Frequently Asked Questions

Getting started

: To ensure a smooth and efficient design process, it’s important to provide detailed information upfront. At a minimum, this includes rough dimensions of the piece, concept sketches or inspiration images, and material preferences such as wood species, finishes, and hardware selections. With this information, we can often prepare an initial estimate. For more complex projects, we may arrange an on-site meeting to better understand the scope and conditions. If your client accepts the estimate and a site visit has not yet occurred, we will schedule a visit to take precise measurements. When measuring during the rough-in phase, we coordinate closely with your builder to accommodate existing site conditions or constraints, which will be discussed during our meeting. Once measurements are complete and any site limitations are identified, we will produce detailed drawings for your review and approval. After you approve the drawings and finishes, we will provide a firm installation date. We kindly ask clients to adhere to agreed-upon design deadlines, as extended delays during the design phase may affect our ability to deliver the project on schedule. To facilitate seamless coordination, we also require the project timeline and key milestones—including anticipated installation dates—as well as contact information for your design team, builder, and other collaborators. Providing this information early allows us to deliver accurate estimates, anticipate potential challenges, and create detailed drawings that align precisely with your vision and requirements.
: Lead times vary depending on the scale and complexity of the project. Smaller pieces—such as bath vanities, accent tables, or standalone cabinetry—are typically completed and ready for delivery within 4 to 8 weeks. For larger, more involved projects like custom kitchens, built-ins, or architectural millwork, timelines are coordinated closely with your builder or project manager to ensure our work arrives at the right phase of the construction schedule. Once a deposit is received, we reserve your production slot on our calendar and provide clear, upfront expectations around delivery dates. To meet the delivery dates we set at this time, we require that you approve drawings and finishes by our design deadline, which is clearly set out in the prints you receive. Typically, clients have anywhere from two weeks to one month to approve the drawings. If your builder experiences delays, we’re flexible—we’ll adjust our timeline accordingly to align with the revised schedule, helping you avoid unnecessary storage costs or handling. Whenever possible, we prefer to deliver directly to the job site rather than through third-party storage facilities. This minimizes risk of damage and streamlines installation. Our goal is to make the handoff seamless so you can keep your project moving smoothly.
: We aim to make our pricing process transparent, detailed, and collaborative. After an initial consultation or site walk-through (if needed), we provide a comprehensive estimate based on the project scope, materials, finishes, hardware, and any specialty work involved. Our detailed estimate allows you and your client to make informed decisions about design priorities and budget allocations. Once the design is finalized and the estimate is approved, we require a 60% deposit to reserve your place in our production schedule. From there, we keep you informed of any potential adjustments—such as changes to materials, added features, or client-requested revisions—so there are no surprises later in the process. We’re also happy to offer suggestions if you need to meet a specific budget target. Our goal is always to deliver a product that’s not only beautifully made, but also responsibly priced and clearly communicated from day one.
: We tailor our services to accommodate a wide range of project sizes, from single custom pieces to larger-scale millwork installations. For smaller projects, such as a standalone vanity or bespoke furniture piece, we provide the same attention to detail and level of customization as we do for full kitchens and built-ins. Due to the setup costs and the level of craftsmanship we bring to every project, we no longer accept projects below $5,000 USD. Additionally, we carefully evaluate the complexity and scope of each project to ensure it aligns with our production capabilities and maintains the quality we are known for. If your client has a specific budget or project scope in mind, we recommend an initial consultation to explore how we can best achieve your design objectives in an efficient and cost-effective manner. Our goal is to be a flexible and reliable partner who supports your creative vision at any scale.

