Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonathan Archer.
Hi Jonathan, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in West Virginia, where working with your hands wasn’t a hobby—it was simply how things were made. From an early age, I was drawn to building, problem-solving, and understanding how things come together. That foundation eventually led me to formal training in architectural design and construction management, followed by a master’s degree in mechanical engineering. While my education sharpened my technical skills, craftsmanship has always been the common thread.
I founded Jon Archer Designs to create heirloom-quality furniture that balances function, structure, and story. Every piece is designed and built by hand, one at a time, and shipped across the country to clients ranging from local families to well-known public figures. After more than 30 years of working with wood and building everything from custom furniture to entire homes and off-grid systems, I’ve learned that good design isn’t about trends—it’s about intention, durability, and honesty in materials.
That same philosophy eventually expanded beyond the shop in Leander. I am currently building a new design studio / workshop in Bend, Texas that sits on an off-grid property and event space that I’m developing called the Broken Tine. This space is rooted in craftsmanship, land stewardship, and community. It’s a place where furniture, architecture, music, and gathering intersect—an extension of the same values that guide my work at the bench. Whether I’m building a table, a structure, or a space for people to come together, the goal has always been the same: to create things that last and mean something to the people who use them.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road. I’ve learned that building anything meaningful—especially with your hands—comes with seasons of uncertainty and sacrifice. There were long stretches early on where the work was there, but the margin for error wasn’t. When you’re building one-of-a-kind pieces, every decision matters, and mistakes are costly—not just financially, but personally, because your name is on everything you make.
One of the harder lessons was learning patience. In a world that rewards speed and scale, choosing to stay small, intentional, and hands-on meant slower growth and more pressure at times. There were moments where it would have been easier to compromise—on materials, on process, on pace—but those were the moments that ultimately shaped the work and clarified why I was doing it in the first place.
Building the Broken Tine brought a different kind of challenge. It wasn’t just about constructing buildings or systems—it was about starting over on raw land, often off-grid, and trusting the same principles that guided my furniture work: solve the problem in front of you, respect the materials, and keep showing up. That process has been humbling, exhausting, and deeply rewarding.
Looking back, the struggles didn’t slow the work—they grounded it. They forced me to build with intention, resilience, and clarity. Everything I create now, whether it’s a piece of furniture or a place for people to gather, carries those lessons with it.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I design and build custom, heirloom-quality furniture through Jon Archer Designs, creating one-of-a-kind pieces made entirely by hand. My work centers on solid hardwoods, traditional techniques, and pieces that are meant to be lived with—vent hoods, tables, beds, and furnishings that carry the marks of use and time.
What I’m known for is a custom, intentional, hands-on approach. I work slowly and deliberately, building each piece myself from start to finish. Clients often come to me when they’re looking for something personal—furniture that reflects their story rather than a trend, and craftsmanship that feels honest and grounded.
I’m most proud of the relationships that form around the work. Many pieces are commissioned during meaningful moments in a client’s life, and knowing they’ll become part of a family’s everyday rhythms is what gives the work its purpose. Outside the studio, I’m also shaping a small rural property in Texas where making, music, and gathering naturally overlap—an extension of the same values that guide my work at the bench.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I like most about Austin is its creative range. There’s a rare mix here—strong arts culture, an incredible live music scene, thoughtful food, and an outdoor lifestyle that’s woven into everyday life. That combination creates space for people to make things, gather, and experiment without needing to fit into a single lane. It’s a city that values originality and expression, and that’s been deeply influential in my work.
Both Jon Archer Designs and the Broken Tine are shaped by that spirit. Whether I’m building furniture or creating a place where people come together around music, craft, and shared experience, the influence of Austin’s culture is always present—rooted, creative, and unpretentious.
What I like least is simply how hard it can be to hold onto that character as the city grows. Rapid growth brings opportunity, but it also puts pressure on the very things that make Austin special. Staying intentional—about craft, community, and creativity—feels more important than ever.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jonArcherDesigns.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brokentine2025/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JonArcherDesigns
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-archer-designs-a6304a218/
