LINCOLNSHIRE, IL - The story behind renowned architect and designer Michael Graves' collaborative efforts with Stryker Medical, and the successful startup of Shield Casework's solid surface healthcare furnishings, plus an inside look at Eastern Millwork's high-tech architectural woodworking firm, lead a list of must-read articles in the March issue of Wood Products magazine, now online at WoodworkingNetwork.com.

Michael Graves became a healthcare advocate after a rare “meningitis-like” condition left him a paraplegic approximately 10 years ago.  The principal of Michael Graves & Associates architect firm and Michael Graves Design Group, Graves spent time in eight hospitals and four rehabilitation centers while recovering from the illness. He soon realized the patient experience could be improved through better design.

Healthcare furnishings manufacturer Shield Casework also has made a solid mark in the industry, despite its brief history. Founded in 2012, the Kansas-based firm is distinguished from other healthcare furnishings fabricators by its production of 100 percent solid surface casework for use in hospitals, labs and related environments.

Also distinguishing itself is Eastern Millwork. The architectural woodwork firm boasts a number of high-profile projects and most recently made news with the construction of the super-sized Super Bowl XLVIII sign welcoming visitors to New Jersey. A tour of the company's high-tech facility takes place during the 2014 Cabinets & Closets Expo.

Also in this issue: A preview of the Cabinets & Closets Conference & Expo, which takes place April 9-11 in Somerset, NJ; tooling developments in bits and tool holders; a look at Arbor Creek Cabinets, Masco's new RTA cabinetry launch; a roundup of edgebanding materials and supplies, plus much more.