Benita Chen

Interior Designer

NYC

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Wood Stuff

I’ve always enjoyed designing functional furniture and everyday objects. Access to my aunt and uncle's garage and their power tools allowed me to take it further and bring those ideas to life. Since then, I’ve completed projects for my apartment, learning more about different tools, hardware, and materials qualities along the way. My goal is to keep improving and eventually set up a dedicated workshop for more precise projects.

The Pet Loft

I designed this compact dog crate and cat bed bunk unit to replace a makeshift wire crate and plastic drawer stack in our small apartment. Built using 2020 aluminum extrusions, plywood panels I cut myself, and laser-cut acrylic, the piece better suits both our space and our pets. The design allows for easy disassembly and future adaptation. Originally planned for overseas production, the project ultimately became a hands-on DIY build after I realized it would be more affordable—and more satisfying—to make it myself.

1/2” Oak Plywood
1/2” Poplar Project Board
Water-based Poly Clearcoat/ Black Paint
2020 Aluminum Extrusions and Accessories (Black Powdercoat)

The Caddy

I designed and built this caddy to organize our laptops and small electronic devices. Between the two of us, we each have a personal and work laptop (four in total) and we wanted a way to keep them in one place instead of stacking them on our desk. Because our sit-to-stand desk lowers quite a bit, most off-the-shelf drawer units wouldn’t fit underneath. I ended up making this custom piece that holds four laptops and iPads in the lower compartment, includes a shallow drawer for mice and USBs, and a hidden rear compartment with a removable lid to store chargers.
1/2” Oak Plywood
1/2” Poplar Project Board
Water-based Poly Clearcoat/ Black Paint

Peg Board Corridor
3/4” Sanded Plywood 3/4” Dia. Holes & Dowels
Assorted Shelves
LED Light Strip
Water-based Poly Clearcoat

Coffee Bar with Flip Table Panel
3/4” and 1/2” Sanded Plywood
Black Wood Stain
Soft-close Drawer Track
Piano Hinge for Flip Top
Water-based Poly Clearcoat

Modular Platform Bed
3/4” Sanded Plywood
3/4” Dia. Holes
Water-based Poly Clearcoat

Cabinet Step Stool 3/4” Sanded Plywood
Water-based Poly Clearcoat

Wallhung BookshelfRepurposed (cut) 3/4” Sanded Plywood from Old Table Top
IKEA SIBBHULT Brackets