Mink Studios: Custom Millwork & Cabinetry

Meet Mink Studios, Our Custom Woodworking Shop in Austin

Some of our favorite details in a home are the ones you can't find in a catalog. A kitchen cabinet made to fit an unusual space. Built-in shelving designed around a family's collection. Or a piece of furniture that brings together materials in a way you wouldn't expect.

That's the kind of work that gets the team at Mink Studios excited.

Mink Studios is our sister company and custom woodworking shop here in Austin. Led by David Lacayo, the team creates custom cabinetry, architectural millwork, built-ins, and one-of-a-kind furniture for homes that call for something a little more personal.

And while there's a practical benefit to having a woodworking shop within the RedOven family, what we appreciate most is the care, creativity, and attention to detail that David and his team bring to every project.

The Face Behind Mink Studios: David Lacayo

David Lacayo is the co-founder and general manager of Mink Studios, and he's someone who genuinely enjoys figuring out the details that most people will never notice.

He's especially particular about shop drawings. Before anything gets built, he wants to make sure the dimensions, materials, and construction details have been carefully thought through. For David, it's about making sure the architect's or interior designer's vision translates into a finished piece that looks and functions the way it was intended.

He's also not someone who's content doing things the same way simply because that's how they've always been done. He's constantly researching new techniques, exploring materials, and looking for ways to improve how the team works.

That curiosity, combined with his attention to detail, is a big part of what makes Mink Studios special to us.

Thoughtful Materials, Down to the Smallest Detail

Woodworking is at the heart of Mink Studios, but David's interests don't stop at wood.

He loves exploring how different materials can work together, whether that's pairing wood with leather, incorporating stone into a custom furniture piece, or bringing in steel for a contrasting detail. These combinations open up all kinds of possibilities, especially when creating something that can't be found off the shelf.

He's equally focused on the things that aren't always visible. Cabinet hardware, for example, might seem like a small decision, but it's something you'll use every day. Selecting quality hinges, drawer slides, and other components is an important part of making sure a piece continues to function well for years.

It's this balance of creativity and practicality that guides the work. The finished piece should look beautiful, of course, but how it's made and how it holds up matter just as much.

A Closer Look: A Playful Mix of Wood and Leather

A great example of Mink's approach is a custom coffee table created for Austin-based Annie Downing Interiors, with leatherwork by Obsidian Leather.

The table combines a natural wood frame with rounded corners, closely spaced vertical wood detailing, and a rich red leather inset on the tabletop. It's a playful combination of materials, but the design itself is carefully considered.

What makes this piece interesting is how the materials work together. The texture of the wood gives the table depth, while the smooth leather introduces a completely different finish and feel.

It's a wonderful example of the kind of work David enjoys: taking an interesting design idea, thinking through how the different materials will come together, and creating something made specifically for the space.

The Benefits of Bringing Construction and Millwork Together

Having Mink Studios as part of the RedOven family also gives us an advantage when it comes to planning custom homes and major renovations.

Cabinetry, built-ins, and architectural millwork often involve details that need to be considered well before installation. By involving David and his team early, we can work closely with architects, interior designers, and our construction team to think through those details while they're still on paper.

It's one more way we can help protect the design intent and make sure the finished work fits thoughtfully into the home.