Business History

Robert noel self photo

How A Small Job Became A Passion

Noel Woodworks is a prominent Architectural Woodworking company that produces high-end work for both residential and commercial clients. Located in Forest Hill, Maryland, Noel Woodworks has served clients from all over with much satisfaction. The mastermind and master craftsman behind Noel Woodworks is Robert Noel.

Robert was born and raised near the Washington DC area in a little town called Kensington, Maryland where he got his first experience in woodworking. A small custom woodworking shop located on Antique Row in his home town is where Robert would learn things that would soon become a passion.
 
After a few years in the woodworking trade where Robert made custom cabinets and furniture as well as restoring antiques, he landed a job at a place where he would amass years of knowledge. He was hired and accepted as a draftsman at Lank Woodworking. Lank Woodworking was a staple in the woodworking community and would be what truly launched Robert Noel into his career of a master craftsman.

Learning From The Masters

Although Robert was hired and accepted as a draftsman, he chose to decline management and wanted to work in their shop. Robert was in awe of the craftsman who worked there and he was very intrigued by their work and what he was seeing right before his own eyes. Lank Woodworking was founded by an Austrian immigrant by the name of Alvin Lank in 1923. Alvin’s two sons Everett and Murrell took over the family business in 1946.

It wasn’t until 30 years later in 1976 that Robert started his apprenticeship under the supervision of the Lank brothers. At the time when Robert started with Lank, there were mostly German, Italian and English immigrants who he worked alongside. He attributes most of his skills and knowledge to these men along with the Lank brothers.

Moving forward, the education and hands-on learning that Robert received from Lank Woodworking proved to make him a lead cabinet maker. As his time with Lank came to an end, he then went on to become a top craftsman at Washington Woodworking and head up some major projects. As Robert had the opportunity to hone his skills at Washington Woodworking, he became a team leader and worked on such projects as the following: 
Supreme court room

Small Example of Projects:

  • The Supreme Court in Washington DC
  • The Cannon House
  • Rayburn Buildings
  • The National Cathedral 
  • The Blair House
  • F- Street Club
  • National Democratic Committee
  • The Hermitage (Andrew Jackson’s Estate)
  • Various Projects For King Hussein of Jordan

Here is a small sampling of projects led and worked on by Robert Noel while working at Lank Woodworking and Washington Woodworking. However, in addition to these more popular locations, Robert was also in charge of many other commercial and residential projects throughout his time at Washington Woodworking. Most of these projects were in and around the Baltimore and Washington DC area.  

Continuing A Legacy Of Fine Woodworking

After working with Lank and Washington Woodworking for many years, Robert ventured into a new area around the new millennium and started his own woodworking business, simply naming it Noel Woodworks. Robert quickly got up and running because his reputation of being a top cabinet maker followed him right into his own business. Robert started working as a sub-contractor for several interior designers and general contractors as well.

While this kept him quite busy, he also worked directly with consumers to create custom projects for their homes and commercial businesses. Robert continues to carry on the legacy of fine woodworking today and can handle just about anything you can imagine. It doesn’t matter how big or small the project is, Robert is fully adaptable and will truly customize everything down to the smallest details. You can contact him right here, through this website to set up your next project. 
 

Let's Get Started on Your Dream Project

Schedule Your FREE Consultation Today!
Get Started