SBWI Alumnus Matthew Shockey to Present Public Lecture at Western Michigan University
We are proud to recognize 2025 Furniture Design graduate R. Matthew Shockey, who will present a public lecture titled Making in a Time of Unmaking at Western Michigan University on Thursday, November 5, 2026.
Learning to Belong with Kristie Brablec, SBWI Workshop Participant
During the week that Kristie Brablec first visited Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute, wildfire smoke had drifted over Michigan, turning the sky yellow. But inside SBWI’s old brick building, seven strangers who had gathered for one of SBWI’s weeklong workshops bent over their workbenches, completely focused on their work.
Carving out a new path for people from all over America at a Lenawee County trade school
LENAWEE CO., Mich. (WTVG) - A woodworking and carpentry trade school in Adrian attracts students from all over America is expanding its footprint.
Learning to Explore, with SBWI Instructor Zack Fealk
A productive woodshop is not a quiet place. The table saw whines, the dust collector roars, and heavy hardwood clanks against the floor as the circular saw breaks down rough lumber. But in the bench room at the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute, the machines fall silent.
SBWI and Carpenters Union Announce Partnership
“We want graduates to earn a living doing what they love. Watching something being built or repaired, with your own hands is incredibly rewarding. Over the past 50 years, we seem to have forgotten that carpentry is one of the most honorable careers one can pursue. Carpenters provide the shelter that is a basic requirement for human life.” said Luke Barnett, president and co-founder of the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute. “This partnership gives people the opportunity to do highly rewarding work while earning a great living. We are creating opportunities for people to pursue work they love, earn strong wages, support their families, and build a future that can change the course of their lives.”
SBWI Reports 95% In-Field Employment Rate for Furniture Design Class of 2025
Students who enjoy designing, building and working with their hands have a compelling reason to consider the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute: 95% of its 2025 Furniture Design graduates available for work are employed in their field (20 of 21 graduates available for employment), according to the school’s latest employment report.
Graduate employment data were independently verified by independent third-party through direct contact with graduates and their employers.
Learning to See, with SBWI Student Persais Gabeheart
Persais Gabeheart noticed that when she walked through the doors of the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute, time didn’t follow her inside. “You’ll be working, and then you look up, and the sun’s gone down,” she says.
Learning to Build with Luke Barnett, Co-founder of Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute
The building had sat empty for years before woodworkers filled it with sawdust, and the sounds of their hammers and chisels. Originally a girls’ reformatory, built in 1880 on the edge of Adrian, Michigan, the space was offered to chairmaker Luke Barnett by the city for a dollar a year.
SBWI Receives ACCSC Approval for New Carpentry and Timber Framing Program
Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute (SBWI) has received approval from the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) for its new Carpentry and Timber Framing program. ACCSC is an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Beginning August 30, 2027, the 40-week program will prepare students for careers in carpentry, timber framing and mass timber construction. Applications are now open.
One Class, and a Bold Career Move: Leslie Milton’s Story
“I’ve worked for Starbucks for over 27 years and I have enjoyed it,” Leslie says. “But something was missing.” That feeling eventually brought her to the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute, where she signed up for the week-long Historic Windows and Doors class in July, 2026.
Adrian, Season 2: guest blog from student Jeffrey Korbman, New Jersey
Adrian, Season 2: guest blog from student Jeffrey Korbman, New Jersey. Today I returned to Adrian for another week, this time to attempt a classic Windsor rocking chair—or, as my son Sam so encouragingly described it:
"A piece of furniture, Pops, that no one will want."
Thank goodness for grandchildren.
New Architectural Carpentry & Preservation program will launch at SBWI’s new $16.5 million campus in Adrian Township
Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute (SBWI) today announced that its new Architectural Carpentry & Preservation program has received approval from the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), a recognized accrediting agency of the U.S. Department of Education. The approval clears the way for SBWI to welcome the program’s first class in fall 2027.
Woodworking institute carves new path with historic preservation training
The institute recently became an approved training provider for the Campaign for Historic Trades’ nationally recognized registered apprenticeship program, which is overseen by the U.S. Department of Labor and state work force agencies. Under the partnership, eligible classes at Sam Beauford can count toward the classroom instruction apprentices need to advance in designated preservation trades.
Carpenters Combine Hiring Event Coming to New SBWI Campus Construction Site July 22
Northern Midwest Regional Council of Carpenters, Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute, and Krieghoff-Lenawee to host hands-on hiring event focused on wood construction, heavy timber, and mass timber careers
Big News: Future SBWI Campus Earns Environmental Verification
The future home of the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute has been officially designated as an Environmentally Verified Forest, Wetlands, and Habitat site through Michigan's Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP).
Ben Jonkman is Crafting Confidence
For years Ben Jonkman taught himself woodworking the way most people learn: one project at a time. When a gift from his wife brought him to SBWI, he learned Mid Century Modern construction techniques alongside the irreplaceable value of in-person instruction.
SBWI Now Offers Registered Apprenticeship Training
SBWI has been approved as a related technical instruction provider for The Campaign for Historic Trades’ nationally recognized Registered Apprenticeship Program. This designation opens a new pathway for students and working professionals to apply hands-on woodworking education toward apprenticeship requirements.
Luke Barnett Recognized by Crain’s
Crain’s Detroit Business has honored Luke Barnett as a Notable Leader in Architecture, Engineering, and Construction. Read construction updates about our new campus.
Wood Works: Young Joe Ritenour Goes Into Business
Joe Ritenour came to SBWI right out of high school. At only 22 years old, he is a self-employed artisan whose business, King Solomon Furniture, is off to strong beginning.
