A while ago, I asked a visitor to my site .... "how can I improve my site?"
He thought for a minute and then said that I should add some testimonials from my clients.
My clients have become my friends ..... sooo ..... here are some notes from my friends.



CLICK HERE to view some of Our Doors
installed on homes across the U.S. and Canada


The finest possible end product is best achieved in an atmosphere of cooperation, communication, respect, and mutual trust.


Updated: Winter~ 2017
NOTE: All of these comments are quotes

Brian: The door is far beyond what I was expecting, it is a work of art.
Michael A.
Nor Cal



Brian,
My wife and I were shocked when we saw it. That is way more than we had hoped for...so beautiful....I can't wait to see it in person. It is going to make our house.
Dean G.
Seattle WA



Brian the doors absolutely magnificent. It will certainly give us years of enjoyment thank you so much. Thank you for the pics. Your bright ideas are simply stunning. We will spend the rest of our lives enjoying your art, craftsmanship, and work.The contrast with the other woods is fantastic.
George and Sheri
Portland, OR



Brian and Zoleta, It is the most beautiful door I have ever seen! Zoleta captured every thought and color I wanted. Thank you so much Zoleta. I can't wait to get it. When can you ship it? Love being able to watch you make this door for me. This has been quite an adventure with its ups and downs and I want to thank you for making it happen for me. I can't wait to send you pictures of it installed. It is fabulous!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you, thank you, thank you....
Tom and Marilyn P.
Danbe, OR



Thanks for the reminder.  The door still looks great, as I follow your directions every Spring.  It survived the worst Winter in Northern Wisconsin ever.  From Dec through Mar the average temperature was only 47 degrees! We also had very high snow amounts, but the cold was bad, often 20 to 25 below zero without windchill.  We are really enjoying Spring now.  Good to hear from you.
Mike M
in Eagle River, WI



Hi---I have to say---you make the most interesting and beautiful doors I have ever seen. I am in awe of your sense of style and use of woods---Just saying, I have always thought that the doors make a home unique and are a great focal point, and you have certainly shown that-- thanks for the eye candy!
CL, Montana



Greetings Brian,
I have attached two pics of the door, one from inside and one from outside. I think we enjoy the view from the inside more than the outside! In any event it's a wonderful, wonderful addition to our home is very welcoming for our guests. All the best.
Tim E.
Glendale, CA



I wrote these clients to remind them to re-oil their doors
Thank you Brian, we love our door and want to keep nice, so will do this within the next week.  We were recently in Mendocino for the film festival and had a wonderful time.  Hope all is well with you,.
Nadine S.
Sacramento, CA



Brian: The door is far beyond what I was expecting, it is a work of art.
Michael A.
Nor Cal



The door is amazing. I am sending a pictures installed, but wait for a finished picture, which will be next week. I am soon absolutely happy with your creation! It looks amazing in the room with the fireplace! Your work was amazing on other doors, and you buoyed that up with the "Mystical Portal" door!!!
........ Then He Wrote: Hey Brian!!! I think it looks amazing! The crooked handle and lock just emphasize the whole of the abstract door! Great idea you had! I will take one tomorrow for you that is back a bit! Yes I will also send you another picture of the fireplace! I moved in today, and it is feeling very much home. I have so many friends that can't wait to come over and experience the door. Have a wonderful start to your weekend and I will be in touch!
Dana B - Mills, WY



Hello, at long last, the final finishes to the door were completed today! It is stunningly beautiful. This and the other pictures I will forward you don't do it justice, but I will take more and forward you the best ones. Thanks to both of you for your commitment to your art and superior quality, and for creating a door that we can be proud of the rest of our lives. All the best to you and yours.
Warm regards,
Nadine and Mike ~ Walnut Creek, CA



Brian,
Our door is absolutely beautiful. We'll send you pictures once the house is done. What kind of varnish oil do you use? We want to take very good care of this work of art! Thank you!
Markus, Pismo Beach, CA



Brian, I'm going to have to wait for the leaves to fall before I can get enough light in there--the light above doesn't do much good. Which is too bad, because I think the house looks better with a green landscape. I receive lots of compliments on the door, and I make a point of bragging on your work. My door is humble compared to the large pieces you've done. Your work is amazing.
Jeff M - MI



Brian,
Thank you very much for being a real person of there word!!! YOU TRULY ARE THE BEST!
Gary H. - Statton Island, NY



Dear Brian,
Thanks so much for a gorgeous door! It truly is spectacular. We will share photos when it is hung.
Thanks and best wishes.
Jan and Scott M.
West Lafayette. IN


The door is amazing. I am sending a pictures installed, but wait for a finished picture, which will be next week. I am soooo absolutely happy with your creation! It looks amazing in the room with the fireplace! Your work was amazing on other doors, and you buoyed that up with the "Mystical Portal" door!!!
Dana B.
Mills Wyoming



Hello Brian,
Hope all is well with you and your family! I have finally installed the door, and can't express how happy I am with it! It is so beautiful. Everyone who sees it is so impressed. Thanks for the great craftsmanship! Enclosed is a pic of the finished door. Hope you like it. Hope to hear from you soon, and once again thank you for the work.
Mark A.
Pacifica, CA



Brian:
Hope you're doing well. Just pulled up an old email from you and realized I'd never sent any photos of your door on our house in Berkeley. Found these two (not very clear) from Christmas, but I know I have some others, if I can find them. Needless to say, the door gets endless compliments and we love it.
Dave R.



