Made True: Hulse Design Co.
- MT Trim Co
- May 29
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 2
Meet Ryan Hulse, a New England craftsman, storyteller in sawdust and the kind of carpenter who notices details you didn’t even realize were there.
Tucked in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, Ryan runs Hulse Design Co., a one-man operation specializing in woodworking, finish carpentry and custom-built spaces for residential clients. His workshop is where the magic happens—often with his shop dog, Puck, by his side and an iced coffee or two half-finished in the background. Ryan designs most of his builds, crafting everything from bespoke libraries to cleverly built wine cellars, and he installs every piece himself. Attention to detail isn’t just part of the job—it’s the whole reason he got into the trade.
From Corporate Dread to Custom Threads of Wood
Ryan’s journey into woodworking was carved from a mix of family roots and his total rejection of the corporate world. His grandfather—a carpenter himself—planted the seed, but it was years later, after enduring the soul-crushing 9-to-5, that Ryan realized woodworking gave him something the office never could: joy. “I get to create for clients and build pieces that will last a lifetime. That’s the reward.”
Wisdom for the Wannabe Woodworker
When it comes to advice, Ryan kept it real. And we suggest that if you’re thinking of making the career switch, you listen.
“Start with the basics. Don’t blow your savings on fancy gear right away. Learn how each tool works and upgrade as your projects grow. There's an incredible network of makers and tradespeople out there—connect with them. Ask questions, stay humble, and build at your own pace. Every master builder started with scrap wood and a dream.”
Ryan’s college professor Jay Hill instilled the value of not just the finished product, but embracing the entire process—even the constructive criticism that comes afterward. “That’s how we grow as craftspeople.”
He also has a message to younger generations: “working with your hands is a rewarding and respected career, not a degrading one.” We’re with Ryan on this one! There is a great sense of community, and the career does more than pay the bills.
Building Trust by Building Smart Whether the project is in a modern home or a 200-year-old New England farmhouse, Ryan’s strategy for success is simple: clear communication and a high standard of craft. “I emphasize transparency from day one. And mistakes? They happen. What matters is how you handle them.”
The Price of Precision
Ryan breaks down his pricing into three key stages:
“I stay transparent with clients throughout to build trust and avoid surprises.”
A Shop Full of Chaos + Character
Are you even a carpenter if there isn’t just a little chaos and character when building? Ryan’s the real deal. When asked what’s in his toolbox and shop, he did not disappoint. “Scrap wood? Hoarded. Pencils? Everywhere—yet never one when I need it. Tape measures? At least 10, all hiding. And let’s not forget the dust-covered iced coffee cups and the shop animals who think they run the place (they do).”
A Wine Cellar That Wowed
One of Ryan’s proudest projects? A white oak wine cellar with sleek lighting, tight joinery, and a rich finish that made the room feel elegant and functional. The kicker? It all had to work in a tight space. “The client was thrilled, and those are the moments you remember.”
A Challenging Project Turned Big Picture
Not every job is smooth sailing. Ryan recalls a challenging library built-in for a historic home where nothing was square or level. Every board had to be customized on-site—but the effort paid off. The finished space even ended up as a filming location for a Netflix show. “Details to come,” he teases. (Don’t worry, friends, we’ll update you when he updates us!) Let this be a reminder that hard work and perseverance come with reward.
The Hulse Hallmarks
Favorite Wood: White oak. Timeless, strong, and beautiful.
Top Three Tools: Painter’s key, Paper Mate #2 triangle pencil and a leather hip clip.
Go-to Finish: Bumbleshutes—local to him, quality and a favorite for good reason. For those of us not in New England, we have Amazon!
Dream Build: A full-home library made entirely from reclaimed wood in a historic New England home—hidden doors included.
Unwind Mode: Beer league hockey goalie. Grill. Cold beer. Family. Puck (the dog, not the hockey kind—though also that).
The Mobile Shop: A Ford Maverick, of course! (That's what we drive, too!)
Through June 30, 2025, Ford has 20% off accessories with code SHOP625.
You must create a new account or be logged into your Ford Accessories account for the promo code to work!
In Sum: Hulse is a Builder with Heart + Hockey Pads
Whether it’s teaching others the trade, creating legacy pieces or defending the goal in beer league hockey, Ryan stays grounded in passion and purpose. What keeps him going?
“My family. Seeing their faces every day.” And that deep pride of driving through town, pointing at homes and saying, “I built something in that one…and that one…and that one.” Don’t worry if it annoys your family, Ryan, we are all guilty of doing that!
Ryan’s not just a guy with a saw and a measuring tape—he’s a craftsman, thinker, problem-solver, proud small business owner and family man. Hulse Design Co. was built from a deep love of creating, a refusal to settle and the pursuit of a life that feels true.
And that’s what makes him Made True.
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