Building on a Partnership

Carpentry built on its success this year thanks to the creation of the new Partners in Craft: Designers, Builders & Architects Scholarship.

Kochman Reidt + Haigh Cabinetmakers (KR+H), a long-term donor to NBSS, made the lead gift establishing the new scholarship, as part of the School’s Lives & Livelihoods Campaign.

Paul Reidt, president of the Stoughton-based KR+H, which has been creating custom cabinetry, fine furniture, and woodwork for clients throughout New England since 1976, said the increased support reflects his company’s ongoing connection with the School.

“I’ve been aware of NBSS for years. I worked with Marc Margulies before he became the Board Chair, and also with Finley Perry and Lynn Osborn [former Program Advisor and former Board Member, respectively]. All three are very committed to the School, along with many of our clients.”

Brian Vogt PC ’94, the CA program Department Head and an instructor, knows what a difference support from KR+H and others can make.

“The Scholarship gives us the opportunity to educate a student who might not otherwise be able to attend NBSS. Diversity, whether it be cultural, geographic, or socio-economic, is a real strength of our program. We’ve got students of all ages, too, from fresh out of high school to people looking at new career options.”

“The Scholarship gives us the opportunity to educate a student who might not otherwise be able to attend NBSS. Diversity, whether it be cultural, geographic, or socio-economic, is a real strength of our program. We’ve got students of all ages, too, from fresh out of high school to people looking at new career options.”

As Paul sees it, there are many elements that define excellence in carpentry. “I believe craft and making are extremely important. They can’t be done without imagination, invention, and problem solving. Making is an incredibly noble profession—not only for the calluses, but also for the intellect involved,” says Paul.

“The School preserves the notion of craft and making, as does our company. We’ve come to see NBSS not just as a resource but also as a kindred spirit,” explains Paul.

Another dimension of KR+H’s support was on display this spring when the company hosted one of its quarterly B/A/D Talks at NBSS, attracting prominent builders, architects, and designers to the School.

“Most people who engage in the Talks do so in a professional context. We step outside client focus, however, to talk about the issues we face and to learn from each other. The way I see it, the Talks and NBSS are compatible education endeavors,” Paul points out.

Linda Kochman, Paul’s colleague and B/A/D Talks series co-producer, is also well-connected to NBSS as she serves on the Board of Advisors. Like him, she believes that there is a real compatibility between the School and their company.

“When I walk through the door at NBSS, I immediately feel the magnetic energy of the place and that vitality is evident in every experience I have there. We share a spirit of collaboration and the sense of mind, hand, and heart coming together,” says Linda.

“It excites me that we are able to attract builders, architects, and designers to NBSS who, we believe, will love it as much as we do.”

This article is from our 2017 Annual Report. See all the stories here, or download a pdf of the entire report.