design within fields as varied as furniture to challenge courses. Design or the solving of the next problem adapts him to each new job. Here at HCTF this makes him as able to design the next project as to spend his days sanding and staining timbers. You will find him plugged into his IPod seeking inspiration or just passing the time with a story, but always hard at work.

Robbie Oates

Robbie brings a diverse set of skills to HCTF from working as a foreman, trainer, and Director of International Operations for Alpine Towers International. When not working with HCTF his love of trees and ability to rig in high places finds Robbie working with Canopy Construction Associates building forest canopy access systems worldwide. He lives with his wife Laurie, they have raised two children, Jesse and Austin.