Meet Carpenter James Wiester
A six-year apprenticeship in a remote Japanese fishing village—beginning with sweeping the shop floor and eventually hand-cutting joints for timber frames—instilled in James Wiester a strong work ethic and a thoughtful, problem-solving approach to carpentry. That was decades ago.
Today, James has earned a stellar reputation as a skilled craftsman specializing in high-end home finishes and bespoke projects for homeowners and small businesses. Whether leading finish crews through large-scale installations of trim and cabinetry in luxury homes, troubleshooting complex design challenges, or crafting beautiful yet practical pieces for everyday use, James approaches his work with pride, precision, and a good sense of humor.
Since graduating from Wesleyan University and spending ten years living in Japan, James has built a successful career in the Bay Area and Southern California through his independent company, JS Kenchiku—which means "construction" in Japanese. James is highly proficient in Japanese and Spanish. He is also fully licensed and insured.