Dear Brian,
Sorry to be slow to send a door photo, but the summer has passed in a blur. We moved into our home on June 1 and are still settling in. I've attached a photo of the front door. The photo does not do the door justice, but once we've painted the trim (it's only primed at this point) I'll take another. We love the door and everyone who visits wants to know where we got the door. It is truly a work of art.
Thank you again and warm regards.
Scott and Jan M., Nashville



Brian:
Hope you're doing well. Just pulled up an old email from you and realized I'd never sent any photos of your door on our house in Berkeley. Found these two (not very clear) from Christmas, but I know I have some others, if I can find them. Needless to say, the door gets endless compliments and we love it.
Dave R.



"Brian recently completed the Norwalk Door for our home in Rowayton, CT a coastal village in Norwalk, CT. He was a pleasure to work with from beginning to end. Patient and creative, Brian was able to custom design a massive front door and matching custom screen door to adorn the front of our 80 year old home. The Burled Redwood panels go very well with the Curly Walnut and they are are so inviting, it's hard not to touch the door when you walk into the house. Delivery was on time, and everything fit together like a swiss watch. Thanks Brian !
Mark S.



Dear Brian,
The Door is hung and it looks Beautiful!!
It is a True Work of Art and we Thank You and SR for all the creativity and care that went into the conception and building of our door.
Everyone who sees it says "WOW ".
Thanks again,
Ron & Marilyn - Northern California



I wrote this client, reminding them it's time to reoil their door.
"Thanks for the reminder. The door still looks great, as I follow your directions every Spring. It survived the worst Winter in Northern Wisconsin ever. From Dec through Mar the average temperature was only 4.7 degrees! We also had very high snow amounts, but the cold was bad, often 20 to 25 below zero without wind-chill. We are really enjoying Spring now. Good to hear from you."
Mike M. in Eagle River, WI



Brian,
We just took delivery of the door and it is installed.... and it is incredible! The architect and builders were amazed.... and studying it in fine detail. Thanks for packing it so well.
I will send pictures when the rest of the house catches up to the door. Some stone is being added to the entry area.
Thanks again. I suspect you may be getting some more Indiana business once word gets out.
Scott M.
West Lafayette, IN



Brian,
We just took delivery of the door and it is installed.... and it is incredible! The architect and builders were amazed.... and studying it in fine detail. Thanks for packing it so well.
I will send pictures when the rest of the house catches up to the door. Some stone is being added to the entry area.
Thanks again. I suspect you may be getting some more Indiana business once word gets out.
Scott M.
West Lafayette, IN



Hey Brian, I just took delivery of the door, and unpacked it. It looks great! I'm very pleased by you selection of wood. And as I said, I'll snap a pic or two when it's hung so you can see your work in its new home. I made a great choice when I went with you -- you have been a real pleasure to do business with.
Have a very nice day.
Best,
Jeff M.
Battle Creek, MI



...... sounds good Brian. I'll try to get those to you in the next day or so. I have to tell you again how much I love the door! Each time I walk in and out of our front entry, I think to myself (and sometimes out loud) how absolutely gorgeous it is. Thank you again!
Take care,
Julie C.
Santa Cruz



Hi there,I don't need a door. I just wanted to tell you how beautiful your doors are. They each have so much personality, and I just really enjoyed seeing them all. If you're on Reddit, I would suggest posting your pictures to the subreddit /r/woodworking if you haven't already. I'm sure they'd love them. If you're not familiar with Reddit I'd be happy to give you a quick 101 rundown. It's kind of a passion for me. Thank you for sharing your art.
Morgan



Hello Brian
I love the curved lines of our door! It will look even nicer after we paint. I never received an email from you. I'll see if I can send you a larger photo. I typically make them smaller when I email them so that they don't take up too much storage space. Would you prefer an interior or exterior photo? I have to tell you again how much I love the door! Each time I walk in and out of our front entry, I think to myself (and sometimes out loud) how absolutely gorgeous it is. Thank you again!
Jullie.C.
Santa Cruz



Brian
Thanks so much for a gorgeous door! It truly is spectacular. We will share photos when it is hung.
Thanks and best wishes.
Jan and Scott M.
West Lafayette, IN



Hello Brian,
I took two more pictures of the inside. Boy oh boy that sure looks beautiful, it changes our entire entry.
Hopefully these are better. Clearly my photography skills leave something to be desired compared to the beauty of our door.
We LOVE our door.
Best Regards, Scott R.



