Our Staff
These are the designers and specialists that allow us to offer excellent craftsmanship and service to our clients.
Dean Coley, Chief Designer and Owner
Dean Coley has been in business for over 30 years. He started his career in New York working as an apprentice for John Harris, the famous artist, forming and creating Plexiglas furniture. After his apprenticeship, Dean began his formal woodworking training under John Harrah, a traditional cabinetmaker and master craftsman. Woodworking has been his trade and passion ever since. Over the years Dean would share his craft not only with clients and colleagues, but also with his students. He has taught traditional craftsmanship at the New York School of Research and at Hartnell College on the Central Coast.
Dean returned to his home state of California in 1974 and set up a small shop in Santa Cruz. Since starting his business on the Central Coast, he has provided architectural millwork and design services for such famous clients as Jessica McClintock and Tracy Chapman. Over the years his business has grown but his mission has remained tried and true: build high-quality custom cabinetry and architectural elements, and design creatively to match the client's style and go beyond their expectations.
Craig Buford, Foreman and Master Craftsman
Craig Buford is a foreman and a master craftsman. He supervises our staff, maintains our specialty machinery, and engineers all the products we provide. Dean and Craig's shared passion for woodworking has led to a 20-year business relationship and together they continue to serve their clients and develop their craft.
Brad Bielka, Furniture Maker and CAD Specialist
Brad Bielka is a traditional furniture maker. He received his training under the guidance of James Krenov at the College of the Redwoods. Brad drafts and produces quality woodworking products as well as manages the AMD office.
Gamaliel Ascencio, Traditional Cabinetmaker and Master Carver
Gamaliel is a traditional cabinetmaker and self-taught master carver. Gamaliel works on all phases of our projects, but specializes in wood carving.
Bob Bliss, Master Craftsman and Tooling Specialist
Bob Bliss is a master craftsman that has worked in a variety of building specialties, from finish carpentry to cabinetmaking. At AMD, he grinds specialty profile knives and maintains the molders and shapers.
Sandra Coley, Interior Designer
Sandra
Coley has been an interior designer for over 30 years. She designs
for both residential and commercial projects. Sandra is comfortable and
creative with all periods of interior design. Style, form,
functionality and attention to detail, as well as respect for budget and
time requirements, are at the heart of every client's individual design
scheme. Sandra maintains her own separate division of AMD.
