I believe any large project should begin with a thorough design in place before any construction begins. I like to begin the thinking process with quick paper sketches in order to get a better idea of what I want in the project. I then move to a computer-aided design software such as SolidWorks to help finalize my design. I try not only to think about the final result during this phase, but also the steps required during construction in order to most effectively and efficiently reach the completed product. Once I’m satisfied with the computer model, this design becomes the blueprint for the woodworking.

I chose a combination of black walnut and cherry wood for the outer frame and the inner walls, respectively. The walnut frame serves as the structural support for the entire box while holding the inner walls firmly in place. The four cherry faces (front, back, top, bottom) of the box will be highly customized in order to adequately account for the computer hardware being placed within the box; this customization must take into account hardware mounting, accessibility, air flow and heat dissipation, and of course form and function. The two sides of the box are glass faces housed in a cherry frame. The top section of the walnut frame and all four cherry faces and two window walls are removeable to aid in computer assembly/disassembly for repairs, upgrades, or troubleshooting.