Brian
An added bonus to our beautiful door. The light shinning in through the window casts a shadow on the opposite wall... Wheat on the wind in shadow. Thanks do much we truly love our door. The photo does not capture the beautiful shadows.
Bob & Jennifer, Northern California



Hi Brian,
I'm Ellen P. My husband Dave and I are the people for whom you are making the "Michabou Shores Entry and Side Entry Doors." Our builder, Brad Hopwood sent us the photos that you sent to him of the step by step building of the entry doors. They are SO BEAUTIFUL and are beyond our expectations!!!!! We can't wait to see the Entry Door as well! and even better to see them as a focal point on our new cottage I saw your ad in a magazine and right then and there I knew your doors were special! We appreciate your fabulous workmanship and will treasure the doors even more. Thank you so much! Sincerely
Ellen and Dave P. of Michigan



Hi Brian!
It's hard to believe it has been over a year since we first met with you to discuss our door project. I am finally sending photos - now that the exterior shutters are up, trim painting is done and everything is in place. I hope you like it as much as we do. The door is like a fine piece of furniture and it makes a wonderful statement - both from inside and out. It is warm, strong, beautiful - and refined. Exactly what we wanted! Thank you soooo much for being such an expert craftsman. We really appreciate all the hard work and attention to detail that you gave to this project.
With good wishes,
Marilyn and John L. of Napa, CA



Hi Brian,
Here are the first pictures of our wonderful new door. Both are taken from inside the house. I'll send exterior pictures as soon as the exterior trim work is all done.
We LOVE the door!!! THANK YOU!!!
Jane & Bill M. New Hampshire



Thanks Brian , I may need another astragal, the installers cracked it drilling the locks, they are coming next week to take it off and glue it .
Other then that I love the pair of beautiful doors, you are the best! Ps My wife loves them as much as I do, Thanks again.
Joseph F. of New Jersey



Hi, I saw your doors on the Internet. My wife and I just bought our first home, and while there's no way we could afford door like yours, I wanted to send you a message to tell you how incredibly beautiful and inspiring your work is. I am particularly moved by your Phoenix and Windermere doors. I can only hope that in a few decades we will have enough money to be able to add something SO beautiful to our home.
Thank you for sharing your work. Elam



Dear Brian,
Enclosed please find Bank Check # 25*** for the amount of $***.00, the balance due. It has been a pleasure to work with you and a company that exhibit a high level of professionalism and courtesy towards their customers. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Joseph F. New Jersey



Brian
The completed carving is beautiful. We are amazed how well the execution came together based on the sketch. We're biased of course, but this looks like one of the more delicate and lovely jobs you've done.
P & P of Northern California



Brian:
The door is far beyond what I was expecting, it is a work of art.
Let me know when you are all done and I will call you and set up if I can pick it up or delivery.
Mike A.
Placer, CA




Brian,
We just had our new door installed.
It is beautiful!!
Thanks so much for such a fine effort.
Thought you would like to see how it looks.
Thanks again,
Bill
Atlanta



I wrote my client, asking for an installed picture of a completed door, and he wrote back....
"Brian
Will do. The house should be finished next week and I was waiting until then to take pictures. The door is up and looks terrific. Total strangers stop and tell me how great it looks. I am very happy how it turned out. "
Michael
Delaware



Wow .... absolutely stunning ! the most gorgeous doors I have ever seen ... well done
when I build/remodel my next house, yours doors will be included
Tommy
DeMoines, IL




I just received a very nice card from the owners of the new Entradero Door.
Click Here to see the card.
Nick and Lori
Southern California



Dear Brian,
Thank you for your time yesterday. We loved meeting you and your wife, seeing your shop and your beautiful forest. We got home at about 7:30. The door rode very well. The creation of art is a creation of love. You will be in our hearts every time we look at our door and visualize the majestic tree from which it was created. Sincerely,
Jennifer and Arthur P.
Grants Pass, OR



........I received this comment the other day in my email and I thought it was "cool" .........
Hello folks,
Your website shows true craftsmanship and a love of the environment. You are truly eco-chic.
C.D.



Brian,
Sorry for the delayed response, I was traveling for work. 
The door looks fantastic! Both my architect and builder were very impressed. I am really happy how nice it turned out. Better than I could have imagined.
The builder asked when you need to ship the door. He was hoping it did not have to be shipped until the garage on the new house is complete. He stated that it would be the last thing that would be installed in the house since he didn't want to damage it in any way (my architect joked that we should maybe wait until all the furniture is in before he installed the door.
Once again, thank you for a terrific job. The craftsmanship is impressive.
Michael in Delaware



Good morning Brian
..................... I also shared your website with my 75 year old father in Kansas.  He is always skeptical of all things related to the internet, but I was pleasantly surprised at what a positive response I got from him regarding your doors.  He thought your doors looked like pieces of art and liked how you had book matched the wood on the Sonoma doors to have the beautiful grain on the mid rails.
Thanks, Steve



Hello Brian
M.A. here- I just wanted to let you know that our door was finally installed!! and a funny thing happened along the way.....we moved.......we have been looking for over a year and a half for a horse property and resigned ourselves to never finding it. Of course, it magically appeared, we bought it and moved in a matter of 2 weeks.
In the next few weeks - I will be sending you the measurements of the double door and matching window insert (not sure what you call the window above the door) - I don't ever think I'll be able to live in a home that does not have your artistry waiting to greet me.
Thank you so much,,,,,I hope you enjoy
Kind Regards,
Michelle



Hi Brian,
yesterday we finished painting the door jamb. It is the same color as the house. So, with nothing competing for attention, our door just pops.
It is so beautiful, in looks, in the way it feels, in the quality of workmanship. Thank you for helping us execute our vision.
The W's
Coeur d'Alene, Idaho



July 13, 2012. I received a phone call this afternoon from the owner of
The Serenity Grand Entry thanking us for the entry we created for them. Then she made this comment ........... "our new door (entry) has changed our home, it is so wonderful". Thank you for taking the time to "make my day".



