Yann Giguère

Now based in Ashland Oregon, Yann Giguère has been a professional woodworker since 1991, and founded Mokuchi Studio in 2008. Originally from the province of Quebec, he came to the U.S. and began his training in Western woodworking at the Maharishi University program for Cabinet and Furniture Making in Fairfield, Iowa. 

Yann quickly found inspiration in the Japanese woodworking traditions and hand tools. In 1999, he focused on Japanese techniques by entering a nine-year apprenticeship at the Takumi Company in Seattle with acclaimed woodworker Dale Brotherton. 

Giguère’s work is unique in the Japanese techniques used for complex joinery and elegant hand-finishing.  His design and build experience includes entire timber frame homes, interior features ranging from stairs and shojis, to cabinetry, garden structures, and furniture. He is a passionate educator on Japanese tools and techniques that can be incorporated into existing woodworking practices.

Since 2013, he has been teaching extensively out of Mokuchi studio and at various craft schools, including Penland, Peters Valley, Arrowmont, and Snow Farm.

Website: mokuchiwoodworking.com

Instagram: @mokuchistudio