About the Partners

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KLN Studio is owned and operated by Sam Keene, James Lepkowski and Toby Newman.

Our backgrounds in woodworking, metalworking, digital fabrication allow us to take on a wide variety of projects. In addition to our own line of products, we offer design, engineering and fabrication capabilities for commercial and residential clients in the art and design industries, as well as CNC milling. All of our production takes place in our 3,000 square foot facility in Brooklyn, NY. From a single piece of custom furniture to a full commercial build out, we work closely with the client in order to ensure that the project vision becomes a reality, on time and on budget.

Sam Keene

Sam Keene studied history and studio Art at Pitzer College while working as a woodworking apprentice for a Los Angeles based furniture company. After moving to NYC in 2012, Sam served as a fabrication supervisor for an architectural design studio. At KLN, when Sam is not working on new designs, or researching new materials, you can find him in the woodshop honing his woodworking skills.

James Lepkowski

James Lepkowski studied sculpture at The Rhode Island School of Design. After graduating with his BFA and moving to NYC in 2013, he worked in many lead roles in fabrication and design studios, with a focus in metalwork and engineering. He is also a practicing artist who incorporates his sensibility into the design work he does at KLN. James manages the metal shop at KLN, is a competent woodworker and an expert in specialty finishes.

Toby Newman

Toby Newman moved to New York City in 2013 after receiving a dual degree in studio art and architecture from Stanford University. He has worked for a number of artists and designers before KLN. He currently specializes in digital fabrication with over 10 years of CNC experience. Toby's background allows him to streamline production along with executing designs that are not always feasible with traditional woodworking techniques.