Thoughtfully crafted furniture, cabinetry, and lighting—designed to endure and resonate over time.
“My pieces reveal forms shaped by material, process, and attention.”Zac Merten
The name is both a philosophy and an action. A single drop of water sends concentric rings outward across a surface—the same way a well-made object continues to influence the world long after it leaves the bench. That idea guides Zac’s work, both as a builder and as a collaborator in the design process.
Based in Washington State, Zac’s path into woodworking began with the National Park Service, where years of backcountry trail work in the High Sierra fostered a deep respect for materials, landscape, and the relationship between human design and environment. That experience evolved into a broader study of mindfulness and craft, including time spent in a Vietnamese Buddhist monastery in southern France, and eventually led him to pursue formal studies in sustainable design and woodworking at The Evergreen State College.
Over the past two decades, Zac has worked at the intersection of design and fabrication—translating conceptual ideas into built form through cabinetry, custom fabrication, and collaborative project work with artists, designers, architects, and homeowners. His approach emphasizes material intelligence, structural clarity, and the ability to carry design intent through to execution, balancing aesthetics with constructability and performance.
Today, through WaterDrop Workshop, he still works with reclaimed and site-sourced materials—wood, metal, and wind-fallen timber—integrating them into contemporary forms that balance utility, durability, and expression.
“Every material has a unique history. I’m fascinated in particular when a deeply historical material is reimagined into a stunning, modern form.”
Alongside his studio practice, Zac is increasingly focused on mentorship and collaboration: supporting others in understanding materials, refining design thinking, and engaging in the full process of making—truth in design.
Stunning tables, lighting, and ergonomic seating built from salvaged timber and metal — rustic character meeting modern form.
Custom built-ins and freestanding cabinetry tailored to the space, the materials, and the way people live.
Mantelpieces, stairs, and structural millwork where aesthetics and engineering have to be exactly right.
Generational impacts, thoughtful material selections, and a sustainability-forward approach — turning an idea into a healthy, lasting object.
“The rustic is in the texture. The modern is in the form. I find a lot of gratification in bringing those together.”Zac Merten
Tables, benches, cabinetry, and one-off commissions. Click any piece to view it larger.
A rotating selection of finished, in-stock pieces. What you see is what you get — message Zac to purchase or arrange pickup.
Available for commissions, collaborations, teaching, and full-time opportunities. Reach out to talk through a project, buy an available piece, or request a full resume and references.
