From Cabinet Maker to Furniture Artisan

There's very little in the way of woodcraft that Tom Ocampo hasn't made with his own two hands. Cabinetry, furniture of every kind, and finely made, one-of-a-kind architectural details like doors and fireplace mantels have passed through his Carmel Valley, Calif., shop in the past 30 years.
But only now does Ocampo believe he's ready to step up to the next level.

"My heart is in designing and building furniture," said Ocampo. "I'm trying to reinvent myself, and to keep it fun and exciting."

Ocampo is now reaching out - both literally and figuratively - and as of the beginning of 2006, is focusing his attention solely on furniture design.

A curvaceous rocking chair that he designed has been on display at the newly opened educational center of the Sam and Alfreda Maloof Foundation for Arts and Crafts. Ocampo said he was honored to have his work included in the debut exhibition of the center, which showcases works by the West Coast's most talented artisans.

Not bad for a guy who at one time thought he'd be building kitchen cabinets his whole life.

Ocampo, born in Carmel, Calif., in 1954, has lived in Carmel Valley his whole life. His grandfather helped build many of the homes in the Village during the 1950s, and Ocampo's father, a roofer, was known for his agility and the speed at which he could hand-nail.

As a boy, Ocampo dreamed of being a professional baseball player. But a series of family tragedies and obligations waylaid any thoughts of sports stardom. His mother and father divorced, and his father died during Ocampo's senior year of high school. Ocampo was awarded custody of his younger brother and sister. "It was then I realized I needed a family more than I needed baseball," said Ocampo.

Financial and emotional support came from the Carmel Valley community, enabling the siblings to stay together. Ocampo married his high school sweetheart, Linda, who at his side throughout it all.

The Ocampos bought a one-bedroom cabin near the Village in 1975 and have continued to lovingly expand and improve it ever since, while raising their son and daughter there.