People First. Always.
For over four decades, the Forest Millwork brand has been a trusted name in the Asheville community for designing and building custom cabinetry and architectural woodwork that brings timeless beauty to modern spaces.
As a family-owned business built on a legacy of craftsmanship, we design with intention and build with integrity. From residential to commercial spaces, we approach every project like it’s personal — because to us, it is.
With deep respect for heritage techniques and a sharp eye for modern design, our team brings generations of experience to every project, working hand-in-hand with our clients to design and build spaces that are built to last, and made to matter.
At Forest Millwork, you’re not just a client. You’re part of the process. Part of the story. Part of the family.
MEET OUR TEAM
Al Tenan
As a lifelong woodworker, Al started his craft in 1979—opening his first one-man shop just a year later. With formal training in cabinetmaking, decades of hands-on experience, and a proud participant in the AWI Quality Certification Program, Al’s built and lead successful businesses and teams in the woodworking industry for over 40 years....
As a lifelong woodworker, Al started his craft in 1979—opening his first one-man shop just a year later. With formal training in cabinetmaking, decades of hands-on experience, and a proud participant in the AWI Quality Certification Program, Al’s built and lead successful businesses and teams in the woodworking industry for over 40 years. As a naturally curious and inquisitive person, Al’s driven by finding smarter ways to do business—centering his work around quality, attention to detail, and doing right by the customer. Whether it’s a large-scale build or a small custom project, he believes no job is too big or too small (and there’s always room for a little creativity). Outside the shop, you’ll find him hiking with his beloved walker hound Josie, trying to manage the women in his life (he loves them all dearly), or revisiting his former life as a top-ranked chess player (yes, really—#2 in Haywood County).
Chantel Shapley
With over a decade in the Kitchen and Bath industry—and a professional background in commercial furniture design—Chantel brings both technical expertise and creative flair to every project. As a proud North Carolina native and Western Carolina University Interior Design graduate, she’s spent the last 25 years immersed in a place that’s inspired her greatest work.
With over a decade in the Kitchen and Bath industry—and a professional background in commercial furniture design—Chantel brings both technical expertise and creative flair to every project. As a proud North Carolina native and Western Carolina University Interior Design graduate, she’s spent the last 25 years immersed in a place that’s inspired her greatest work. Whether it’s a modern kitchen or a reimagined office, Chantel is passionate about designing functional and visionary spaces that are tailored to her customer’s lifestyle. When she’s not collaborating with customers, you’ll find her with a coffee in hand, bingeing design shows and chasing fresh inspiration.
Leslie Christoffel
As a Certified Kitchen Designer with over three decades of experience, Leslie has transformed kitchens—and the way people live in them—since 1989. Specializing in modern design and spatial reimagination, Leslie brings a fresh, functional perspective to every project.
As a Certified Kitchen Designer with over three decades of experience, Leslie has transformed kitchens—and the way people live in them—since 1989. Specializing in modern design and spatial reimagination, Leslie brings a fresh, functional perspective to every project. Known for her collaborative spirit, Leslie helps turn her customer’s visions into beautifully livable realities. As a seasoned designer, Leslie enjoys guiding and educating customers through the design process with warmth, expertise, and a sharp eye for detail. Outside of work, you’ll likely find her on stage (or behind it) directing community theater, playing a lively tune on her fiddle, or enjoying time with her grandchildren.
Amanda James
A proud North Carolinian with a Blue Ridge Mountain spirit and coastal roots, Amanda grew up in a family passionate about designing, building and developing—sparking her love for design at an early age. That early inspiration has grown into a 25+ year career specializing in custom, award-winning Kitchen and Bath Design.
A proud North Carolinian with a Blue Ridge Mountain spirit and coastal roots, Amanda grew up in a family passionate about designing, building and developing—sparking her love for design at an early age. That early inspiration has grown into a 25+ year career specializing in custom, award-winning Kitchen and Bath Design. As a graduate of Western Carolina University with a B.S. in Interior Design, Amanda gained early recognition by winning the NKBA Student Design Competition. Over the years, her work has been featured in Carolina Home + Garden, Laurel Magazine, Southern Living, and on HGTV. Amanda’s warm and collaborative approach to working with customers helps her translate client visions into calm, balanced, and deeply personal spaces. When she’s not designing, you can find Amanda outdoors with her husband, son, and dogs—soaking in the mountains or returning to her beloved coastal roots.
Zach Siske
With nearly 15 years of experience in the kitchen and bath industry, and a background in both art and engineering, Zach brings a rare blend of creativity, precision, and practical knowledge to every project. Born and raised in the mountains of Western North Carolina, Zach’s design sensibility is shaped by the beauty and balance of the region he calls home.
With nearly 15 years of experience in the kitchen and bath industry, and a background in both art and engineering, Zach brings a rare blend of creativity, precision, and practical knowledge to every project. Born and raised in the mountains of Western North Carolina, Zach’s design sensibility is shaped by the beauty and balance of the region he calls home. From initial drafts to final installs, he offers a hands-on understanding of the full project lifecycle. Known for his sharp eye and practical mindset, he designs with intention, creating spaces that are as functional, purposeful, and tailored to each customer’s lifestyle. When he’s not working with clients to bring their vision to life, you can find him on the trail—hiking, biking, or soaking in the landscape that continues to inspire his work.
