In 2015, a modern vision was carved into our northern heritage. TIMBR Design merged thoughtful design elements with the warmth and character of the outdoors. Our work maintains an aesthetic that complements today’s home interiors. Today, TIMBR has taken root, creating signage, personal gifts, home goods, and other unique items our customers enjoy.
How did the name TIMBR come about? It stemmed from a desire to help others find their story through design, expression, and meticulous technique. With an emphasis on woodcrafts and my northern Minnesota upbringing, it was natural to gravitate towards a tree-related name. The tree—from its roots, growth, bark, branches, and needles—possesses layers of connection to the world around it. This led to a combination of two significant words: TIMBER and TIMBRE. Since the ‘E’ was interchanged, we simply removed it. The business needed to reflect both of these meanings, thus TIMBR was born.
TIMBR (tĭm'bər) n. 1. The fundamental nature, inherent character, and distinctive expressive quality of an individual, akin to the unique tonal resonance of a musical instrument.
about ken zakovich
Growing up in Ely, Minnesota, Ken’s appreciation for the outdoors was profound. Surrounded by seemingly endless pine forests, the woods and lakes became a second home, profoundly impacting his creativity and inspiration since childhood. Ken’s family nurtured many of his creative abilities. Playing inside and outside his father's woodshop, he spent hours watching his father and grandfather explore the artistry of wood. They wholeheartedly invited him into their world, showing Ken how to measure, cut, sand, shave, turn, glue, and finish wood into anything he could imagine. His memories are simple: learning that sharp knives are safer than dull ones, becoming attuned to particular species of wood by the scent of sawdust in the air, and understanding the importance of attention to detail. Most importantly, he learned the life lesson of giving everything he had to the things he loved.
Welcome to TIMBR.
Ken Zakovich
Owner, Designer, Creator
