Joe Pepe is a graduate of the United States Coast Guard Academy and has worked overseas on numerous engineering projects.  He began his woodworking career in Long Beach, California in 1995.  He was renovating a house and had a set of chisels he couldn't get properly sharp.  This prompted him to enroll in a hand tool class at a local community college, where faculty included John Nyquist, master chair builder and a contemporary of Sam Maloof.  After completing numerous furniture design and woodworking classes in California, in 2005 he relocated to New Hope, Pennsylvania, one of the nation's woodworking meccas.  There he purchased and restored a rare 19th century English style bank barn for use as his residence and workshop (pictured on Contact page).

He builds pieces in the Mid-Century Modern/studio furniture style.  Walnut is his wood of choice and he selects unique pieces to highlight detailed patterns in his work.  Craftmanship, design, and wood selection are his hallmarks and are showcased in each piece he creates.  His pieces have been accepted into the prestigious woodworking exhibit "Works of Wood" in New Hope, PA for the past nine years, winning the juror choice award for his walnut and spalted maple liquor cabinet.