Finish samples ranging from white paint to ebony stain

Materials and craftsmanship

: At Kodama, we specialize in crafting custom kitchens, cabinetry, furniture, and millwork using a wide variety of wood species — from carefully selected domestic hardwoods to rare and exotic varieties. We offer complete flexibility in finishes, including custom colors and a range of sheens from soft matte to automotive-level high gloss, as well as full-filled high gloss polyester finishes for a flawless surface. For clients who prioritize sustainability, we provide options such as FSC-certified wood, reclaimed timber, and low-VOC, water-based finishes that are both environmentally friendly and safe for indoor air quality. Beyond wood, our talented team includes specialists in metalwork, glass, ceramics, and upholstery, allowing us to seamlessly integrate a broad spectrum of materials into your design. No matter the vision or level of detail, we’re equipped to bring your creative concepts to life with impeccable craftsmanship.
: We’re proud to offer a range of environmentally responsible options. We regularly work with FSC-certified hardwoods, reclaimed and salvaged wood, and low-VOC, water-based finishes that are safer for indoor environments, people, and our planet. These materials are ideal for clients who prioritize health, environmental impact, or LEED certification requirements. We also maintain relationships with trusted suppliers who specialize in responsibly harvested and repurposed materials, ensuring quality and consistency even when working with unconventional sources. If you're specifying a reclaimed or specialty material, we’ll verify its suitability for your project, including stability, finish compatibility, and structural performance. Whether your project calls for sustainably sourced veneers, zero-VOC finishes, or locally milled lumber, we’re happy to collaborate and provide guidance on the best solutions to meet your aesthetic and environmental goals.
: At Kodama, quality control is woven into every step of our process—from design through final installation. It begins with careful planning: we review all drawings, specifications, and materials internally to catch any inconsistencies before fabrication begins. Our in-house craftspeople adhere to rigorous standards of precision, fit, and finish throughout production. Each project undergoes multiple quality checkpoints during fabrication to verify measurements, joinery, finish consistency, and hardware alignment. We also conduct a final inspection before delivery, where every detail is reviewed against the approved drawings and samples. Nothing leaves our shop unless it meets our standards. For projects involving complex finishes or multi-material integration (like metal, glass, or upholstery), we coordinate closely with our specialty partners to ensure consistent quality across all elements. If your project includes installation by our team, we also conduct on-site reviews to ensure everything fits perfectly and performs as intended. Ultimately, our commitment is to deliver work that reflects the highest level of craftsmanship—and exceeds your client’s expectations.

Design and customization

: Absolutely! Since 2012, we've specialized in bringing unique and complex designs to life, often integrating a diverse range of materials—including wood, metal, glass, ceramics, and upholstery. We collaborate closely with your design team to develop detailed, fully realized drawings that provide a clear visual of your project before any fabrication begins. This process ensures you have the opportunity to review and make adjustments, guaranteeing the final product perfectly aligns with your vision. We also meticulously specify any custom hardware or lighting elements and provide physical samples of materials and finishes for your approval, so you can confidently move forward knowing every detail has been thoughtfully considered.
: At Kodama, we view collaboration as a vital part of the design and fabrication process. We’re happy to provide a preliminary walk-through or site meeting before issuing an estimate, especially for complex or technically demanding projects. Once a deposit is received, we schedule a dedicated design meeting to review the project in detail—this is where we identify any potential challenges, ensure alignment with your vision, and discuss solutions for achieving the best possible outcome. We produce detailed drawings for every custom project, which are submitted for your review and approval before we begin fabrication. These drawings serve as both a creative and technical checkpoint, ensuring that all dimensions, material transitions, and structural considerations are resolved in advance. As part of the process, we also specify hardware, lighting integration, or other specialty components, and provide finish samples, material swatches, and mockups as needed. Whether you have a fully developed concept or are looking for guidance on translating an idea into a buildable form, our team is here to support you at every stage.

Project scope and revisions

: We understand that in custom work, changes can sometimes arise even after the design has been approved. Our goal is always to accommodate revisions whenever feasible, while maintaining transparency around how those changes may impact timeline, cost, or construction feasibility. Before production begins, we work closely with you to finalize drawings, material selections, and specifications, which helps minimize the need for changes during the build. However, if revisions are needed after fabrication has started, we’ll assess their scope and provide you with updated drawings, cost adjustments, and revised delivery dates for approval before moving forward. Our team keeps detailed records throughout the process, so any requested changes are clearly documented and traceable. To us, open communication is key; we’ll always advise you on whether a change is practical, what its implications are, and how best to implement it without compromising quality or project flow.

