Navillus Woodworks is honored to be featured in the June 2026 issue of Woodworking Network Magazine, one of the industry’s leading publications dedicated to custom woodworking, furniture manufacturing, technology, and craftsmanship. The feature shines a spotlight on the people, projects, and philosophy that have shaped Navillus into one of Chicago’s premier custom fabrication and woodworking studios.
For our team, this recognition is about much more than being featured in a magazine. It represents two decades of dedication to craft, collaboration, innovation, and a belief that woodworking can play a meaningful role in art, architecture, hospitality, and public life.
A National Platform for Chicago Craftsmanship
The article highlights Navillus’ unique position at the intersection of fine furniture, architectural millwork, museum fabrication, public art, and commercial design. While many woodworking firms focus on a single niche, Navillus has built a reputation for translating ambitious creative visions into reality across a wide range of industries.
From custom furniture and hospitality environments to large-scale public art installations, our work is rooted in the idea that exceptional craftsmanship can elevate the experience of a space. Being recognized by a national publication reinforces the value of this multidisciplinary approach and showcases the incredible work being produced here in Chicago.
Recognition for Landmark Projects
The feature showcases several projects that have become important milestones in the growth of Navillus Woodworks.
Among them is our work for The Salt Shed, one of Chicago’s most iconic new music venues. The article highlights the custom bars designed and fabricated for the venue, emphasizing the collaboration between Navillus and fellow Dock 6 Collective member Zak Rose. These projects demonstrate how custom woodworking can become a defining architectural feature within a larger space.
The article also highlights our involvement with Hulu’s award-winning television series The Bear. Navillus’ custom Franklin dining chairs, tables, and stools were selected for the restaurant featured in the show, introducing our work to a national audience. While furniture is often meant to quietly support an experience, seeing our pieces become part of one of television’s most celebrated productions was an exciting moment for the entire team.
Another featured project is Scala, the monumental 40-foot by 40-foot sculpture designed by Edra Soto and Dan Sullivan for the University of Illinois Chicago’s Computer Design and Science Building. Fabricated by Navillus at Dock 6, the installation required over a mile of three-inch-thick poplar and hundreds of individually crafted components. Its inclusion in the article underscores the firm’s ability to move seamlessly between furniture making and complex architectural-scale fabrication.
Investing in the Future
The article also explores Navillus’ ongoing investment in technology and manufacturing capabilities. While our work is deeply rooted in traditional craftsmanship, we continually embrace new tools that allow us to execute increasingly ambitious projects.
Recent investments in advanced CNC technology have expanded our ability to create intricate carvings, complex geometries, custom components, and precision fabrication across a wide range of materials. These capabilities allow us to support artists, architects, designers, museums, and commercial clients with solutions that would have been difficult or impossible just a few years ago.
For Navillus, technology is not a replacement for craftsmanship. Rather, it is another tool that allows us to achieve a higher level of precision, consistency, and creative possibility.
The Power of Collaboration
One of the themes highlighted throughout the article is collaboration. Much of Navillus’ success stems from its deep relationships with artists, architects, engineers, fabricators, and fellow members of the Dock 6 Collective.
Many of our most successful projects begin with a sketch, concept, or idea that requires multiple disciplines to bring to life. Our role is often to bridge the gap between vision and reality, helping clients solve technical challenges while preserving the integrity of the original design.
Whether collaborating with nationally recognized artists, museum curators, hospitality groups, or local business owners, the goal remains the same: build something exceptional.
A Reflection of Twenty Years of Growth
For founder Dan Sullivan, the Woodworking Network feature represents a reflection on how far Navillus has come since its founding in 2005. What began as a small custom woodworking studio has grown into a respected fabrication company working on some of the most visible cultural, commercial, and artistic projects in Chicago and beyond.
Today, Navillus projects can be found in museums, universities, restaurants, public spaces, hotels, television productions, and private collections. Yet the mission remains unchanged: create thoughtful, lasting work that honors both design and craftsmanship.
Looking Ahead
We are incredibly grateful to Woodworking Network Magazine for featuring our story and recognizing the work of our talented team. Most importantly, we want to thank the artists, architects, designers, clients, and collaborators who trust us with their ideas.
This recognition serves as both a milestone and a reminder that the best projects are still ahead. As Navillus continues to grow, invest in new capabilities, and take on increasingly ambitious work, we remain committed to creating exceptional pieces that enrich the spaces and communities they serve.
From custom furniture and architectural millwork to public art and museum exhibitions, we are proud to continue building Chicago’s creative future—one project at a time.
