The Compagnons

In 2001 Seattle Stair & Design founder Shawn Christman set off for Europe in search of the Compagnons du Devoir (“Brotherhood of Duty”), the elite guild of woodworkers who built the great cathedrals and chateaux of France.

Their origins are shrouded in history. According to Compagnon tradition, the guild first appeared at the time of Solomon, helping to build the first temple in Jerusalem before migrating to Gaul. What’s certain is that by the twelfth century AD, the Compagnons were active in the construction trades in Europe.

For nine centuries the Compagnons gathered the brightest talent in Europe, forming a fellowship of craftspeople who literally traveled the world, quietly beautifying civilization’s greatest cities and handing down their skills from master to apprentice. Their legend spread globally, with tales of itinerant geniuses who left behind masterpieces from Mount Saint-Michel to the Louvre, from the Scottish highlands to the sands of Santa Fe. But where, in this age of mass-produced commodities, had the Compagnons gone?

An Enduring Tradition

Shawn discovered a tradition that was very much alive. The guild was at work all over Europe, building  masterpieces that represent the peak of centuries of development of the finest European joinery.

Shawn toured their headquarters and training shops. He studied their history, met with their leadership, and ultimately achieved his goal – to become the first North American stair maker hosting Compagnons as a destination “Stage” for their apprentices and masters.

Because of this relationship, a member of the Compagnons can learn American methods working on hallmark projects, for a year or more with Shawn and the team. This creates a unique culture of learning and sharing of techniques, methods and even life experiences that enriches the craftsman in immeasurable ways. At any given time there is usually a Compagnon craftsman in the Seattle Stair & Design studio, working alongside the Seattle-based team.

The staircases we produce for our clients represent the fusion of this old-world craftsmanship and modern techniques.