Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Custom Furniture & Cabinetry Experts in Pittsburgh
We are a group of committed artisans and designers who have spent the past 40 years exploring the possibilities of furniture design, fine woodworking, and craftsmanship. Our founder, Bruce Berman, graduated from Carnegie Mellon University in 1975 with a Bachelor of Architecture degree and has dedicated his career to merging artistic vision with functional design. We specialize in custom furniture, cabinetry, and architectural millwork for residential and commercial clients, including Fortune 500 corporations and national landmark sites. Our collaborative approach ensures each project reflects the unique needs and preferences of our clients while maintaining the highest standards of quality and innovation. With decades of combined experience, our team of skilled craftsmen and designers delivers bespoke solutions that blend traditional techniques with modern technology.We pride ourselves on creating pieces that are not only functional but also artistic statements that stand the test of time. Our commitment to excellence is evident in every detail, from initial concept drawings to final installation. We work closely with architects, decorators, and individual clients to ensure seamless integration of our designs into their spaces. Our portfolio includes conference tables, reception desks, executive office suites, synagogue sanctuaries, church interiors, and commission sculptures. We also offer specialized services in stained glass integration, motorized hidden beds, and custom veneer trimming technology.
Services
Custom Furniture
Fine Cabinetry
Architectural Millwork
Stained Glass Integration
Motorized Hidden Beds
Design Consultation
Veneer Trimming Technology
Conference Tables
Reception Desks
Commission Sculptures
Details
- Year established: 1975
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of experience in custom furniture design and fine woodworking
- Our team includes master craftsmen with specialized expertise in architectural millwork
- We provide complete design-to-installation services for residential and commercial projects
- Our proprietary Miracle Veneer Trimmer technology ensures precision in every project
- We maintain direct collaboration with clients from concept development through final execution
Services
Custom Furniture
Our custom furniture service creates unique, handcrafted pieces tailored to client specifications. We work with premium materials like maple, mahogany, and exotic woods to produce dining tables, bedroom suites, and specialty items. Each piece combines artistic design with functional requirements, ensuring lasting quality and aesthetic value for residential and commercial spaces.
Architectural Millwork
We specialize in architectural millwork for both residential and commercial applications. Our services include crafting intricate wood elements for church interiors, synagogue sanctuaries, and executive office suites. Using traditional techniques combined with modern technology, we create detailed moldings, paneling, and built-in cabinetry that enhance architectural spaces while maintaining structural integrity and visual appeal.
Motorized Hidden Beds
Our motorized hidden bed solution integrates seamlessly into custom cabinetry for space-efficient living. Using ZoomRoom technology, these beds retract completely into cabinets with remote-controlled operation. Available in single, queen, and king sizes, they feature adjustable support systems and can be incorporated into entertainment centers or wall units while maintaining elegant design aesthetics.
Stained Glass Integration
We incorporate stained glass elements into furniture and architectural designs through specialized techniques. Our craftsmen combine woodworking with glass artistry to create unique pieces that feature light transmission effects and decorative patterns. This service requires expertise in both mediums to ensure structural stability while achieving artistic vision in residential and religious settings.
Design Consultation
Our design consultation service guides clients through the entire project lifecycle. We develop detailed drawings, specifications, and material selections for custom furniture and architectural elements. Using both traditional drafting and CAD technology, we help clients visualize solutions while addressing spatial constraints and functional requirements to ensure successful project execution from concept to installation.
People
Bruce Berman
Founder & Lead Designer
Bruce Berman founded I Design in 1975 after graduating from Carnegie Mellon University with a Bachelor of Architecture degree. With over 40 years of experience, he oversees all design aspects and maintains creative control while mentoring the next generation of craftsmen.
Thomas White
Shop Foreman
Thomas White holds a Bachelor of Art from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master of Fine Art from Northern Illinois University. As Shop Foreman since 1988, he applies his extensive art background to both traditional and modern woodworking projects with technical precision.
Thom Bryant
Project Manager
Thom Bryant brings 35 years of experience to I Design, specializing in stained glass integration with woodworking. After training with Italian master Gino Russo, he developed expertise in combining these disciplines to create unique architectural elements and furniture pieces that showcase both mediums.
Questions
What types of custom furniture do you create?
We create dining tables, bedroom furniture, conference tables, reception desks, executive office suites, and specialty items like motorized hidden beds. Our work serves both residential and commercial clients with unique design requirements.
Do you work with architects and designers?
Yes, we collaborate with architects and interior designers to develop custom solutions that integrate seamlessly with their overall space planning. Our team provides detailed drawings and specifications to ensure proper implementation of our designs.
What is your design process?
Our process begins with understanding client needs, followed by concept development, material selection, and detailed drawing creation. We maintain close communication throughout the project to ensure alignment with client expectations and spatial requirements.
Do you offer motorized furniture solutions?
Yes, we specialize in motorized hidden beds using ZoomRoom technology. These space-saving solutions integrate into custom cabinetry with remote-controlled operation while maintaining elegant design aesthetics for residential applications.
Can you incorporate stained glass into designs?
Yes, we have specialized expertise in combining stained glass with woodworking. Our craftsmen create unique pieces that feature light transmission effects and decorative patterns for both residential and religious settings.
What areas do you serve?
While based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, we serve clients throughout Western Pennsylvania and Northeast Ohio. Our team handles both local and regional projects with the same commitment to quality and attention to detail.