About Us
James Day was apprenticed to his father, Richard Day, a builder of museum-quality reproductions of World War I aircraft. Through this apprenticeship James learned about quality workmanship, creative, practical design, and integrity. Along with the choice to go green, these qualities are what sets EdwinJames, LLC apart from other general contractors.
Quality Workmanship • Green Materials • Creative yet practical design • Integrity
Apprenticing to a Master Craftsman
by James Day
As an apprentice to a master craftman for over 19 years, you begin to develop an ability to understand and see things that other people do not. When that happens, you have an obligation to fulfill that vision when it's necessary. By necessary, I mean that not all applications require the same degree of finesse; it's the ability to know the degree of workmanship required for the task at hand. However, no matter what the application is, you automatically adhere to principles of building and craftmanship that were ingrained in you by the master - principles such as:
- Level
- Plumb
- Smooth and precise
- Pleasing to the eye.
People often think that the aforementioned principles are equivalent to tight tolerances. This is not the case. Principles are ideals that provide consistent performance. Tight tolerances are an end result. For example, tight tolerances mean there is absolutely no slack in between the materials, or no variation from 90 degrees.
Tight tolerances do not apply to all situations. When rough framing, 1/4 variance in plumb over 8 feet is tolerable. However, cabinet-making requires much tighter tolerances. It takes years of experience under the guiding eye of the master to develop the judgement necessary to chose the right course of action.
My company adheres to principles. Principles are the guiding light in everything we do.
On Overconfidence