Brian -
Well, the doors are incredible!! Truly, one of the highlights of our home. Thanks again for all your patience and craftsmanship.
I apologize that the photos are not more coffee table ready. As you can see from the exterior shot of the front door, we are still not quite done. I will try again when we are, to get you some better shots.
Milt B.
Juneau, Alaska



Thanks Brian ~ the door has held up to the hardships of Redding's intense exposure remarkably well. Hope all is well with you!
Sara M.
Redding, Ca



Hello there,
You made a door for us about 6 years ago (the Naglee, for our house in San Jose). We've since sold that house and moved -- and the door was the star of the open house. However, now we have a new house and are in need of a new door. .......... We miss our door and are looking forward to having a new one on the horizon. Thanks so much -- hope to hear from you soon!
Elizabeth S.



Hello Brian, ~ Enclosed is our deposit for the beautiful "Bellentrata" entry door.
We've watched your site for two years now and so admired your craftsmanship in both design and construction. You are a true artist and we are honored to have this art to amaze all who enter our home!
Best Regards, Jim & Barbrara
Seattle,WA



Hi...I happened to run into your web sight and wanted to say that it was great to hear that there is "someone" out there who is willing to continue the "old school" tradition of craftsmanship in performing woodwork in such "art" as what your products show....I hope your talent will continue with the grandkids....Keep up the great at work.....If I would need a door made to my "specs.", I will be contacting you
.....Ted K.....


Just a quick note "Don't need a door but these are so beautiful! "



Hi Brian,
Well, the door is safe and sound in the house now. We packed it in the truck perfectly and not ding or a scratch anywhere!  I just want to thank you again, for making this process so incredible. Your urging me to think more and more about what I really wanted ensured the perfect door. It's better than I could have imagined. Also, I'm greatly appreciative of your hospitality and conversation when I drove up. You definitely have a friend in Sacramento.  I cannot wait for the door to hang in it's new home, and although it may be a while, I will absolutely send you pictures. Again, I can't thank you and Sunray enough! You guys really made me something special.....my friends and neighbors can't stop talking about it!!! Take care my friend and hopefully our paths shall cross again sometime.
Gary "Pacific Crest" S.
Sacramento,CA



My wife and I have not come up with changes to the Sonoma doors.  I have spent some time looking online and also walking through a furniture store yesterday. ....... and we likes things with a touch of Asian influence to them. That is where we see the Sonoma doors having a touch of Asian look to them with the simplicity and glass.
I also shared your website with my 75 year old father in Kansas. He is always skeptical of all things related to the Internet, but I was pleasantly surprised at what a positive response I got from him regarding your doors. He thought your doors looked like pieces of art and liked how you had book matched the wood on the Sonoma doors to have the beautiful grain on the mid rails.



Hi Brian,
We are very much in love with the custom door you built for us. So much so, that we want to commission some matching doors for an interior project. I'm enclosing two pictures of the current doorway and jamb, and a rough sketch of what I have in mind. Let me know what you think.
Sam S.
Palo Alto, CA


Brian,
The door is really beautiful. Something to be treasured as long as I live. Thank you for the fine work, your advice and counsel throughout this process. You are a pleasure to work with!
Warm regards,
H. H.



"Brian,
Here are the installed pictures. It looks so wonderful and it is such an improvement.
We love the door - it's a perfect fit for the house, and we love the crocodile glass"
S. S.
Northern CA



Brian,
Our beautiful door is installed and we are loving it so much. Everyone who sees it makes the same comment: " Wow, what a beautiful front door."
We keep saying it to ourselves over and over again. Thank you so much.
Sincerely,
L and R, CA



Hi, Brian......
The door has been delivered! It is absolutely gorgeous!!
We met with Lisa (the glass artist) yesterday and she is working on the glass this week, she was really impressed with the door, too. ............. We will be sure to take a photo once the door is installed and send it to you. It is going to be glorious! Your artistry is incredible!
And I've posted pics of it on my Facebook page, with credit given to you. My friends are all envious!
Take care,M.T. Seabeck WA



Brian, I got the doors, they are beautiful ..... will be putting about 5 coats of spar varnish (on top of the varnish oil) to really bring them out .... I'm betting they will almost look like Koa when we are done. Thanks a bunch, great workmen-ship!  
Aloha, Woody. Kailua, HI 



Brian - thanks for the great photos. I took the liberty and sent them to both Jim & John, for they'll enjoy them too.
Your work is beyond exceptional, and I hope we get to work together again in the future.
Best regards.
Steve T. A.I.A., Berkley CA



OMG!!! what craftsmanship!!!!!!!!! We cannot believe the beautiful pieces that you are making for our home. Let me know when more photos are available..will stay in touch
Barry S.
Cincinnati Ohio



Brian,
Sorry that it has taken us so long to send these photos to you. As you can see, your door is quite an appealing addition to our house. In fact, we've yet to have a visitor who hasn't commented on the door's beauty and craftsmanship (and all our neighbors love it). We feel we're helping promote the idea that front doors can be both functional and aesthetically pleasing, and we're privileged to showcase the result of your talents.
Again, it was a pleasure to work with you on this. Please know that we treasure what you've provided us -- the beauty of your door will characterize our house for years to come.
A G, Michigan



