I recently connected with a super fab gal over Instagram (it’s amazing how social media can bring people together!), and we arranged to meet up for a coffee. I had spent some time looking at her account and of course knew what she looked like, so when I spotted her in the cafe I immediately knew who she was. She, on the other hand, didn’t know who I was, and pointed out that I am very much lacking in selfies. And I realized that she is absolutely right!
We don’t do enough of the “get to know us” kind of stuff for Pacific Design Lab, and well, I think it’s about time that changed! (Thanks to @beyunique for the awesome tips and selfie-piphany!).
So, without any further ado, I’m kick-starting a new “Get To Know Us” series so you can get to know the people behind our little company.
Today’s feature is on Dan Lacey – the super skilled English-man who is an incredibly vital part of the team. I don’t know where we’d be without him! Dan builds many of the beautiful products that we are so proud to put our stamp on. He’s got a great eye, skillful talent, and innately knows the quality and craftsmanship that we hold at the core of our values.
So we sat down with Dan to talk about him, why he loves wood, and what inspires him to build.
Pacific Design Lab: You’ve got quite the accent, sir. Where exactly are you from?
Dan Lacey: Originally from London, England but now I live here in Vancouver, beautiful British Columbia!
PDL: You’re such a skilled woodworker. What do you love about working with wood?
DL: I love the versatility of wood! It’s used to make everything from houses, furniture and even kitchen utensils. You can do anything, really!
PDL: Nice! Well we’re glad you do. Anything you hate about working with wood?
DL: There’s not much I hate about working with wood but if I had to say one thing, it would be painful splinters!!
PDL: Ouch! I hear ya. Well, your work is pretty great so hopefully it’s worth it! What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever built?
DL: I was once commissioned to build a concealed TV unit in the base of a bed. By installing a pneumatic platform and using a remote, the TV would rise and fall at the touch of a button. Pretty cool!
PDL: Nice! New PDL product, perhaps? What about materials, Dan. Do you have a favourite wood type to build with?
DL: My favourite species of wood is Black Walnut. I’m always amazed at how many different variations of color there are within it. I never get bored of working with it!
PDL: Awesome. We’ll have to incorporate more of that into our new products this year then. Good thinking! What about future building plans? If you could make anything in the world, what would it be?
DL: That’s a good one! I’d really love to build myself a boat. It would be something that I could use all year ’round and enjoy with my family and friends.
PDL: We can support that! Speaking of your family, tell us about them. We hear they’re pretty awesome!
DL: I’m married to my amazing wife Lizzie, and have two beautiful children. Rohan, my son, is 8 years old and Sadie, my daughter, is 3. We moved here as a family 3 years ago.
PDL: Nice. Well we’re really happy we’ve gotten to know all of you, Dan. Thanks for all of your amazing work (and for sitting down with me to answer my questions!). Before we go, one last question. What song is on repeat for you right now? Anything either in your head or on your playlist?
DL: I haven’t really got one particular song at the moment. I like most genres of music. I tend to sing along to most songs on the radio in the workshop, which is unfortunate for the rest of the team!
Thanks Dan for sharing your story with us!
Stay tuned everyone, we’ll be doing a little feature on some of the key members of our team over the next few weeks. If there’s anything you are dying to know feel free to send any questions over to hello@madebypacific.com or add your comments below – we’d love to know!
– A