About
Once upon a time if you wanted a piece of furniture, you could visit a lcoal craftsperson and have something made just for you. That is exactly what I offer here at Alessandro & Maria Design. Handcrafted wooden furniture made just for you that transcends trends and is built to last a lifetime.
My studio is located in Pompton Plains, NJ a mere 25 miles from New York City offering custom design and build services to the tri-state area. I have built everything from serving trays to dining tables to packages for entire churches. If you want the highest quality, and great design, we can make something beautiful together.
The Maker
Alexander Lohn
Hi, I’m Alexander Lohn. I founded Alessandro & Maria Design in 2019 with the desire to create meaningful, lasting furniture that is beautiful and will last your whole life.
My path has led me from acquiring an architecture degree, to time living a life of prayer and service with Franciscan Friars in Harlem, to graduating from the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship in Maine.
I bring a unique set of high skill and spiritual care that can bring you something special and one-of-a-kind.
Story behind the Name
The name of my studio, Alessandro & Maria Design, comes from the true story of St. Maria Goretti.
As a teenage girl Maria was purused by a teenage boy in her village, named Alessandro. After multiple rejections, he stabbed her in a moment of rage. Maria died a day later, but spent her last day begging Alessandro to forgive himself for what he had done, emphasizing her own forgiveness.
Alessandro was sentenced to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty of murder.
In prison Alessandro had visions of Maria giving him lillies that would burn his hands with a purifying burn. He was released early from prison on good behavior, became a gardener for a Franciscan Friary, befriended Maria’s mother, and even attended Maria’s canonization.
Why choose such a dramatic story?
When I first heard this story I was shocked and perplexed. I am certainly aware of the ways it can be interpreted as justifying or taking the side of the perpetrator, so let me explain.
What does it mean that God is merciful, that God forgives. It looks like this, like what Maria did for Alessandro. In hearing the story of St. Maria Goretti, something clicked in understanding what it means when God is merciful. She and her story become a window to encounter God. “…and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.”
I put on a new lense. A lense of seeing the whole of Christian story as a story of Mercy.
This is the lense I strive to live by, a lense of Mercy, and so it is the name of this business.