Last month, we had the pleasure of going live on Chief Architect’s Instagram for an interview about Designs of Distinction and our new Chief Architect design software catalog. Continue reading for interview highlights from August 2023.
The Interview
Q: Can you tell us a little about yourself and Designs of Distinction by Brown Wood, Inc.?
Hello! My name is Jenny and I’m the Project Manager for Designs of Distinction® by Brown Wood, Inc [BWI]. I’ve been with BWI since 2017, filling a variety of roles from purchasing to product management. Currently, I am “Project Manager” for Designs of Distinction [DOD] meaning I do a little bit of everything and keep everyone on track to reach our goals.
BWI has been in business, specifically the woodworking business, since 1927. BWI has several brands; DOD, founded in 1998, is primarily focused on decorative wood and metal components for kitchen, bath, & home, as well as material and product solutions for residential, commercial, and hospitality applications/industries.
DOD began as a small supplier of furniture parts. Today, we work with the largest brands in the industry to develop new and innovative products for cabinetry and furniture – ranging from wood posts and bun feet to finely woven decorative grilles and brass bistro shelving.
From the moment the first cabinet maker called and asked us to make a leg that was “bigger and wider, to hold up a countertop,” to the day we introduced our first metal component in 2014, Designs of Distinction continues to lead the industry in the latest materials, finishes, and components for kitchen, bath, and furniture.
In Business Since 1927
Rooted in America for over 95 years, Brown Wood, Inc. offers a versatile range of custom wood parts & components.
Founded in 1998, Designs of Distinction, a division of BWI, focuses on decorative wood and metal components for kitchen, bath, & home.
Q: What types of industries or sectors does DOD cater to?
DOD sells to other businesses and trade professionals. Our customer base is comprised of large and small cabinet manufacturers, woodworking shops, furniture makers, interior designers, architects, K&B dealers, homebuilders, remodelers, and more.
Businesses looking for custom single piece or production run components – whether that be for store fixtures, luxury hotels & restaurants, or a custom furniture component – can be served through either DOD, or Made-to-Spec®, our custom wood components manufacturing division.
Consumers, homeowners, and DIYers can purchase our components through one of our distributor partners. These distributor partners can be found at https://www.brownwoodinc.com/dod/where-to-buy/.
Left to right: Rutland Brass Leg, Traditional Polished Brass Gallery Rail, Notched Danish Modern Column
Q: What are your most popular products/services?
Since DOD’s product line ebbs & flows with trends, our most popular products change regularly. Historically, wood posts & columns, bun feet, corbels, mouldings, etc. were our ‘bread & butter’ and most popular components. Over the years, we’ve seen demand for traditional wood components, like corbels and mouldings, decrease while demand for ‘trendier’ components – decorative grilles, metal shelving brackets, mixed materials components, etc. – increase.
Currently, our most popular products include hardwood tambour profiles (flexible and solid), metallic accent trim, brass decorative hardware, and our line of decorative grilles & mesh.
Along those lines, our most popular service is “Cut-to-Size”, which coincides with one of our most popular products, decorative grilles & mesh. Cut-to-Size is offered for decorative grilles & mesh, resin, leather, rattan, and more. To see our full line of Cut-to-Size materials, please visit https://www.brownwoodinc.com/dod/product-category/cut-to-size/.
Simply measure and send your panel sizes to us, and a quote will be provided for Cut-to-Size panels that are ready to install upon delivery. Utilizing our Cut-to-Size program means no waste, no ruined product, and no injuries from sharp wires.
Left: Decorative Grille Style 11614P in Flat Black, Right: .25″ x .75″ Decorative Aluminum Strap Sample Kit
Q: How does DOD prioritize innovation and stay ahead of trends in the design industry?
Keeping our finger on the pulse of K&B and furniture trends is what we do best at DOD. We ‘take the pulse’ of the industry by walking & exhibiting trade shows – and not just K&B trade shows. We seek out events like Boutique Design New York, High Point Furniture Market, and the International Contemporary Furniture Fair. We join associations like Wood Products Manufacturers Association, Cabinet Makers Association, North American Building Materials Distribution Alliance, and more. We’re tuned into trade publications like Woodworking Network‘s FDMC, Qualified Remodeler, and KBDN, and more.
We do lots of things with a small number of people, and we are welcome to contribute to product development.
The Designs of Distinction team at KBIS 2023. Left to Right: LaDenea Teeples, Doug Teeples, Nick Constantine, Jenny Rhead, Adam Radcliffe, Kathy Constantine, and Eli Albert. At KBIS 2023, LaDenea and Doug Teeples and Adam Radcliffe helped DOD run the busy booths!
Q: Can you tell me about some of the products Chief Architect users will find in your catalog?
Chief Architect users will find our traditional wood components – bun feet, mouldings, etc. Our newest components – metallic trim, slipper cups, decorative grilles, brass vanity feet – have been updated and are ready to use. You’ll find other components and materials like shelving, wood and metal x-panels, posts with metal sleeves, leather, resin, and rattan. “Dress up” your cabinets and furniture with our line of functional and decorative embellishments.
“Dress up” your cabinets with slipper cups, metallic accent trim, and more from Designs of Distinction.
Q: I see that you offer a variety of unique material surfaces; what are some common applications these are being used for in the design industry?
Most commonly, materials like decorative grille & mesh are used as an alternative to glass in cabinet design. We’ve seen leather and rattan used for drawer fronts, resin used in closets, and mesh used for decorative and functional ventilation. Tambour has been used as a wall covering, island wrap, and for acoustic purposes. We’ve seen unique, creative, and eye-catching designs using these materials in ways we could’ve never imagined or predicted.
Left: Pebbled Leather Veneer #1652 in Flat Black used as drawer front, Right: Tambour wrapped table base
Q: Who do you sell to and how can our followers get your products in their hands?
DOD sells to other businesses and trade professionals. To open an account with us, please visit click here, or call us at 800-328-5858. Once approved, users can see their trade pricing and place orders online. Additionally, orders can be submitted via email to orders@brownwoodinc.com, faxed to 815-425-8777, or called in at 800-328-5858.
As of today, we finally have our 2023 Product Catalogs in-house! To request a printed copy of our new catalog, please click here.
Our website is the best place to see and stay updated on new products, finishes, and more! To stay in touch with us, please subscribe to our newsletter.
Lastly, since we’ve added a plethora of new materials, components, and finishes, we’ve expanded and overhauled our line of sample kits. To see our sample kit offering, please click here.
Consumers, homeowners, and DIYers can purchase our components through one of our distributor partners. These distributor partners can be found at here.
Thanks for reading our Chief Architect Interview highlights! Click here to see the live interview on Instagram.
About Us: Designs of Distinction, founded in 1998, began as a small supplier of furniture parts. Today, we work with the largest brands in the industry to develop new and innovative products for cabinetry and furniture.
From the moment the first cabinet maker called and asked us to make a leg that was “bigger and wider, to hold up a countertop,” to the day we introduced our first metal component in 2014, Designs of Distinction continues to lead the industry in the latest materials, finishes, and components for kitchen, bath, and furniture.
Custom components are our specialty – furniture components, store fixtures, or otherwise – Designs of Distinction can help you bring your next project to life.