While structural elements are a key factor in the overall integrity of custom woodwork, sometimes it's fun to focus just on the surface and appreciate projects for their beauty alone. With high-quality construction as a "given," it's nice to concentrate on good looks and snazzy appearances -- and applaud the custom woodworkers who create them.

In this month's special section we tip our hats to three businesses of varying size that build great-looking pieces. While their projects feature high-quality construction, it is their unusual and eye-catching appearance that is especially compelling. They combine unusual techniques with different materials to give their work really sensational surfaces.

• Wood 'Doctor' Turns One-Dimensional Pieces of Veneer into 3-D Works of Art -- Jonathan Pressler uses veneers in unique patterns to create furniture with 'mathematical and visual harmony.' By Karen M. Koenig
• Chicago-Area Furniture Builder is a 1990s 'Renaissance Man' -- Drawing from old-country experience and new-world ingenuity, Gurami Manasherov creates projects using everyday materials in new ways. By Tom Caestecker, Jr.

For the third article in this special section, "Detroit-Area Firm Focuses on High-End Pieces for the 21st Century Home," see the April 1997 issue of CWB.