With The Trees specializes in furniture, built-ins, and interior remodeling – especially those projects that require outside-of-the-box approaches. “Design-build” is an approach to building that integrates design into the same process, involving the client along the way. Whether a bathroom remodel or a walnut desk, we start by getting to know you: What do you care about? How do you live? What do you need from the project? How is it supposed to make you feel? From there, we’ll begin a collaborative design process that will inform the rest of our work together. Clients are updated throughout the process, including follow-up after project completion.
I grew up on a farm in Pennsylvania, where creative problem-solving, and making the most of what you had were part of everyday life. That early hands-on experience shaped a lifelong passion for building, fixing, and making things work better. Over the years, I’ve followed that thread through a wide range of work—from bamboo bike building and real estate to managing solar energy projects—eventually finding my place in custom woodworking and remodeling.
Now based in Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin, I bring over 15 years of building experience to interior remodeling, furniture making, and built-ins. I specialize in projects that require thoughtful, outside-the-box solutions, whether it’s an oddly shaped room, a custom furniture piece, or a full renovation. I love collaborating closely with clients to design and build spaces that truly support how they live.
Sustainability is central to my work. I prioritize local wood sourcing, durable and responsible materials, low-waste practices, and energy-efficient build-outs whenever possible. My design approach is rooted in the belief that the built and natural environments should work together, not against each other. Much of my furniture and remodeling work reflects this philosophy—integrating nature into daily living in functional, meaningful ways.
From concept through installation, my goal is to create spaces and objects that reflect your values, feel good to live with, and stand the test of time.
–Philip Ankney, owner
