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Joe is a professional furniture maker/fabricator trained as a journeyman with well over 10 years in practice, now owning his own fabrication studio JJFS Design. He has been supporting students in architecture, industrial design and sculpture for many years in fabrication within furniture design courses in the Architecture Program and Certificate in Furniture at MassArt.

Trained at MassArt, Burlington College and the Vermont Woodworking School, and the North Bennet Street School, he completed his traditional education working as a journeyman under several master craftsmen in the local Boston area for over 10 years. His goal is to help build a major in furniture at MassArt and develop the course offerings across departments.

Joe is skilled in hand and power tools and associated machine woodworking, he has also supported the Architecture summer Community Build construction programs helping train students in the tools, and mentoring building construction on site. As the development of building skills is a requirement in the architecture program at MassArt, Joe has provided personalized guidance through hands-on demonstrations and one-on-one assistance, ensuring each student gains confidence and skills. Alongside this direct support, he has broadened students’ understanding with lectures on a wide range of topics related to woodworking and furniture design; from foundational skills to innovative techniques and design principles. His goal is to create a well-rounded learning experience that equips students with both practical skills and a deeper appreciation for the art of woodworking and furniture making as a whole.