A Deeper Look Into Craftsmanship: Deep Dive with Crystal Cabinetry

We never stop growing and learning.

At Cowdin Design + Build, one of the things I’ve always believed is that we never stop learning. Whether it’s new building techniques, better tools, or more thoughtful ways to serve our clients, we’re constantly looking for opportunities to grow. That’s why, earlier this May, I traveled to Princeton, Minnesota with our amazing designer, Olivia McLaughlin, to visit our custom cabinetry dealer, Crystal Cabinet Works.

Four full days of training and absorbing high-quality craftsmanship...

It was Olivia’s first visit to Crystal, and my third, and even after multiple trips, I still walk away learning something new every time. This visit included a full day of classroom training and an in-depth look at their product displays. We explored new styles, configurations, and finish options, and discussed how to bring those ideas back into the homes we’re entrusted with designing back home in Plymouth, MI. The second part of our training took us into the factory for a guided tour through their manufacturing and finishing process, and as always, I was impressed by the level of precision and pride their team brings to every step.

Olivia and I looking at the incredible displays in Crystal's showroom.

Gaining foundation

For Olivia, it was an incredible opportunity to get hands-on exposure to the materials and options we specify for our clients every day. Seeing how the cabinets are built, from raw material to finished product, gives her an even stronger foundation to design thoughtful, functional, and stunning spaces with an even broader ability to see all the custom options we have available.

For me, this trip was another powerful reminder of why Crystal remains our trusted cabinetry partner. Their craftsmanship, attention to detail, and commitment to doing things the right way aligns perfectly with our values at Cowdin Design + Build. Every visit sharpens our knowledge and deepens our appreciation for what goes into truly exceptional cabinetry that will live in our client’s homes forever.

Olivia and I both came back energized and full of new ideas, not just about cabinet design, but about how we can continue raising the bar for our clients. When you understand the “why” behind the product, you can make better choices, ask better questions, and deliver better results…and that’s exactly what we’re committed to doing here at Cowdin Design + Build…one beautiful space at a time!