Woodworking/Furniture Making, Woodturning

Michael grew up in the small town of Ennetbürgen, Switzerland.  His family inspired he and his brother to be technically “curious” and to steep themselves in “making things” to learn technical skills.  He then completed a four-year metal working and machining apprenticeship in the Swiss Air Force Technical School. Early work focused on machining European endurance race car engines, including involvement in machining Audi’s first V-8 engine. 

His love for flying and vintage aircraft restoration brought him to the US in 1985 where he acquired an Aircraft Mechanic Certificate and then worked in the aviation industry and international project management.

Always passionate about working hands on – he turned a woodturning hobby into a showing of his work at the Smithsonian Fine American Craft Show in Washington D.C. Then, feeling creatively confined in the corporate environment, Michael redirected his skills and energy to teaching Career and Technical Education/ Manufacturing and Design Classes in a small rural high school – and balanced it with invitations to teach at International Wood Art Venues, American National Symposiums and US Art Schools.

In response to a request to develop a program for “women in non-traditional roles, Michael launched the first ever all girl team globally - “The ShopGirls” - that designed, built, and for 8 years successfully competed with their diesel prototype vehicle in the International “Shell Eco-Marathon”; becoming the Champions of the Americas in 2016 with a record 1,115 MPG.

Their “Learning by Doing” success story was highlighted and recognized nationally.  The program fostered entrance for two women on the team into MIT, one into Stanford and another to Cal Poly. Equally, others successfully went on to industry,  apprenticeships and Community College.

Now in Prescott, he divides time between his own shop and teaching at YC. Michael combines “old world craftsmanship” and a cross-cultural perspective to guide others in creating objects -functional and artistic - in wood, metal, or mixed media. 

I believe that craftsmanship is more than a set of skills.  The marriage of curiosity, imagination, care, and creativity are key to adding value to the technical knowledge of practical hands-on skills. 

Come and experience making what you can envision. In my classroom you will be placed at the center of your own learning. 

I look forward to welcoming you and creating together.    Cheers!  -  Michael