Jan Drapala - Millwork & Fabrication Specialist
Jan Drapala at work in the shop with CNC and millwork

Jan Drapala

Englewood, CO

I am a dedicated millwork, carpentry, and fabrication specialist with 12+ years of hands-on experience in custom woodworking, cabinetry, structural and finish carpentry, metal, and large scope of fabrication for commercial and retail projects. Background includes 2–3 years in residential and commercial construction in the form of residential building and townhouse renovations to pre-fabricated wall panel installation on a commercial high rise. Having also completed many independent projects over the years I have experience and ability in research and development required to bring requests for custom and bespoke projects to life. The foundation of my skillset, work ethic and philosophy, were shaped by my time in Aviation High School where I studied to be an aircraft airframe and powerplant mechanic developing my focus around quality, precision, and progress through completing all steps to the highest level called for in any given project or job. I am seeking a full-time role with a reputable shop or contractor where I can contribute my craftsmanship, reliability, and problem-solving capabilities.

Having spent a considerable amount of time gaining experience in the form of both full-time employment as well as freelancing for myself the confidence I carry in my abilities is borne from having developed a wide range of skills in design, millwork, woodworking techniques, finishing and installation, restoration, proficiency with various power and hand tools, project management, mechanical repair and fabrication, and quality control. I also have at least basic understanding of, as well as some experience, with basic electrical work, masonry, tiling and stone work, lighting and other various building technologies and aspects. What I don't know or haven't worked with yet I am willing and able to engage, learn, and develop the level of proficiency required to achieve the goal at hand.

Relevant Work History

YOUNGBUK ART SERVICES

Nov 2022 – July 2025
Brooklyn, NY 11206

Head carpenter. Millwork, Carpentry, Fabrication. Wide range of work including art and various-medium sculpture fabrication and installation, custom millwork and fabrication for various museums and art galleries. Retail and commercial millwork production and installation. Woodworking, metal work, CNC operations. We did everything and we did it well.

https://www.youngbuk.com/

SQUARE DESIGN INC

August 2021 – November 2022
Brooklyn, NY 11215

Full service Design and fabrication studio specializing in custom design, fabrication, and the installation of high-end immersive environments. Large company with several departments. My work here centered around millwork, carpentry, production, assembly, finishing, and sometimes installation.

https://www.squaredesigninc.com/

MILLWRIGHT LLC

Feb 2020 – August 2021
Brooklyn, NY 11206

Fabrication Studio. Commercial and retail millwork, fabrication, and installation. I was a lead carpenter while I worked here.

https://www.instagram.com/millwrightprojects/

Note: This company is apparently now defunct. I was told they closed down early 2025.

JON BESCH CUSTOM

Sept 2013 – August 2021
Mostly freelance basis employment. Shop located in Brooklyn Navy Yard

I worked with Jon on mostly residential millwork projects in New York City. We built cabinetry and millwork for retail stores, kitchens, millwork for everything from laundry rooms to master bedrooms and beyond. Thanks to Jon's trust in my abilities I was able to learn the majority of what I know with and from him. Custom millwork, fabrication, and installation.

https://www.instagram.com/jonbeschcustom/

TOWNSEND DESIGN

Sept 2013 – Jan 2017
Long Island City, NY 11101

Custom Millwork, Furniture, Woodworking, Fixtures, Lighting. I would describe this job as where my millwork, woodworking, and fabrication apprenticeship happened. I was working and learning under the master craftsman and head carpenter. For at least a year of this time I also fabricated some components of and assembled a line of custom chandeliers designed by the owner and master craftsman.

http://www.townsenddesign.net/

References