Company History
Design Workshops began as a small San Francisco cabinet shop in 1946. Founded by Hellmut Gerson, the company was joined by Robert Bourdon shortly after opening. Early years saw a focus on custom furniture for residential customers as well as notable work for local banks and department stores. The company soon began to specialize in high-end commercial “tenant improvement” work, which has remained the emphasis ever since.

Today, Design Workshops is known as one of the premier makers of architectural millwork in Northern California. While completing projects in increasingly distant locations the company maintains its manufacturing base in the San Francisco Bay Area. Despite advances in the complexity of our work, the company has retained the intimacy of a family business. It is run by Nick Gerson – the nephew of Hellmut Gerson - and Richard Bourdon - the son of Robert Bourdon – who serve as President and Vice President, respectively.