Brian,
Thanks for the reminder, I'll be re-oiling in the next few weeks. Our Door is magnificent, and garners many compliments.
I'll send a photo soon.
Warm regards,Jim



after a note to my clients to remind them (in the Spring) ..... it's time to re-oil their door ......... they wrote back:
Thank you- the doors continue to look great. LH Palo Alto



I really love the annual reminders! It is wonderful to hear from you. We are doing well and our beautiful front door is doing very well.
The family joke is that if there is ever a natural disaster we will grab hold of the door and it will protect us all as it is the strongest thing in the house!
Thank you, Brenda


Hi Brian,
Thank you for the reminder (to oil his door). I oiled my door this weekend.
While I enjoy the door every day, spending the time close-up oiling it reminds me what incredible craftsmanship and heart went into it.
Thanks Again !
R E ~ Palo Alto



Hi Brian, ..... Thanks for sending again-I'm sorry for not responding sooner-The door and handle are great. I have been waiting to get a little green on the porch-I will take a picture this week and send it to you-there was an issue last time with the file I sent being to small-I will do better this time -worst case scenario I will burn a cd for you and mail it. The door stood up to our COLD WET winter this year perfectly- it expanded and contracted-breathed and sighed and looks wonderful-it is protected from direct elements. Thanks-Sincerely, Ms Siegel



Hello Brian, .... Good to hear from you!  Thanks for the oiling reminder.
I have totally neglected you by forgetting to send photos. Give me a few days to get my act together, and we will show you evidence of how nice these doors look in their intended doorways.
As for oiling, I have observed what a huge difference sunlight makes. The exterior door that faces south started to look a little beat up last year already, so I used your oil formula on it in the middle of last year.  I think that door (just the exterior side) might need a twice-a-year oiling schedule, because it really gets a lot of sunlight. The north-facing door will do fine with once-a-year oiling.
Take care, JW , Chicago, Illinois



"WOWEEZOWEEEE !"
Mike and Gayle
......Eastern Canada



Hi there Brian,
Here, at last, is a photo of our front door with a landscaping facelift. People still stop and stare, and we still love the solid, quiet thunk it makes when it swings shut.
The mirrored glass is perfect during the day. At night I pull Japanese paper shoji screens across the doorway between the entry way and the living room and it is perfect.
We are happy to be in the house, and so glad we found you to make the door!
Hope you have a wonderful spring.
-E. R. Palo Alto, CA



"
Holy cow...
This kind of work was supposed to be dead and gone.
I am awestruck and a little intimidated to even touch these doors.
Amazing work, folks. I hope I can honor your art with a worthy installation.
All the best,
Neil " ... the General Contractor for the The Palisades Doors



"Brian,
Let me tell you, we love this door and appreciate it all the time.
Thank you very much for your artwork.
Robert and Linda ~
The Taos "



"Brian........
The Winderemere was hung yesterday. We have it all protected. Drywall starts tomorrow. Just so you know…it looks incredible in our entry. Fits it like a glove. It's absolutely stunning. The carpenter, roofer, electrician, insulation guys…they were all blown away. It is the best when something is just perfect!
Thanks again,"
Shoshanna of Seattle



"And we love it! Thanks so much Brian. It is truly gorgeous.
We are so happy with it, and can't wait to see it on the front of the finished house.
Actually, I can't wait to turn the key and shut the door behind me, finally back IN the finished house!!
Thanks to Zoe for driving it down for us. I'll send you a picture when it's finally in."
Then she wrote: "We are back in our new house and loving the front door. It gets a LOT of complements. In fact, I was in bed the other night at 10:15pm, when I heard someone exclaim out on the street, "What's this house, look at that door!"and than saw a flash as they snapped a picture! Turned the porch light out after that!! As soon as we get some landscaping in the front yard I will send you a good "after" picture.
--Ellen & Nick ~ Nor Cal



Good Morning Brian,
It is always a pleasure to receive you email reminding me to do a little maintenance. Our entry door looks as good as the day I picked it up thanks to your reminders. I visited your website gallery and was pleased to see many new designs. I'm sure each client is as happy as we are with their entry door. Have a wonderful day and thank you.
Brenda ~ Proud owner of "The Patterson"



Brian
 "You were absolutely right and the door looks beautiful all put together. The partial framing of the carving on the sidelight has lines that blend seamlessly with the lines of the stiles. I anticipated a disjointed look on the lines of the stiles, and a difference in color from the door to the carving that would "highlight" what I perceived as the missing framimg. The color blends so well from the carving to the door frame that it doesn't make it look like it's "missing" anything like I anticipated.
  I am very happy with the door. You have done just a gorgeous job, and I know Chris will love it, too. Your door is just beautiful and the ribbon mahogany looks just stunning. It looks much better than I anticipated.
  Thanks so much for sending me the picture! I woke up at 5:00 am this morning stressing that the door wouldn't look right, so I can sleep much better tonight!
  I feel bad that you dropped everything to get me the picture, and I'm sorry if my stress in turned stressed you out. We've had so many things go wrong with the house, and my stress level is pretty high right now. It's no excuse, but I'm sorry and my concerns were totally unfounded. It is way better than I expected, and thanks so much!"
L. W.
Oregon




