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Ruppel Design Biography
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Nearly twenty years ago, The Ruppel Design Group was
founded, fulfilling a lifelong dream of former industrial arts teacher,
Terry Ruppel. The level of skill required to ensure each piece of
furniture's quality did not begin nor end with this founding.
Instead, its growth has been entirely contingent upon patience,
adaptability, and a natural reverence for the wood used. On a chance visit to the area, the Ruppel family instantly fell in love with Middle Tennessee. In 1987 they purchased a dilapidated 19th century farmhouse in rural Williamson County and began the difficult work of restoring it to its Victorian glory. It was during this time that Terry gained a great respect for the building techniques of the craftsmen who built the home over a century ago. That same respect is now incorporated into every piece the Ruppels create.
"My inspiration to start the business came from the natural beauty of
the hardwood forests of Tennessee. I had to share the essence of
this place with the world, and what better way than through solid wood
furniture." Terry's early designs were influenced by traditional shaker forms, emphasizing proportions and utility, while showcasing the natural beauty of the local hardwoods. In time, Terry developed a unique personal style, along with a national patronage. Terry's son, Ross, has been working with his father since he was able to reach the workbench. Often creating his own wooden toys from scraps and glue, Ross has been learning the art of fine furniture since childhood. As he grew up, working summers in the shop, Ross developed his passion for art and design. Receiving a scholarship to the Columbus College of Art and Design in Ohio, Ross studied industrial design. There he learned the foundations of the design process. Later studying at the prestigious Appalachian Center for Craft, he refined his design skills and construction techniques. "
Dad and I share a unique aesthetic vision for what our furniture should
be: functional, beautiful, confident,and refined." After graduation, Ross joined his father once again, bringing his fresh new ideas, enthusiasm, and passion to the business. Together the father and son team create their award winning designs to order in their Tennessee workshop. |  Terry talks about his work on HGTV's Modern Masters link to video <<  Fine Furniture inspired by the legendary hills of Tennessee  The Ruppel House map to the shop << |
| Selected Awards and Exhibitions 2007 “Spotlight 2007”, the American Craft Council’s southeast regional juried exhibition,Gatlinburg, TN 2006 “Spotlight 2006”, the American Craft Council’s southeast regional juried exhibition, Louisville, KY 2006 “LaGrange National Biennial”, Merit Award, LaGrange College, LaGrange, GA 2005 “Tables and Chairs”, Solo exhibit, Appalachian Center for Craft, Smithville, TN 2004 “IWF Design Emphasis”, Finalist, Furniture Design Competition, International Woodworking Fair, Atlanta, GA 1997 “Best of Tennessee Crafts”, Biennial touring exhibit, TACA, Louisville, KY, Asheville, NC, and Nashville, TN 1996 “Presentation of Artists”, Southern Arts Federation, Atlanta, GA 1995 “Tennessee Crafts Fair”, TACA, Best of Show 1994 “Hands to Crafts” exhibit, Cheekwood Museum, Nashville, TN 1993 “Inspired by Shaker Design”, purchase award, Shakertown Museum, South Union, KY. 1993 “Spotlight '93”, Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, Gatlinburg, TN. 1990-present Numerous TACA craft fairs and small gallery exhibits. MEDIA: 2000 Segment, “Modern Masters”, HGTV, “Shaker Style Furnituremaker” 1995 Article, Woodworking News, “Shaker Furniture Makers”. 1994 Two day segment, "Talk of the Town" Ch 5 WTVF, Nashville: “Making a Shaker Style Chair”. 1993 Feature article, "Home" section of The Tennessean newspaper, March. 1993 Segment, "Tennessee Crossroads", WDCN, PBS Nashville. 1993 Segment, "Talk of the Town" Ch 5 WTVF, Nashville: “My Furniture”. Ruppel-designed
pieces are held in numerous public, private, and corporate collections both nationally and internationally. |    WoodPROJECTS.com - Categorized links to hundreds of woodworking projects and wood plans for chairs, tables, desks, shelves, bookcases, WoodNET.net - The Woodworkers Online Resource Bink's * Woodworking : Woodworking plans, idea's, and tips The Woodworking Catalog - Woodworking articles, discussion forums, woodworking links and addresses  |