BOSTON— Boston native and master woodworker Thomas “Tommy” MacDonald, best known as the former host and co-executive producer of Rough Cut: Woodworking with Tommy Mac on PBS, marked a major milestone this month with the opening of his first public showroom at 155 Federal Street in the city’s Financial District.
The Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening Celebration, held on October 16, 2025, brought together city officials, members of the Downtown Boston Alliance, local artists, and community supporters to celebrate MacDonald’s 25-year woodworking career and his latest achievement.
“After 25 years of building furniture in Boston, it’s been a dream of mine to have a space where people can come and experience my work up close,” said MacDonald, founder of Tommy Mac Custom Furniture. “Bringing that dream to life in the heart of Downtown Boston, with the support of the city, the Downtown Boston Alliance, and my wife Rachel, has been incredibly meaningful.”
The new showroom showcases MacDonald’s signature collection of handcrafted furniture — including rockers, armchairs, kitchen stools, live-edge tables, and beds — all made from North American hardwoods at his North End workshop. Most pieces are available for purchase, offering visitors the chance to take home authentic, locally made craftsmanship.
In addition to MacDonald’s own work, the showroom features creations from other Massachusetts-based artists, including oil paintings by Priscilla Serafin and crystal displays by Rachel MacDonald.
Founded in 2005, Tommy Mac Custom Furniture has remained deeply connected to Boston’s North End, where MacDonald also produces his online woodworking series Wicked Smaht Woodworking. The new downtown showroom represents both an expansion of the business and a celebration of Boston’s artisan community.
