After four years of an unpaid internship, the mentor decided to retire and gift the apprentice all of his machinery and collection of materials as back pay. Sometimes the unexpected happens, and one should be ready for it when it does. Having honed traditional furniture building techniques over the subsequent years, the focus of the studio is on contemporary sculptural and elemental furniture, chairs, case goods and objects with a singular design style that smacks of the past yet feels firmly rooted in the present. The body of work can be found among art collections in residences and office spaces across the country.

Website: mattcastilleja.com

Phone: (816) 221-2027

Cross Streets: Near the intersection of W 3rd St and W 4th St/Broadway Blvd