Name: Katie Gong
Gig: Owner of RDesign, Builder, Designer, and Artist

How did you get into woodworking and how long have you been doing it?
"I grew up running around my pop’s shop — taking bits and scraps of wood for my own projects, often in OshKosh B'gosh overalls and a felt Robin Hood hat. Since then, not much has changed, except maybe the hat."

What do you really love about it?
"I love that there are infinite possibilities with what you can do with wood. This material allows me to be extremely creative, while at the same time practical, since there are some rules and limitations that you have to acknowledge and pay homage to, in terms of having the right wood/tools for the specific jobs."

Anything coming up that you’re excited about?
"In the next couple of weeks we are going to be working with Bar Crudo at its space on Divisadero, as well as at its new space in Guerneville."

Is there a specific project that you’d consider a favorite?
"A spinning stool that looks like a stump of a tree. It is made out of a solid piece of Olive that we got from a friend's farm in my hometown."

What has been your proudest moment?
"Recently realizing that taking the plunge and going for your dreams can be frightening, but actually pays off."