The American Made Table Company was founded in 2012. I found a machine that had some similar components that I thought might be able to work in producing a table that could vary in height by simply turning a hand wheel. That all looked great on paper. But to me it was more personal.

I injured my back while learning to ski (or learning how to fall, depending on who you ask) in the wilds of Montana during college. It wasn’t a bad injury but I was studying graphic design and advertising and spent many hours bent over a drafting table. After college and into the workplace I found hours of bending over a drafting table was beginning to take it’s toll. Especially doing production with a T square, and triangle. When you work in an office you work with the tools that you’re given, including old worn out drafting tables. Hardly a chance for an upgrade on a desk and ergo chairs had yet to show up mainstream.

When I started Matthew Watson Design (mwatsondesign.com) I found an old wooden stand up drafting table that I started using for all of my work. After working standing up or on a tall drafting chair I was quick to see how much it lessened the discomfort in my back. I was sold. No more bending over. Fortunately when the Mac showed up there was no more need for having to be stuck at a drafting table for hours.

I was fortunate enough during my career to occasionally depart from advertising, branding and graphic design to work on product design, packaging and architectural signage, that made the transition to designing the tables a natural step forward. These tables were designed from the ground up, several different times before we got to what you see now. I have also had the fortunate experience of finding a fabricator that is a cross between a magician and a wizard. The work they do is exceptionally exquisite.

These tables are the result of wanting to bring the idea of not only stand up desks but also tables for more universal uses all in a classic industrial style that will fit in any setting.

I know you’ll enjoy yours.

Matthew Watson