Tucked behind a classic Ardsley Park home, in a carriage house just steps from his back door, Brian Rickenbacker is quietly preserving something rare: timeless craftsmanship. As the founder of Rickenbacker Furniture & Repair, Brian specializes in restoring antique furniture and crafting custom commission pieces—one careful joint, one hand-selected plank at a time.

Brian’s story is one of steady hands, quiet expertise, and deep satisfaction in creating things that last. Originally from Kentucky, Brian and his wife Betsy moved to Savannah 12 years ago to enjoy their retirement years in the neighborhood they’d long admired. After decades as a construction supervisor on a thoroughbred horse farm and countless personal woodworking projects, he brought his passion for furniture making with him.

“My shop time is my therapy,” Brian says, reflecting on the rhythm of woodworking and the joy of working on projects that challenge him. Entirely self-taught, he’s drawn to the durability and elegance of Shaker and Craftsman styles—pieces that emphasize form, function, and natural materials. “Much of today’s furniture is mass-produced with low-quality materials,” he explains. “I love giving new life to pieces that were built to last, or building new ones that are made the right way, from the start.”

Working by appointment only and on a part-time basis, Brian takes on projects that speak to him—repairing beloved heirlooms, crafting cabinetry and tables with traditional joinery, and customizing each piece to the client’s unique vision. He doesn’t do refinishing, but his repairs are often so seamless they look “as if it never happened.” And unlike many businesses today, he makes no compromises on quality. “If I can’t do it right, I won’t do it,” he says simply.

Brian’s business exudes excellence and intention. In a world of fast furniture and fleeting trends, he offers a reminder that good things take time. “Recognize the value in well-made furniture,” he advises. “Resist the temptation to buy something trendy that won’t last. There’s beauty and value in pieces that tell a story.”

When he's not in his shop, Brian enjoys the slower pace of Ardsley life—playing golf a few times a week, kayaking local waterways, gardening, and walking Abbe, the couple’s sweet Boykin Spaniel, around the neighborhood.

From custom works to decades-old heirlooms restored with care, Brian’s work speaks for itself: practical, beautiful, and made to last. 

If you have a project in mind that calls for the craftsmanship and expertise of Brian, or a well loved family piece that could benefit from his attention to detail, you can visit Brian’s website at rickenbackerfurnitureandrepair.com for more information.