About Us
Exclusive Woodworking is a family-owned business established in 1983 on Chicago’s North Shore by brothers John and Doug Durbin. For over 4 decades, they have been dedicated to the American tradition of master craftsmanship in woodworking and joinery, creating a diverse range of projects that include residential, commercial, historic preservation, and fine furniture production.
Their state-of-the-art facility and experienced workforce allow them to marry old-world techniques with modern technology, methods of fabrication, and finishing. Joined by Doug’s son, Nick, the Durbin’s and their team are committed to providing the highest quality standards, executing the most exacting details, and exceeding their client’s expectations.
Leadership
At the heart of our superior quality and service is our gifted team of estimators, project managers, draftsmen, master cabinet makers, finishers and deliverymen. These employees, along with our dedicated in-house installation team, allow us to control the quality at every stage of the process. Many of our employees have been part of the Exclusive Woodworking family for over 20 years, a testament to our culture and the work we produce.
John Durbin
John Durbin, CEO of Exclusive Woodworking, transformed his high school passion for woodworking into a successful business. Founded with his brother Doug in 1983, the company is known for its high-quality cabinetry, millwork, and fine furniture. Exclusive Woodworking combines traditional techniques with modern technologies, completing thousands of complex projects nationwide. Outside the workshop, John, a DeadHead, enjoys going to shows, golfing, snowshoeing, and supporting Lambs Farm, an organization assisting individuals with developmental disabilities. He resides in Lake County, Illinois, with his wife, Cheryl, and their dog, Rip.
Doug Durbin
Straight out of high school, Doug embarked on his career in fine cabinetry and furniture design, starting as an apprentice to a master cabinetmaker. In 1983, he and his brother John co-founded Exclusive Woodworking, a company dedicated to crafting architectural millwork and bespoke cabinetry for professionals in architecture, interior design, and construction.
The brothers further expanded their creative pursuits by establishing nuHaus in 1989, a company primarily focusing on design. While heading up design at nuHaus, he and his team, have been honored with multiple awards, including his Lifetime Achievement Award for design from the esteemed Sub-Zero and Wolf Kitchen Design Contest.
Doug also collaborates with Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove Appliance Corporation on new corporate showrooms nationwide. This work can be seen in Chicago, Miami, Manhattan, Roslyn Heights, NY, Atlanta, Costa Mesa, CA, and Abt Electronic in Glenview, IL.
Beyond his professional life, Doug is actively involved with Lambs Farm, a non-profit organization in Libertyville, IL, committed to enhancing the lives of adults with developmental disabilities. He serves on the board for their annual golf event. In his free time, Doug and his wife Judy enjoy RVing, golfing, fitness activities, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Nick Durbin
Born with a natural flair for the craft and nourished by a rich family legacy, Nick Durbin’s journey with Exclusive Woodworking began at the tender age of 13. Initially lending a hand with miscellaneous tasks around the workshop, he gradually developed his skills under the seasoned tutelage of his father, Doug, and uncle, John.
For 27 years, Nick has transformed from a novice craftsman into a valued leader within the company. Through his dedication, he has deftly maneuvered through roles such as head cabinet maker, service coordinator, and lead installer, garnering an in-depth understanding of key positions within the company.
Today, Nick serves as Project Manager, where he continues to contribute his experience and eye for detail. His knack for building and maintaining strong relationships with clients and trade partners is instrumental in executing successful projects.
Beyond the realms of his professional life, Nick is a dedicated family man. He and his wife Heather are the proud parents of three beautiful children. His passion for life extends beyond woodworking – he is an avid music enthusiast, a lover of the great outdoors with a penchant for glamping, and a connoisseur of fine bourbons. He holds a deep appreciation for art, a testament to his eye for detail and aesthetic sense.
Nick is not just a project manager but a testament to the company’s commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and enduring relationships. He embodies the heart and soul of Exclusive Woodworking, making every project a personal and artistic endeavor.