It's nice to meet you!

In rural central-western NJ, Shannon & Marc Laul have been each other's 'Significant Otters' from the time they were high school sweethearts. Over three decades of marriage have been joyfully cemented in their love of creating pieces together that reflect their values:  Be kind to our one world, our one planet, and our one race....the human race.  Whatever you do, let your light be one that shines brightly enough to light a path for others.   After all these years, you will still find them alongside each other in their welding/metal shop, wood shop, or finishing studio: working, laughing, and having a blast.... simply creating. 

  Shannon is the Otter Designworks owner and full time, lead creator.  Marc works full time as the Technical Services Director at a large mechanical contractor.  His blend of technical expertise and artistic vision amplifies each one of their projects and often makes Shannon's wild visions into an achievable reality.

The result of their long-standing collaboration is often utilitarian art from a mixture of metal, wood, acrylic or glass that allows them to create customized, one-of-a-kind pieces both large and small. 

Throughout their works, whether a large, welded metal creation, a delicate wooden piece, or a fusion of several materials,  an uplifting feel consistently anchors their works. They  pour themselves into each and every piece, combining their  different skills in wood and metalworking with a love for salvaged items and recycling.  Their entire process supports their commitment to nature, animals, and the planet.

 It is this mix of varied materials and undeniable positivity that drives their heart felt, functional art into useful designs, and unique, custom creations. Each work is a crossroads of handcrafted art integrated with machined precision. Whether whimsical or memorable, commissioned or freely created, they have a distinct goal for their clients to feel a sense of purpose and joy in every piece they produce.