Logistics and support

: We carefully coordinate delivery and installation to ensure your custom pieces arrive on time and in perfect condition. We deliver and install using our in-house team to maintain full control over quality and fit. Whenever possible, we prefer to deliver directly to the job site rather than to storage facilities, to minimize handling and reduce the risk of damage. If delays on-site make that impractical, we’ll work with you to find a suitable alternative and adjust logistics accordingly. Our team installs complex built-ins, cabinetry, and millwork to ensure a precise fit and seamless integration with surrounding architecture. For furniture and freestanding pieces, we provide careful placement and leveling on-site. Prior to delivery, we conduct a full quality inspection to verify that each item meets our standards—and yours. Clear communication is our priority throughout the process. We’ll coordinate with your design team or builder to confirm site readiness, access, and any special requirements so that delivery and installation go smoothly.
: We stand behind the quality of our craftsmanship and materials. All of our custom work is backed by a limited warranty that covers defects in workmanship and materials under normal use and conditions. This includes issues such as structural integrity, hardware function, and finish durability, provided the piece has been properly maintained and used as intended. Should any problems arise, we’ll assess the issue promptly and determine the appropriate solution, which may include repair, replacement, or refinishing. Our goal is to ensure your client's long-term satisfaction and confidence in the work we produce. We also work with high-quality vendors for components such as hardware and lighting, and those items are covered under the manufacturers’ warranties. We’ll provide documentation and care instructions for all relevant materials so you and your client can keep everything looking and functioning beautifully for years to come. If you have specific warranty requirements for a commercial or high-traffic environment, we’re happy to discuss those during the design and planning phase.
: Absolutely. We understand that successful projects depend on seamless collaboration among all trades involved. At Kodama, we prioritize proactive communication and coordination with your entire project team—including builders, electricians, plumbers, installers, and other specialty contractors. In addition to this, we have the capability to provide comprehensive project management services, working directly with countertop fabricators, tile installers, electricians, AV specialists, and more. Our team actively engages with your designated contacts to align schedules, clarify installation requirements, and troubleshoot any on-site challenges. We provide detailed installation instructions, participate in coordination meetings as needed, and remain flexible to accommodate site conditions or sequencing changes. By working closely with other vendors and contractors, we help ensure that our custom millwork, cabinetry, and furniture integrate smoothly into the overall construction process—minimizing delays and maintaining the high standards your clients expect.

Portfolio

: Absolutely. We’re proud of the work we’ve completed over the years, and we’re happy to share examples. Whether you're looking for residential cabinetry, custom furniture, commercial millwork, or mixed-material installations, we can provide photographs, detailed case studies, and even samples of past work to help you understand the level of craftsmanship and detail we bring to every project. You can explore in depth photos and videos of our previous work on our current projects page, and browse a curated selection of completed work on our gallery page. For behind-the-scenes content and the latest updates follow us on Instagram. Upon request, we can also connect you with past collaborators—interior designers and builders—who can speak to their experience working with us. We understand that trust is essential, and we welcome the opportunity to demonstrate the consistency and quality of our work through both visuals and professional references.

Care and Maintenance

To preserve the beauty and longevity of your custom pieces, we recommend the following:

Dust regularly with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid feather dusters, which can scratch delicate finishes.
Clean gently using a damp, lint-free cloth with mild soap if needed. Avoid harsh cleaners, ammonia, or abrasive pads.
Protect surfaces from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. Use coasters, trivets, and curtains or UV-filtering film where appropriate.
Maintain humidity between 40–60% to prevent wood from warping or cracking over time.
Avoid standing water near cabinetry (especially in kitchens and bathrooms), and wipe up spills promptly.

All finishes we use are durable and designed for everyday use, but treating your furniture with care will ensure it continues to perform beautifully for years to come.