A Bellevue Designer’s Modern, Award-Winning Furniture
Mark Dellplain learned his love of woodworking from his father, who built wooden boats
By Jennifer McCullum August 11, 2015
This article originally appeared in the September 2015 issue of Seattle magazine.
When 2008’s economic downturn forced then graphic designer Mark Dellplain to reassess his career, the Bellevue resident made an unusual decision: He bought a boat. “Growing up on Vashon Island, I watched my father build wooden boats,” Dellplain says. “He died when I was 7, and I wanted to see what it was about working with wood that made him tick.”
While restoring the 1940 Chris-Craft speedboat, he realized he inherited his father’s love of working with wood. So he decided to combine his design experience with his new passion and launched Not2big modern furniture (425.503.0710; not2big.com).
Since his inaugural sample collection in 2012, Dellplain’s pieces, such as this live edge console, have garnered design accolades, including the Northwest Woodworkers Gallery Rising Star award. The console is constructed from a single piece of curved maple. The hidden drawer (surprises are a signature of Dellplain’s work) features a nautical hinge: a nod to Dellplain’s father.
Available at the William & Wayne Showroom, Seattle Design Center, Georgetown, 5701 Sixth Ave. S; 206.762.2635; williamandwayne.com.
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