Todd Merrill Studio began representing Ian Spencer as one half of the design duo Yard Sale Project in 2011. Spencer’s unique furniture pieces showcase his exceptional craftsmanship and innovative approach to contemporary design. His creative concepts are deeply rooted in the exploration of materials and processes, guided by an ethos that starts with the intrinsic qualities of each chosen wood while exploring their potential.

One standout piece from Spencer’s collection is a hand-carved standing cabinet, meticulously crafted with undulating lines and deep depressions that accentuate the natural imperfections and grain patterns of the wood. This piece belongs to Spencer’s Pure Black series, distinguished by its use of the shou-sugi-ban technique—a traditional Japanese method of wood finishing that involves charring the surface with fire. Not only does this technique impart a visually striking and elegant appearance to the furniture, but it also enhances its durability by making the wood resistant to water, harsh UV rays, and fire hazards.