.......... And we love it! Thanks so much Brian. It is truly gorgeous. We are so happy with it, and can't wait to see it on the front of the finished house. Actually, I can't wait to turn the key and shut the door behind me, finally back IN the finished house!!
Thanks so much. I'll send you a picture when it's finally in.
Ellen & Nick
The South Bay, CA



Hi Brian,
The door is now hung with all the hardware and looks great, inside and out. D-------- and I ended up hanging the door ourselves.
There is nothing so attractive and decorative as simple craftsmanship.
Thanks again...
D & R
The North Coast of California




Hello Brian,
I was traveling all week last week, so I did not get a chance to look at the doors right away, but they did arrive on Monday as planned.
The doors look fantastic! To see the pattern of the wood in person is mesmerizing and otherworldly, really unique. And also we are very impressed with the quality of your work -- the joinery is topnotch, and everything fits together wonderfully, so that one can hardly feel where one piece meets another when running a hand over it. Very, very nice.
Our contractor has one of them installed, and will be hanging the other one today. We will send you some photos as soon as we get a chance.
Thanks very much, and have a good week,
J.W.
Chicago, CA



First Sue wrote ..... " Hi Brian, Just wanted to let you know the door came yesterday and looks to be in good shape. Opened up the 'fortress crate' and everything looks in tack. I didn't tear open the plastic sheeting yet, I'll wait until the installation crew comes so I have enough hands."
....... then she wrote : "Here are pics of the door installed Brian...... Thanks again, it really is a stunning creation! "
S.C.
Marin, CA



Brian,
Just a note to say that the door is magnificent! I expected quality, but was not prepared for the skill level craftsmanship which you executed on our door.
It is a true work of art.
I'll have some pictures to send in the next few weeks. Trust that you are well.
Regards,
Dr. Jim B.



Dear Brian
Attached please enjoy the photos of the expertly skilled craftsmanship that you provided for the S***** residence in Windermere Florida.
The only thing remaining is to oil all the inside and outside trim work that was installed around the door. I will buy all the oils and follow your advice about how to apply all the coats.
The neighbors are in love with your door too!
Well Done Brian!
J.S.
Florida




Brian,.......... I only briefly glimpsed our door before it was secured in a safe place until hanging. It it even more exquisite in person!! I hope our house is worthy of your fine craftsmanship!!
Warmest Regards,
Jennifer ~ Nor Cal




"Mr. Lee,
Well my door project is finally done. It has been a very interesting job.
1. the time it took to make it
2. then getting it delivered to Modoc County
3. then getting it from Alturas to my house
4. then getting it installed
Had to put up with people who had to hunt Antelope in Wyoming ...... a snow storm here ..... But, after all that it is most definitely worth it. My wife and I are very please with the whole project. The door fit the opening exactly, it looks Great, Thank you so much."
MG ~ Northern California



Wow. Brian,
"It is exquisite! I'm so excited. I realized recently, when I grew up in impoverished South Philly, all the Spanish American war era brick row houses, all looked the same, stuffed 56 houses on an alley. All the old Italians put all their aesthetics into the individualized uniqueness of their doors! No two were the same. The only aspect of their whole houses that were different from their neighbors. Even though I am 40 years away from there, my imprinted instincts have come through to seek out a majestic one of a kind door that will have every who enters ooohh and aaahh at the unique beauty!
What a gift you give to the entire world! Your choice of woods are fantastic, and you treat them with the respect, care, and the dialogue they deserve! A wonderful blend of man and nature! "
Warmly, Ron ~ Nor Cal




Hi Brian
Just wanted to let you know we both LOVE the door. It's gorgeous--the wood is more beautiful than we envisioned. We have both been walking around with smiles on our faces for the last couple of days. Thank you for your fine work.
We are both very happy to have the door in our possession but kind of sad the process is drawing to a close.  I will send photo of it installed when that happens.
Best wishes to you,
K. and J. Nor Cal




Brian
I was amazed by your website, by the variety and beauty of your doors. But after I visited your shop, I realized that the website doesn't do your doors justice. It's hard to believe that the doors are truly twice as gorgeous as your website portrays. .... thank you for the time.
S.F. Nor Cal
No....... Thank You SF, for your kind words



Thanks Brian, that is fine!
The install went well actually, just a little slow as we figured out issues more with the old wall and floor. It is in and in the process of trim work. I need to get home before I upload the install and finish work photo series, but here is one exterior. Everyone who has seen the door has flipped over the look and wood work. We love it and how the extra sidelight has opened up the dark hallway as Cindy wanted.
S. G.
Nor Cal



Hi Brian,
Attached please find pictures of completed door. Thank you so much. It is the most gorgeous door I or anyone else that has seen it has ever seen! I stand in awe of the fine craftsmanship that is required to create such a beauty. The contractor who installed it said it is the finest door he has ever hung in 25 years of working construction (and he flew in from Michigan to do my project)! His crew agreed. Thank you so much for proving that a door doesn't have to be "just a door"; it can be a work of art.
T.H.
Hawaii



"Brian It's awesome!
We couldn't have hoped for a door this nice.
Our deepest admiration for you and Joanne's craftsmanship --Thanks again--"

then he wrote..... "Brian, we received the door on Friday. Looks spectacular! Words don't describe it's beauty! It was a pleasure working with you..... Thanks so much! "
R.C.
Laguna Hills, CA




