Architectural Wood Specialties about


	Architectural Wood Specialties is a full-line remodeling supplier serving the upper Midwest. We design distinctive cabinets and millwork. Our services are tailored to your individual project and this allows us to partner at whatever level is right for you. You may choose us for a single project or use our complete turn-key contracting services.

Don Heise

As owner and president of Architectural Wood Specialties, Don has 25 years experience with lumber and wood products including 15 years working with FSC certification (Forest Stewardship Council). For 15 years Don was the national sales manager of Colonial Craft, a Minnesota company manufacturing architectural mouldings, component parts and door/window grilles. Colonial Craft was instrumental in the development of FSC and in 1994 was among the first ten companies in the US to become FSC chain-of-custody certified.

Don has training in architectural drafting, design and estimating from the North Dakota State College of Science and was an active member of the Minnesota Wood Promotion Council where he served as vice president. In addition, while continually looking for new ways to connect with the environment and with his passion for wood, he was invited to join the board of advisors for Dovetail Partners, a non-profit organization providing key research and reporting on a wide array of environmental issues. He also provides project management assistance for Dovetail’s “Eco-Affordable Housing” project.

Don’s unique background helps him integrate innovative design into his projects. He has spent time designing and building to specific customer needs ranging from complete residential build-outs to individual kitchens, furniture pieces and custom millwork. He works with everything from traditional hardwoods and softwoods to refurbished lumber, reclaimed tin siding and hardware.

Ken Heise

Ken’s career spans over 40 years in the wood products industry in Minnesota. He has extensive design experience with residential and commercial projects including complete custom kitchens/counter tops, baths, offices, millwork and unique furniture. With a focus on consultative design, his experience ranges from complete floor plan design to individual project needs.

As former owner/president of K H Woodworking, Ken has worked with homeowners, contractors and architects and as a small business owner, was tasked with the complete design, build and installation process for residential and commercial projects.

With a focus on staying active in the industry, Ken has been a member of the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) for over 15 years. Recognizing kitchens are more than just cabinets, Ken has also completed extensive appliance training through Sub-Zero and Wolf and is versed in a wide array of flooring, counter top and hardware options.

This training, combined with his years of experience, has resulted in many of his designs being recognized by local interior designers as well as several designs winning Trillium Awards from the Builder’s Association of the Twin Cities as well as Coty Awards from the Remodeler’s Association. In addition, he has a design published in the 2006 edition of Kitchen Design for the 21st Century.