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about us
Eidolon Designs hand builds fine furniture, historic-to-modern mill work, and sculpture for architects, designers, and individuals. Each collaboration with our clients is unique, our goal the same: to achieve thorough integration of design, function, and artistry. With over 30 years of experience, Eidolon craftsmen work with precision and attention to every detail. Results reflect a direct response to individual vision and a dedication to sustained quality.
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Mike Parker
Raised by an Engineer in a family of 7 siblings, with widgets and gadgets part his every day, it’s no surprise that Mike eventually pursued an engineering degree at N.C.S.U. However, his affinity for fabrication pushed him out from behind a desk and into the superintendent role for a residential construction company at age 23. In this occupation, he recognized his need for autonomy and quality control, and after 5 years created his own business, Mike Parker Cabinetry, in ’84. He has continued to adapt his engineering prowess and workmanship-of-certainty as Co-Owner of Eidolon Designs since 2001. Mike breaks new ground by engineering solutions to diverse design challenges on a daily basis; his dedication-of-excellence a personal commitment. (Italic phrases from the writings of David Pye)
Quick Facts
Born in: Huron, South Dakota Likes: The NOVA TV show, “The Nature and Art of Workmanship” by David Pye, organic gardening (& Kale Smoothies) Pets?: Yup, a dog named “Missy.”
mike[at]eidolondesigns.com
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Ann Cowperthwaite
Ann Cowperthwaite, MFA, spent years teaching drawing and 2 & 3 dimensional design, while continuing to create sculpture. The entrepreneurial spirit grabbed hold in 1995, with the desire to build prototypes for products of elegant design and function, while mixing medias of wood, stone, and steel. She named the business Eidolon, meaning a vision worthy of manifestation, to inspire and hold her to a high standard of creativity and intention. In 1998, Ann and Mike joined the 2 businesses, broadening Eidolon’s scope, re-confirming the mission of quality design and craftsmanship, and further committing in marriage in 2001.
Quick Facts
Born in: Bradenton, Florida Likes: Yoga before sunrise, running her ’92 Mercedes on waste oil, singing, and cooking with fresh ingredients grown by Mike and New Grass Gardens …(not to mention Escazu Chocolates) Pets?: Yup, a dog named “Missy.”
ann[at]eidolondesigns.com
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Sean Roux
After working 15 years as an engineer and musician in the entertainment industry, Sean choose to re-orientate his creativity from music, film and movie production to architecture. He joined the ranks of Eidolon during his studies of architecture at Wake Tech Community College in 2010 as an intern, and quickly made himself indispensable. With a focus on graphic design, product development, information technology, and CAD, Sean continues to bring his talent and quick wit to work each day, as well the Eidolon way-of-life into the public view… all of which is made possible only after the third cup of morning coffee.
Quick Facts
Born in: Reykjavik, Iceland Likes: Coffee, Escazu Chocolate, A10 Magazine and Creating Sweet Soul Music Listen Pets?: Yes, a dog named “Astro.”
sean[at]eidolondesigns.com
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Shaun Bennett
Shaun honed in his skills with wood through a 25 year apprenticeship. Working side by side with his father, he learned the techniques and philosophy of fine craftsmanship. Shaun continues to expand his dedication to the art of woodworking at Eidolon, having established himself as a quick learner capable of handling the onslaught of details that accompany every project and work day. His steady, quiet nature belies a quick and ready wit that keeps us wondering when the next slam dunk will come—because it surely will. In his spare time, he studies the practice of Marquetry. As he told us early on, woodworking consumes him; always has, and we are willing to bet, always will.
Quick Facts
Born in: Elkins, West Virginia Likes: San Pellegrino Limonata, Marquetry, and 100.5 fm Pets?: No. Would probably mess up his living room workbench.
shaun[at]eidolondesigns.com
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commendations
“Eidolon Design is one of the best when it comes to quality, workmanship and design.” - Judy Pickett, Interior Designer/Owner of Design Lines Ltd.
“… Eidolon Designs has a passion for detail design, materials and execution. If there’s wood involved in your ideas, you want Eidolon Designs to make them happen. If there’s metal or stone involved, all the better.” - Greg Flynn, Architect
“… Meals take at this table are a gracious and welcome affair and the table itself is as significant a part of this occurrence as the food prepared and the company enjoyed… It [is] perfect!” Adryon Clay, Client
“I have hired [Eidolon Designs] to design and build a table, a shelf and small decorative platter. [Their] design work and professionalism exceeded all expectations. Ann is an honest, sincere and hard working designer, artist and professional. Strongly recommend.” - Kathleen Murphy, Client
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more commendations…
“Eidolon Designs will continue to receive my highest recommendation to my clients for all of their custom furniture and cabinetry needs. Eidolon transforms my vision and two-dimensional sketches into exquisitely crafted sculptural pieces. Their focus on customer satisfaction is evident an their passion, expertise and attention to detail give me every confidence in their ability to deliver the highest quality work available. “ – Kristen Thompson Design
“I enjoyed working with Ann and Mike at Eidolon Designs when we had cabinets made for our adaptive reuse of a cotton gin as our home. As an Architect, I had a design worked out as a starting point, and wanted to use sustainable materials like strawboard in the construction. Ann was a great collaborator as we worked through the process of getting the cabinets within our budget while keeping the most important features. And the strawboard and maple doors are great! When we do more cabinets, they will be the ones we go to.” – Jim Smith AIA, LEED AP
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commendations continued…
“…Mike interpreted our design intent and expertly created a beautifully crafted and elegantly detailed piece of furniture that we will value for our lifetimes.” Michael Stevenson, Architect KlingStubbins
[full letter]“Eidolon Designs exemplifies craftsmanship and fine wood working. Mike and Ann take the time to truly understand what their customers vision is, and then translate that into ‘one of a kind’ furniture. They scale seamlessly from large whole house projects, to individual rooms and down to single pieces of furniture. Quality is always of paramount importance to them. Whether you are an architect, designer, builder, contractor or individual, their service is dedicated, concise and of consistently high craftsmanship. You will not be disappointed with anything they work on.” - Neville Devlaliwalla, Public Speaker and Motivator