"Dear Brian,
We saw The Liberty for the first time on Saturday. Well it took my breath away. Really beautiful craftsmanship! The men who are going to insdall it were so impressed with the burl and the detail-the way the inserts match and compliment each other, We are very happy with the copper and delighted with the door. Bravo. I can well imagine you missing it. We will send you .........
Thank you again for creating the door I hadn't imagined and will love looking at it from both sides for the rest of my life. Our friends expect us to throw a party around it but I can assure you no one gets to smash a champagne bottle over it---it's already been christened. THE LIBERTY"
T.M.
Northern Cal



Brian
Oh my!! I love the raised molding! I love the whole thing! The door is a metaphor for my whole house experience. When I look at each part as it comes together, I think, yeah that looks good, but when the whole thing comes together, it is completely amazing and better than I could have hoped. I am envious of your occupation, which allows both Progress and Perfection.
Via con dios.
S. M.
Northern Cal

Then her husband wrote
Hi Brian,
Wow. That is one amazing piece of work. I can not wait to see it in person. Thank you so much Brian. You have created a truly unique piece of our new home that I know could never have been created anywhere else. Sorry I won't get a chance to meet you in person. Maybe you will find yourself in our neck of the woods sometime and can come see your masterpiece - The Redding - installed. You are always welcome. And never fear, we will shower you with lots of pictures until then -- probably more than you want.
Take good care,
P. M.
Northern Cal



Brian.we received the door on Friday. Looks spectacular! Words don't describe it's beauty! It was a pleasure working with you, and if i have any further questions i will contact you.
Thanks so much!
ROBERT---So Cal



Hi,
Well, the masterpiece is IN! We worked all day yesterday to get it in and it looks beautiful... we took nearly 100 pictures!  We will send you the best of the installation/installed pics. We have a little more trim work today.
We are so pleased with the door. The carpenter just could not say enough about the quality of the construction and the beauty of the door. He kept muttering ... "what a craftsman, what a craftsman"!!
More with pics later.

then they wrote
You may call it the door, we refer to it as a work of art! It looks so awesome! I'll send you a CD with the all the pictures! We have before, during and after pictures ... including the trim. You'll get 'em all! I'll mail that CD out this week!
The comments on the door were incredible. Everyone is admiring it ... we even had a truck come to a screeching halt in front of our house to look at it!
I cannot tell you how pleased we are with the whole experience ... you are a GEM!
E and L of Cape Cod, MA



Hi Brian,
We're sorry to not have been in touch with you. The last push to finish this house has taken all our time. ............. We finally moved in to the house two weeks ago and the first thing done was to uncover and clean the doors and jams which had been protected by cardboard and plywood ............. The doors look spectacular and everyone who comes here remarks on their beauty. For us it's really exciting now because we haven't really been able to see the doors and the stained glass which were covered until now .......... So we'll take some photos tomorrow and send them to you later in the week
.
Then they wrote in a note
June 10
Hi Brian,
Here are some photos of the doors. We finally moved in but not everything is finished. The doors are beautiful! We will send more photos once they are trimmed and finished on the inside. Thank you so much for making these fantastic doors. We spent a whole year protecting them and it was worth it. We will send digital versions via email .................
Hope you are doing well and enjoying the start of summer.
Best regards
J. & A. H.
Hillbrook NY



"Dear Brian,
The photos of the processing and the quality of the work are both wonderful. I have been like the lead goose in a migration trying to run this job:) and tonight, this 12 am, is the first opportunity I've had to look at the pages you mentioned. Bravo and thanks very much. I have forwarded this page to several friends in construction and others. I truly appreciate your time and dedication and look forward, health permitting, to meeting you some time, somewhere. As I've said from our first tele meeting, you are always welcome out here should you find yourself in the Northeast. All my best and will give you a buzz first chance I get,
as always,"
Phil P. of upstate, NY



Brian,
Everyone loves the new door, especially me! I have your tie-downs boxed up and will send them as soon as I can.
Thank you,
Brenda M. of Patterson , CA



7/05
Dear Brian
........... "Seems like only yesterday we were planning the design of this beautiful door!
You know Brian, I am going to miss our frequent emails when this project is done. I will always check your web site to see what is new and interesting ... I hope we can keep in touch from time to time. When I get to CA, I will be sure to come visit your shop. I have a little wood shop in my garage ... nothing fancy ... just able to make a few bird houses and things like that. I admire anyone with the talent and dedication to do what you do ... everyone should do what they enjoy!
"
(I do!!)
E.L. of MA



1/31/05
I will try to take some pictures at different times and different lighting. We love our door. It has been a conversation piece. Many of our visitors have commented that's what they noticed first. Friends are building a new home at Smith Mountain Lake, VA and have asked for your website.
It was so great to work with you, I will send the photos soon.
Thanks
D. S. MD
Danville, VA



June 2005
Dear Brian
Here are the pictures I promised to send. I was waiting to buy a new rug ......... Beautiful, Beautiful, Beautiful. Jack and I looked at some new homes ......... it was selling for 3 million +, not to buy - just to look. The front door didn't come close to mine. You are gifted.
Thank you always,
C. W. of Walnut Creek, CA



