Who We Are
At Fallen and Found Wood Design, every piece we create carries a story—one of family, craftsmanship, and sustainability. We are Sam and Amy Ernst, a husband-and-wife team based in Palmyra, Illinois, raising our daughter Lydia and building a legacy of custom woodworking that blends artistry with purpose. For over a decade, Sam honed his craft in his family’s company, The Furniture Doctor, mastering the art of fine woodworking. More recently, his work in commercial interior construction revealed the inefficiencies and waste in mass-produced wood products—sparking a renewed passion to return to his roots. During that time, he saw firsthand how much of the industry relied on man-made, non-renewable materials shipped from all over the world—materials that lacked sustainability. This experience deepened his conviction that quality craftsmanship should also respect the environment and the communities it serves.
When his father retired, we seized the opportunity to turn our dream into reality: a family business built on integrity, creativity, and a deep respect for the materials we work with. At Fallen and Found, we do more than build furniture—we give new life to wood that might otherwise be discarded. By partnering with local tree removal services, we rescue trees destined for disposal and transform them through our sawmill and kiln into stunning, custom-designed pieces. We even offer our clients the rare opportunity to turn a tree from their own property into a meaningful, heirloom-quality creation. From conference tables to dining tables, executive desks to bedroom sets, entertainment centers to libraries—if you can dream it, we can design and build it. We specialize in every style, from rustic to modern and everything in between, ensuring your piece perfectly fits your space and taste.
We are deeply passionate about supporting local businesses and make every effort to collaborate within our community—helping each other grow while creating something truly meaningful for our customers. We also believe in uplifting and partnering with local trades, recognizing that craftsmanship thrives when skilled hands and passionate hearts come together to build something lasting.
Every project is crafted with precision, care, and respect for the material, ensuring it’s not just furniture, but a centerpiece filled with your story. At our heart, we are a family crafting for families—bringing warmth, beauty, and sustainability into the spaces where life’s memories are made.
Fallen and Found Wood Design: Where fallen trees are found and reborn—crafted into pieces that tell your story.