George Nakashima produced contemporary wood furniture for almost fifty years in his New Hope, Pennsylvania, workshop. Almost from the beginning of his woodworking career he was acknowledged as a uniquely talented purist who integrated his appreciation of nature and his personal philosophy of allowing trees a “second life” with his organically designed furniture. This paper explores the many influences on Nakashima's development as a designer and master woodworker. It examines his almost metaphysical approach to deriving designs from his philosophy as well as from typical aesthetic bases. His early life experiences as a Japanese‐American who traveled the world searching for the proper vehicle to express his beliefs provided the foundation for his individualistic designs and processes of manufacture. Sketches reveal how his intuitive design approach to furniture was inspired by each unique piece of wood. Photographs record visual information about his standard line as well as some typical custom pieces. The philosophical beliefs that shaped his design approaches and processes are explored.