Hello Brian.
I had a privilege to install one of your 'art work' entry doors about a month or two ago. Customer name is C. H. - Walnut Creek CA.
The quality and craftsmanship were amazing. I am proud to be the contractor to get that 'beauty' on the wall and have the pictures part of my installation catalog.
If you need to refer any installation work to a customer here in the Bay Area I will be happy to provide the service.
Hope I will have a chance to stop by one day and visit your shop. 
Best regards,
Sergio Duarte - VIEW & ACCESS windows and doors
CSLB # 711408



Hi Brian,
Yes, we are getting your emails and are loving the pictures
(watching their door being built online) I'm sorry I didn't respond,we have been busy with the illness and .............. The progress on the door is wonderful, please keep the pictures coming!
Thank you,
B. M. of Central CA



Hi Brian
Wow. It was November that we last communicated. I'm sure you had decided I had blown off your request for a picture of the fully installed door, as I had promised. I am now happy to report that the door is finally complete and I have attached a photo of the fully-installed final product.
I am super pleased with the door, as I already told you, and am greatly relieved to finally have the glass installed.  I have gotten lots of compliments on the door, in spite of the weird setting. As I told you, it is installed halfway down the narrow 15-foot hallway entrance to my house, so that I can have a separate side-door entrance to my office space in the first half of the hall. Not the best setting for your beautiful door, but it totally brings to life what would otherwise be a dark imposing barrier in my hallway.
................. The transom was harder to design and I am still trying to get used to it. In any case, I hope you like the new glass almost as much as the original.
Thanks again for your work and professionalism. If it hadn't been for that small glitch on the hinge placement, it would have been a perfect transaction in acquiring and integrating a true work of art into a preexisting setting. It was probably a good reminder just how ambitious an activity this was, especially since we were able to recover completely. There are very few craftsman like yourself left in this country who take on the responsibility of building real things with no room for error.
Again, my compliments.
Best regards,
J. S.
Boulder, CO



Mr. Lee,
Just a quick note about the door you sent to us. It has been taken out of its box and hung in place and immediately covered with large sheets of plywood to protect it during the remainder of the construction. There was just enough time for it to be admired by all and to utterly astonish me. It is exquisite! Luckily the rest of the house is being refurbished to a high standard, otherwise the door would put everything else to shame and oblige us to start over. We'll send pix when all is done.
then he wrote a few months later .... We have just (finally after nearly one year) completed our project; literally today the final payment cheque was handed to the builders .. We love the way the door looks and everyone who sees it is very impressed.
R.B. MA



Hello Brian,
The door is absolutely beautiful!!!!!!!!!!! It is even more striking than imagined.
Thanks,
Doug



Brian,
I just saw the new pics of our door. It is more beautiful than I ever imagined. You are a true craftsman!
Thanks for all the hard work you put into it. I can't wait to see it hung.
B. F., Chicago



Howdy Brian,
I also looked at some of your door work, and continue to be impressed with the quality of your work. One of the ongoing issues I have working out in the regular world is the lack of craftsmanship anywhere. The mainstream economy is all about time equals money. It's all in the details and the sense of pride of workmanship that is present in one shop, and not in the other.
I really enjoyed the evening with the two of you. I feel honored to know you both.
Cheers.
C. H. of LaJolla, CA (August '05)



Dear Brian,
Of course you may have pictures of the door. I have taken many - some in the early spring and some just a few weeks ago. I have a few that show "a sparkle" but I can't get the rainbows. I'm still trying. I will send you what I have for now and when others show off the glass better I will send those. We are enjoying every minute of it.
Thank you once again.
C. J.



Brian.
Absolutely beautiful. We are thrilled with your extremely beautiful doors. They are remarkable. I'm humbled by the craftsmanship. Thanx again. Please stop by when you happen to be driving South on 1.
S.& C., Sea Ranch, CA



Hi Brian,
I should be completely finished this week with installing the glass in the side panels. I will take some pics and send them to you.
I have question about the oil ...................... or should I mix in some varnish like you did on the door?
The door really looks beautiful on the house. We've received compliments from several neighbors that we don't even know. At a new year's party, I met some neighbors for the first time and they said, "oh, your the one with the new door."
Take care,
M. J., So. Cal



Then I received this email 11/06
Brian -
Thanks for the update (estimate). I wasn't anticipating a crating charge - that leaves the project a bit over budget.
Do you have any flexibility in your prices, or are they firm?
Thanks,
John Doe ......... CLICK HERE to read my response ..... please !!


"craftsmanship above compromise"



.... and if I can't do work that meets my own standards
(not to mention my discriminating clients), ..... I just won't do it !



Click Here to see what I'm working on right now !!



My doors have been featured in
This Old House,
American Bungalow,
Log Home Design Ideas,
Old House Interiors,
and
Fine Woodworking magazines.



Click Here to see How I Work

These doors are solid wood (not veneer)
and constructed with materials that will endure.



Click Here
To see how I select my lumber



.... and if I can't do work that meets my own standards
(not to mention my discriminating clients), ..... I just won't do it !



Brian Lee Designs
MendocinoDoors.com
14660 Mitchell Creek Dr.
Fort Bragg, CA 95437

707-964-0635

or

E-Mail me @ bl@mendocinodoors.com