Philosophy
''God is in the details'' - Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
In his famous description of the importance of attention to detail, Mies van der Rohe was originally speaking about architecture. He could have just as easily been referring to architectural woodwork. Those who succeed in the creation of premium grade woodwork from an assortment of mechanical fasteners, glue, hardwoods, veneers, substrates, and plastics do so with an attention to detail practiced only by the most meticulous artisans.
Our aim at Warenoff's is to employ this same attention to detail not only on the shop floor, but also throughout every phase of the manufacturing process. From estimating, to drafting and engineering, to fabrication and finishing, and on to installation, each facet of the job receives the same careful focus on the fine points. It is our belief at Warenoff's that if each person involved in a project pays attention to the small elements making up a job, then the project as a whole will remain true to the architect's design intent, be completed in a timely manner and, ultimately, satisfy the customer.
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History
Over twenty years ago, Rob Warenoff chose to leave a promising career in art in order to pursue an alternative form of creative expression -- woodworking. Initially, Rob worked on smaller custom furniture and cabinetry projects. Within a few years he developed a local reputation for producing finely crafted kitchen cabinetry. The passage of a few more years saw a move toward commercial projects and away from residential work. As his reputation grew, so did the business. In an orderly fashion, Rob acquired essential equipment, leased additional manufacturing space, and added skilled personnel. Each step of the way, Rob was careful to see that his attention to detail and belief in quality workmanship were passed on to each new employee.
Warenoff's dedication to its craft and willingness to work hard allowed the company to survive economic downturns. More recently, a healthy economy and the loyalty of long-term customers have enabled the company to prosper and move ahead of its competition. Eventually, despite the acquisition of all adjacent lease space, Warenoff's outgrew its quarters and decided that in order to serve its expanding customer base, it must also expand its operation. Land was purchased and a new building was designed and erected in 1998.
Now, thirty-five dedicated employees are working at a new manufacturing facility constructed by Warenoff's to meet the specific requirements of a growing woodworking operation. The new, highly efficient plant has permitted Warenoff's to respond to nationwide customer demand for its products. As the new millenium approaches, Warenoff's is prepared to carry its reputation for quality and service into the future.
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Craftsmanship
While most every woodworking operation claims a dedication to good craftsmanship, only a few have the credentials to prove it. Within the woodworking industry, uniform standards of excellence are established, maintained, and promoted by the Architectural Woodwork Institute. AWI's Quality Certification Program provides a means whereby those woodworking firms that have shown a consistent commitment to quality workmanship are recognized. Warenoff's is one of only about a dozen woodworking companies in the state that have satisfied the rigid requirements necessary to receive certification as a manufacturer and installer of premium grade architectural woodwork. In order to gain certification, Warenoff's was required to produce letters of recommendation from architects, general contractors and customers. Key personnel were required to pass an examination testing their knowledge of the AWI Quality Standards manual. AWI inspectors examined past projects and surveyed the manufacturing facility. Shop drawings were inspected. In general, Warenoff's was chosen because it exhibited an unwavering record of superior craftsmanship in the industry.
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Drafting and Engineering
Each member of Warenoff's drafting and engineering department has many years of experience specifically producing shop drawings for architectural woodwork projects. Collectively, Warenoff's three team members have been drawing for over 40 years. All are trained in the use of CAD (Computer Aided Design) and all have additional experience in the management of millwork projects.
While some firms hire newly educated draftsmen and then introduce them to the specifics of architectural woodwork, it is Warenoff's belief that it is best for a draftsman to first acquire some knowledge of actual woodworking, milling, and fabrication techniques before attempting to illustrate construction details.
Warenoff's views shop drawings as a communication tool, essential to the success of a project. Precise and clearly detailed shop drawings serve two primary purposes. They ensure that the draftsman and woodworker are correctly interpreting the architect's intent as shown in his architectural drawings. In addition, the shop drawings serve as a vehicle to communicate with the craftsmen on the shop floor -- illustrating how the millwork items are to be constructed. Warenoff's understanding of the importance of accurate shop drawings is one of the keys to its success.
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Finishing
No matter how carefully a craftsman cuts, mills, and assembles a piece of woodworking, final judgement about the quality of the work will depend on the character of the finish. From detail sanding to the final coat, the critical eye of a conscientious finisher is indispensable. The head of Warenoff's finish department has over twenty years of experience applying a wide variety of different types of coatings to premium grade millwork projects. Clarity of finish, accurate color matches, and consistent distribution of stain and topcoats are hallmarks of his commitment to quality. This same awareness of the steps necessary to produce a superior finish are practiced by all members of the finishing department.
In designing Warenoff's new building, a decision was made early on to build a finishing area that would include all the physical elements necessary to produce the finest quality finishes possible. The finishing department includes multiple spraying booths, a ventilated drying room, powerful lighting, consistent pneumatic pressure, the latest in spray equipment, and a safe, ecologically friendly environment. Combining the best people with the best equipment has propelled Warenoff's finishing department to the forefront of the industry.
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Contact Us
Warenoff's, Inc.
Custom Architectural Millwork
16064 Central Commerce Drive
Pflugerville, Texas 78660-2002
Phone: (512) 990-5155
Fax: (512) 990-5156
Send queries to: info@warenoffs.com
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