Childhood in Providence, Rhode Island; Catholic upbringing; education; studies at Rhode Island School of Design; construction, factory jobs; training as cabinet-maker; parents' attitudes toward work; restoration carpentry; work with Swedish boat-building company and impact on style; opening of first shop, 1970; instruction from Tage Frid; work with students at the Rhode Island School of Design; ori ginal interest in classical forms, later use of plastics, upholstery; work for shows, private individuals.