"In these days of shoddy workmanship and poor design, it is a delight to find a craftsman who cares so much about what he does, listens so well, is so honest in his dealings, and creates such fine cabinetry. Your work was meticulous, on time, and extremely beautiful."

When Jim Picardi, a cabinetmaker from Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts, teamed up with the owners of this Florence, Massachusetts home, their vision of a perfect kitchen came to life.

The three collaborated on a project to convert a depressingly dark kitchen into a richly warm and inviting space influenced by the style of Greene and Greene.

The homeowners were eager to have the kitchen reflect the overall warmth of their home.   They hired Picardi, whom they knew was drawn to the arts and crafts style, both for its basic visual appeal and its functionality.

 Picardi, who learned his craft in part from his father (a master  builder), met several times with the couple, assessing how best to  meet their needs and integrate all the basic appliances, counter space  and cabinetry into a smooth design --- in a relatively small space. 

  " I think it's a tribute to Jim in terms of his ability to organize, facilitate and lead us through the process. I see his craft as much broader than what's evident by looking at the completed artwork."

" It  takes more than a good design, quality materials and conscientious construction, she says.  It takes "people skills," too.  Jim encouraged us to be collaborative and that worked very well for us.  The kitchen has a glorious flow to it.  It's rich and tasteful with a  soothing wholeness that's as much a feeling as it is a visual thing."

 "It's very visceral," Picardi concurs. "As much as architecture needs to be intellectual and technical, there's an element of emotion and humanness that can still be instilled. But it's difficult to find that without keeping it on an intimate scale ---- of people working together and creating a vision."