The Dogwood Woodwrights

About

A neighbor who builds for the next hundred years

Mason Simpson at his workbench, boring a hole with a hand brace
Mason Simpson

I was born and raised in McMinnville, Tennessee, where my family continues to raise cattle. I moved to Knoxville in 2016. Since then, I have relentlessly pursued the search to become the best builder I can be.

It took a few tries to find the trade I love today. I’ve had a hand in building steam plants, x-rays, mansions, doghouses and most things in between. But in 2020 I met my beautiful wife, Christina. My life improved dramatically. Turns out that Christina, better habits, great food, and long-term planning were a package deal!

She encouraged me to establish myself in a trade that was less taxing on my body than ironworking.

I began an apprenticeship with Finish Point Trim and Millwork. There I was the ward of some truly masterful carpenters. In 2023, I was recognized by my peers there as a journeyman carpenter.

Shortly thereafter, Christina was accepted to Duke University’s Pathologist Assistant Program. I followed her to Durham, North Carolina, and began work as a construction coordinator for Robins & Morton. At Duke Main Hospital, I oversaw several notable projects including:

  • Sanitary sewer replacement throughout the hospital
  • Replacement of seven main and emergency power substations
  • Refurbishment of a double X-ray suite
  • Interventional radiology suite build

For my efforts I was promoted to Field Engineer. I was blessed to meet some truly exceptional people at Robins & Morton. They nearly convinced us to stay in Durham after Christina graduated in 2025, but we missed home too much. We bought our house here in Knoxville in June of 2025. We spent a year working on it. Now I’m ready to work on making another forever home. Why not yours?

At work

The full gallery
Mason Simpson sitting in front of a four-panel wood coal door he built, in a brick wall
The coal door Done in four days
Two people on ladders working on a tall timber frame among the trees
A barn Roof framing
Mason Simpson working at a bench in a plywood workshop
At the bench Barn doors

At the hospital

An X-ray room seen through the control room window: a ceiling-mounted X-ray tube over a lime-green table
X-ray suite From the control room
A finished X-ray room with ceiling rails, an X-ray table and a wall stand, on a blue and tan floor
X-ray suite Refurbished
Electrical switchgear frames standing open on a yellow-painted pad in an equipment room, with ladders and conduit around them
A power substation Mid-replacement
A long row of new grey switchgear with breakers and meters, edged by a yellow-painted curb
A power substation Switchgear
Two stainless steel sterilizers set flush into a wall
Sterilizers Set into the wall
Mason's pencil self-portrait: a carpenter in a cap with a dogwood blossom

What’s in a name

Named for the dogwood trail that winds through Holston Hills, and for The Woodwright’s Shop on PBS. Mason is a huge Roy Underhill fan.

A note from Mason

My approach to building is personal. I strive to build in such a way that future generations will appreciate the work a hundred years from now. Each project is meaningful and special to me. I think of carpentry as my life’s pursuit, and it shows in my work. Each project is a showcase of my values. Every joint and detail bears witness to a constant search for improvement, striving for perfection.

If you have a carpentry project that warrants care, precision, and a true professional to execute it. Call me. I’ll ensure it’s done right from start to finish.

Signed, Mason Simpson

Let’s talk about your house.

865-978-0806 Send a note