About Derek – Owner and Builder
The Ibing Family has a tradition of building beautiful objects in wood. We have had generations of European craftsmen and have brought this tradition to Canada.
My Grandfather was a pattern and furniture maker. My Father was a draftsmen and carpenter. My Mother is an artist who creates hand cut wood block prints. It’s not surprising that I chose to become a cabinet and furniture maker.
Inspired by the work of artists and architects that I grew up exposed to, I set out to develop the skills necessary to build my own wooden creations. I started this journey in 1993 at a true custom shop. This shop was owned by a skilled designer, salesman and finisher. It was an ever changing group of craftsmen. I worked hard to become a great finisher and installer. I then began to construct cabinet and furniture pieces. I had sat and watched my Grandfather as a boy and had built decks and home additions with my Dad as a teen. The leap to cabinets and furniture was achievable largely due to the training I received from the journeyman tradesman. The owner John taught me finishing and design. Barry taught me material selection, cabinetmaking techniques and installation. Paul, an English trained furniture making genius taught me how to work the tools, a seemingly endless bag of tricks and instilled in me the belief that I could be a great builder. Under this triad of skill I flourished and after 7 years of working together I decided to strike out on my own.
In 1999 my good friend Greg gave me a deal on some industrial space and I was on my way. I started my business with a young man’s obstinate “I don’t need any help” attitude. I soon realized that I needed my parents. An intrepid bright heart, my Dad brought his skills and sweat to the shop. I leaned on my Mom’s skill as an artist in my layout and design. We moved the shop to a larger country property and continued to pursue projects that would allow us to evolve and improve our portfolio.
My Dad passed away in 2007. Some of my fondest memories are of us working together in our shop.
My beautiful wife Susie and I are blessed to have 2 healthy and happy kids. We continue to be a tree roots family business.