Millwork Success Starts with the Right Questions

In luxury residential design, millwork is not just a finishing detail—it’s a defining element of the space. Yet even the most exquisite fabrication can fall short if the design process doesn’t begin with discipline and specificity.

At Liebhaber Company, we often remind our design professional partners that millwork success starts long before materials are cut. One project stands out as a clear example: we were engaged to fabricate a set of kitchen cabinets that, on paper, were flawless. But once installed and in use, a simple issue emerged—the doors wouldn’t close properly. The cause? The homeowner’s dinner plates were too large for the cabinet depth. The designer had never asked what would be stored inside.

This small oversight led to costly change orders and delays—outcomes that could have been avoided with a single, well-timed question. It’s a reminder that there’s an inverse relationship between project discipline and change orders: the more thorough the planning and communication upfront, the smoother the execution.

From understanding how a client lives in their space to detailing how each component functions, disciplined collaboration between designers and fabricators is essential. That’s why we invite design professionals into our millwork process early—to discuss material behavior, explore veneer matching and finishing techniques, and walk through real-life fabrication scenarios. This leads not only to better design outcomes, but also to a more efficient and informed construction process.

Millwork isn’t just about joinery—it’s about intention. And with the right questions at the start, your vision can be fully realized at the finish.

Should you have questions about our architectural millwork capabilities, or a project to discuss, glad to schedule a call or meeting. Please email roger@liebhabercompany.com.