Daniel Gruetter makes thoughtfully designed and meticulously crafted furniture and objects that engage with issues of environmental stewardship and cultural heritage. 

Born and raised in Bella Coola, a remote community on British Columbia's Central Coast, Daniel was surrounded by mountains, old growth forests, and a culture of self-sufficiency and resourcefulness. His work is the mature expression of that upbringing, reflected in a philosophical and pragmatic approach to design, and driven by a deep appreciation for community and the natural world.

He draws on the expert legacies of studio making and pre-industrial craft methods to create functional objects from locally sourced wood. His efforts demonstrate deep care for the environment through the thoughtful and judicious treatment of material. Each piece can be seen as an essay, expressing his perspective on history and place through deliberate material and fabrication choices. He incorporates both raw and refined elements, with a particular focus on highlighting the innate characteristics of wood.

Gruetter engages a philosophical and pragmatic approach to design. His work articulates the relationship between craft and the natural world – that craft can be the medium through which we establish our relationship to the world around us. In this way, Gruetter's work is inherently hopeful, inviting us to see a piece of furniture not only as an object, but as a reflection of place, history, and our responsibility to the land.

Over the years, he has collaborated with a diverse range of local and international artists, architects, and designers, creating finely crafted pieces for a variety of settings—from private residences to commercial spaces and hospitality environments. In addition to custom woodwork, Daniel offers design services and small-batch production tailored to each project’s unique needs.