Welcome to the Neighbourhood Bueno Custom Furniture

By Kerry Neil, ED, Downtown Squamish

Bueno Custom Furniture was born in a shared workspace in Vancouver to the talented and humble Drew De Panicis. I got to sit down with Drew, the mastermind behind Bueno Custom Furniture to find out a bit about his work, passions and plans for the future.

A graduate of McGill University, it was Drew’s obsessions with mountains and the outdoors that brought him to the West Coast. Over the next 10 years, his design background introduced him to graphics, product development, design and many other creative pursuits, working with large budgets and top brands. Furniture making started out as a passion project for Drew but he quickly realized it was his new obsession. The joy it brought to him, just too powerful to ignore!

With the help of BC Restart Grant,  Drew was able to relocate his business to Squamish (his hometown) joining a shared workspace on 2nd Avenue with Squamish Finishing Solutions. Sharing a workspace is not new to Drew, having started his furniture building operation out of the Vancouver Community Laboratory. 

Being awarded a BC Restart Grant has not only allowed Drew to relocate his business, but it has assisted him in buying tools, materials and to join the collaborative workspace that will soon host a showroom showcasing other talented creatives in Squamish. Drew gratefully acknowledges that without the help of the Squamish Chamber of Commerce grant writing service none of this would not have been possible. This is definitely one of those heartwarming success stories!

Drew has a sharp eye for detail, offering a fully customizable design and build service. From sourcing the raw materials to creating the final piece, he works with his client to ensure their needs are met. Although adaptable, Drew favours a clean, modern aesthetic combining wood and steel. Finally, Drew & I chatted about his love of other downtown Squamish businesses and he did mention he was rather partial to a sweet treat  (like most of us!!). Drew can often be found at Fox & Oak refuelling on donuts and coffee throughout the day and enjoying the beautiful tables and metal plant stands he created for the space.

Drew we are stoked to welcome you to Downtown Squamish! 

If you have a custom project you would like to talk about or for more information contact Drew here.