Tim Burd is the artist and craftsman behind Studio Ōtori.

Tim has a professional degree in Architecture from the University of IIlinois at Chicago. He spent 3 years apprenticing under a general carpenter, where he first developed his woodworking talents. He then worked as a project architect for 8 years, always enjoying woodworking as a hobby. In the fall of 2003, Tim left behind his architectural career to pursue his passion and refine his skills as a woodworker and furniture maker.

For many years he studied the beauty and simplicity of traditional Japanese art and architecture. This led to a profound admiration of the shokunin, or professional class of Japanese craftsmen, the hand tools they use, and the extremely high quality of work they produce. He especially appreciates the art of making shoji, or Japanese wooden frame, paper-covered screens. Additionally, he has designed and built various Asian-inspired furniture pieces and objects for home decor.

For Studio Ōtori projects, Tim strives to honor the traditional craft of making shoji as faithfully as possible by using the same types of tools, techniques, and materials used by Japanese master craftsmen. In doing so, the Studio produces a high-quality, handmade product with exceptional attention to detail.

Other influences on Tim's work (although not always visually evident) include American mid-century modern design, the midwestern Prarie and Arts & Crafts movements and the European Art Nouveau style.

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