Beauty. Strength. Integrity.

Design-forward furniture inspired by nature

TJ Turner of Carl Jackson Designs in Wood Shop, Frederick, MD

“Every piece of wood is unique. It has a natural character that speaks for itself.”

TJ Turner of Carl Jackson Designs on wood bench in front of a definition of the word artist

TJ Turner 

Craftsman, artist, and founder of Carl Jackson Designs


When I first opened my workshop in Frederick, Maryland, I had a vision: to blend my modern design aesthetic with the legacy of quality craftsmanship inherited from generations of artisans and woodworkers.

The name of my business, Carl Jackson Designs, honors this blend of old and new — Carl is my father’s middle name, and Jackson is mine. It was from my father that I learned about hard work, commitment, and pursuing what I believe in. He was also just a really great dad. Which is why I bring the legacy of love, family, and tradition into every piece of furniture I craft.

Modern art + functional design

“Material is Everything.”

As an artist and craftsman, I believe in bringing out each piece of wood’s natural strength and integrity to build beautiful one-of-a-kind furniture that will last a lifetime.

I hand-select each piece of wood, working with the natural beauty of the grain to give every design its unique artistic appeal. I also work exclusively with high-quality, non-toxic finishes to accentuate the wood’s natural character and beauty.

My unstinting unwavering commitment to quality and durability is why I can stand proudly behind every custom design I build. 

  • Locally sourced wood

  • High-quality, non-toxic oil finishes

  • Commitment to craftsmanship

Stacked wood for making custom wood tables

Beautiful, functional design is a partnership. I work with you to create a custom piece of furniture that fits your exact needs. But partnership is about more than a perfect custom piece — it’s also about clear communication and enjoying the process.

It’s all about partnership.

From selecting the perfect materials to bringing a design to life, I share the process with you through pictures, posts, and updates so that you can come along for the journey. I love what I do, and I love sharing the process with you.

Solid Wood Modern Console Table by Carl Jackson Designs, Frederick, MD