Shane Anderson
As Forest Millwork’s Office Manager and Controller, Shane keeps the financial gears running smoothly—handling everything from payroll and taxes to accounts receivable and payable. A proud graduate of Appalachian State University, Shane’s been part of the Forest Millwork team for over three years, bringing precision, organization, and a bit of fun to the day-to-day operations.
As Forest Millwork’s Office Manager and Controller, Shane keeps the financial gears running smoothly—handling everything from payroll and taxes to accounts receivable and payable. A proud graduate of Appalachian State University, Shane’s been part of the Forest Millwork team for over three years, bringing precision, organization, and a bit of fun to the day-to-day operations. Outside the office, Shane is a dedicated Notary Public, saltwater aquarium enthusiast (yes, 150 gallons of fish and coral happiness), and a lifelong “Parrothead” with a deep and enduring love for Jimmy Buffett. His favorite pastime? Exploring MLB ballparks one by one with his son and soaking up family time whenever he can.
Stacey Sessions
Stacey has worn many hats at Forest Millwork—starting as a sawdust sweeper and working up to head of marketing and now diving into kitchen and bath design. A true jack-of-all-trades, her role evolves daily, shaped by curiosity, creativity, and a deep love for the craft.
Stacey has worn many hats at Forest Millwork—starting as a sawdust sweeper and working up to head of marketing and now diving into kitchen and bath design. A true jack-of-all-trades, her role evolves daily, shaped by curiosity, creativity, and a deep love for the craft. With a background in occupational therapy, Stacey brings a unique lens to design—blending clinical insight into human movement, cognition, and accessibility with elegant, real-world solutions that meet clients where they are. Outside the shop, you’ll find Stacey cooking for friends, doting on her dog Trout, and taking pride in being part of the Forest Millwork story—one thoughtful project at a time.
Hank Chase
For nearly two decades, Hank has been an integral part of the Forest Millwork team—spending the last 10 years leading as the shop’s Foreman. Having worked his way through nearly every role—machine operator, bench worker, and installer...
For nearly two decades, Hank has been an integral part of the Forest Millwork team—spending the last 10 years leading as the shop’s Foreman. Having worked his way through nearly every role—machine operator, bench worker, and installer—he brings a deep, hands-on understanding of the craft and the team it takes to get each project right. Originally from Vermont, Hank brings a steady New England work ethic to the shop, paired with a love for travel, cooking, and cheering on his beloved New York Giants.
Mackenzie Tenan
With six years of experience in residential and commercial estimating and project management, Mackenzie helps bring custom millwork projects to life—from initial quote to final install. Mackenzie got her start at Forest Millwork in the design center as a cabinetry assistant and has since taken on a wide range of roles, including scheduling, logistics, and keeping the behind-the-scenes admin running smoothly.
With six years of experience in residential and commercial estimating and project management, Mackenzie helps bring custom millwork projects to life—from initial quote to final install. Mackenzie got her start at Forest Millwork in the design center as a cabinetry assistant and has since taken on a wide range of roles, including scheduling, logistics, and keeping the behind-the-scenes admin running smoothly. Outside of work, you can find her in the kitchen baking pastries, tending to her garden, or out on the trail with her dog, Jelly Bean. She’s passionate about travel, sustainability, and protecting water quality—because beautiful design should never come at the planet’s expense
Andy Self
With over 40 years of experience in construction and cabinetry, Andy brings unmatched expertise and leadership to our production team. With an associate’s degree in Carpentry and Cabinet Making from AB Tech, and a professional background in engineering, architecture, and drafting...
With over 40 years of experience in construction and cabinetry, Andy brings unmatched expertise and leadership to our production team. With an associate’s degree in Carpentry and Cabinet Making from AB Tech, and a professional background in engineering, architecture, and drafting, Andy thrives on figuring out unique custom projects for clients and seeing them through to completion. When he’s not in the shop, he enjoys spending time with his wife and kids, traveling, remodeling their home, and creating handcrafted wood items he sells in Asheville’s River Arts District.
Petyo Dekov
As Forest Millwork’s Senior Estimator and Project Manager, Petyo brings more than three decades of expertise to the woodworking industry. His career began with an M.A. in Technology of Wood and Furniture from the University of Forestry in Sofia, Bulgaria, and has since evolved into...
As Forest Millwork’s Senior Estimator and Project Manager, Petyo brings more than three decades of expertise to the woodworking industry. His career began with an M.A. in Technology of Wood and Furniture from the University of Forestry in Sofia, Bulgaria, and has since evolved into a wealth of hands-on experience spanning woodworking, estimating, and project management. At Forest Millwork, Petyo is known for blending technical precision with creative problem-solving, ensuring every project is delivered with accuracy, efficiency, and an unwavering commitment to quality. He takes pride in contributing to a team built on innovation, craftsmanship, and collaboration. Outside of work, Petyo finds joy in continuous learning, traveling to new places, and spending quality time with his family.