Ian
Steinborn

Hi, I’m Ian Steinborn, the maker behind The Finnish Craftsman. With a background that’s 50% Finnish and 50% German, my work is deeply influenced by European craftsmanship and a lifelong connection to nature. I have a passion for working with exotic woods and transforming them into useful, beautiful spaces and architecture — from handcrafted furniture to fully custom built-ins and one-of-a-kind interior features, whatever you can dream up.
I spent many years as an environmentalist and earned my Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies from Plattsburgh University, which continues to shape how thoughtfully I approach materials, design, and sustainability.
My love of nature comes especially from my mother’s Finnish roots and the many summers I spent in Finland, where the outdoors is not just scenery, but a way of life. I bring that philosophy into my work by finding ways to integrate natural elements into personal spaces in a way that feels intentional and lasting. From the first idea and layout to pricing, materials, and final installation, I guide clients through every layer of the process, making it a true collaboration. I believe the best results come from working together, and I genuinely enjoy helping turn your ideas into something real, functional, and built to last.

“Working with Ian was an incredible experience from start to finish. The craftsmanship is outstanding, and the exotic wood he selected completely transformed our space. What we ended up with was even better than what we originally imagined — it feels timeless, warm, and truly custom. You can see and feel the care he puts into every detail.”

— Susan and David E, Rowayton, CT

“Ian made the entire process easy and enjoyable. He took the time to really understand what we wanted, explained every step clearly, and made us feel involved in all the decisions. From layout to materials to pricing, everything was thoughtful and transparent. It felt like a true collaboration, and the final result fits our home perfectly.”

— Michael L, Rowayton CT .

“What we love most is how natural and intentional the finished piece feels in our home. Ian has an amazing ability to blend beautiful wood with functional design so that the space feels both elevated and comfortable. It doesn’t just look great — it changed how we use and enjoy the outdoor shower.”

— Sarah & Patrick W, Rowayton CT

“We hired The Finnish Craftsman for a custom built-in and couldn’t be happier. Ian thought through every detail, from how the space would flow to how we actually live in it. The result is not only stunning, but incredibly practical. It feels like it was always meant to be part of the house.”

— Jones J, New Canaan CT