Finding Partners in Sanctuary

This past week, I traveled to North Carolina to visit Chaddock Furniture’s workroom to attend their Chaddock College program. Before I arrived, I knew I would gain a bit more insight into one of my favorite brands. What I didn’t expect was to learn how deeply they live their values—and also that I would realize I’ve been working with a company that has seamlessly woven the principles of sanctuary into both their manufacturing and business practices. 

Are you kidding me right now?! So good. 

Every step of their process, from the hands that shape each piece to the care taken in sourcing materials, spoke to a commitment to quality, responsibility, and craftsmanship: all tenets deeply tied to my understanding of sanctuary.

I just have to wax poetic for a minute.

All of their wood is FSC certified, meaning it meets the Forest Stewardship Council’s rigorous standards for harvesting in ways that protect the environment, support local communities, and ensure long-term economic viability. When designing spaces of sanctuary, connection to nature through biophilic principles and the use of natural, organic materials is essential; it draws us back to the restorative properties of the earth. But that connection can’t be one-sided. It’s not enough to design with natural materials; we must also honor the earth in the ways we source them. Sustainable practices like “leave no trace” and building for longevity are at the core of my work, and I’m always seeking manufacturers who share that responsibility. Discovering that Chaddock approaches their business with the same respect and care, deepening their relationship to the earth through responsible sourcing, reinforces my belief that sanctuary begins long before the final design touches are in place. It starts the moment the raw materials are chosen for the sofa or the table that will one day become part of a client’s home.

Beyond responsible sourcing, Chaddock places a strong emphasis on fine craftsmanship. In their workshops, skilled artisans, woodworkers, and upholsterers pour their expertise into each piece. From the hands that build the frames and tie each spring in place, to those that apply the final stain or paint, every stage is infused with human care, love, and intention. A single piece of furniture passes through many sets of hands before it’s complete—each step requiring precision, creativity, and pride in the work.

I’ve written before about the vital role handmade goods play in creating sanctuary. Unlike mass-produced items, handmade pieces carry the energy, attention, and artistry infused into them during the production process. This is an entire Sanctuary line of thought that I want to explore further in a future post.

So perhaps you can understand why I was thrilled to discover that Chaddock keeps the human element at the heart of their manufacturing. Each piece holds the spirit of the artisans who shaped it—an energy that becomes part of our homes and enriches our daily lives.

In addition to the skilled craftsmen is a whole team of representatives who are based in the United States. Chaddock is a US-based company, and part of their mission is to keep manufacturing on our shores, where they can continue to not only craft quality products, but also create valuable jobs for local communities.

As I have had the opportunity to spread my wings with more and more commercial work, as I have done at the Gulfshore Playhouse, and what I am doing at STARability, I have seen how Sanctuary has both micro and macro application capabilities. Sanctuary is not just a pretty pillow or a comfortable corner of your home; it is public spaces that allow us to connect and thrive together as a community. It is the way we invest in our community and share resources, affirming our value for one another and the lives we lead together. Chaddock exemplifies these values, core to the sanctuary philosophy, with aplomb (a word that does not get nearly enough use, don’t you think?).

In a world dominated by fast fashion, overconsumption, and mass production, it’s easy to feel disconnected from the things that surround us. Companies like Chaddock are changing that. They are bringing purpose, integrity, and craftsmanship back into the work we do. At times, American-made and hand-crafted goods can feel like relics of the past, which is why I’m so encouraged to see companies like Chaddock keeping those traditions alive. 

Pieces like these made by a company like this are the very foundation of sanctuary spaces.

I’m always inspired by brands that lead with ethics and sustainability, and I’d love to hear from you—what are some of your favorite companies doing this well? Share your recommendations in the comments so we can all discover new ones together.

With love and gratitude,
Lisa.