Born and raised on the Central Coast of California, Tom Lees has always enjoyed building things with his hands. His first experiences working with wood were building tree houses and wooden go-karts. Later, he was drawn to fine woodworking by the desire to make unique banjos; but soon his interest in joinery, wood, and the endless possibilities offered by the medium expanded to encompass furniture and all other things thoughtfully crafted. Tom aspires to build pieces that are equal parts beauty and usefulness and to not lose touch with the traditional tools and practices of the centuries old craft. After College of the Redwoods he strives to continue his career in fine woodworking and to eventually open his own shop. In the meantime, Tom yearns to learn as much as he can from his teachers and classmates and is very excited to be a part of the College of the Redwoods, Fine Furniture program.