Email: info@modularfurnituregroup.com

Phone: (402) 289-0309

Category: Modular Furniture

systems millwork desk
David Cleasby Modular Furniture

“Systems MillWork” – What it Means and Represents

David J. Cleasby, a veteran of commercial woodworking, introduces “Systems Millwork,” a transformative approach to casework design that blends modularity, standardization, and sustainability. Drawing on 45 years of experience, Cleasby advocates integrating his modular furniture systems into architectural practices via Building Information Modeling (BIM) and 3D modeling program (SketchUp). His goal is to streamline construction, enhance flexibility, and deliver long-term value to building owners, particularly in healthcare, education, and office settings.

systems millwork desk

From Hobby to Industry Pioneer

Cleasby’s journey began in Omaha, Nebraska in 1979, where he turned a woodworking hobby into a thriving business. Specializing in modular office furniture and casework, he served diverse sectors—hospitals, banks, schools, and offices—designing products that integrated technology and adapted to unique functional needs. In 2001, he sold his manufacturing operations but continued innovating, outsourcing production and adopting advanced 3D design tools. After rejoining an Architectural firm for a couple of years in 2007, he was challenged to reform their casework specification processes and proposed “Systems Millwork” as a solution. 

What is Systems Millwork?

Systems Millwork redefines casework as a dynamic, modular system of pre-engineered components—cabinets, workstations, and storage units—designed for flexibility and efficiency. Unlike traditional casework, which is often static and custom-built, Systems Millwork offers:

Interchangeable Components: Bolted assemblies that can be reconfigured or relocated with minimal effort, enabling owners to adapt spaces as needs evolve.

Standardized Designs: Fewer cabinet sizes and universal components simplify inventory and renovations, ensuring consistency across facilities.

Construction Efficiency: Modular installations reduce floor penetrations, consolidate wiring, and speed up processes like carpet and wall finishing, cutting time and costs.

Sustainability: Optimized material use, recyclable components, and green products align with environmental goals.

BIM Integration: A library of “smart” components, with static (e.g., hinges) and variable (e.g., finishes) elements, embeds precise specifications into 3D models, enhancing design accuracy.

Bridging Design and Manufacturing

Cleasby highlights a disconnect between the woodworking industry and architectural design. While woodworking spans artisanal craftsmanship, traditional job shops, and high-tech panel processing, architectural specifications often rely on outdated AWI standards. Systems Millwork leverages precision manufacturing (e.g., 32mm metric systems) and software like Autodesk Inventor to create data-driven, modular solutions. By integrating these into 3D models, architects can design functional, adaptable spaces from the outset, reducing reliance on fabricator interpretations.

Implementation and Impact

Cleasby proposes more development of  his extensive design library to new customers and pursuing marketing of the modular assembly or conventional processes being practiced.  His modular nurse and reception stations, bank teller stations structures are designed as wire chase systems, exemplify the approach: they centralize wiring, simplify equipment upgrades, and allow relocation without disrupting finishes. Benefits include:

  • Owners: Cost-effective modifications, durable components, and aesthetic consistency.
  • Architects: Streamlined coordination, precise specifications, and creative freedom within standardized frameworks.
  • Contractors: Faster, less invasive installations.
  • Environment: Reduced waste and sustainable material choices.

Overcoming Resistance

Modular design has historically faced skepticism, perceived as flimsy or overly proprietary. Cleasby counters that properly engineered systems, using modern fasteners and precision manufacturing, overcome these concerns. He urges architects and designers to embrace BIM’s and 3D potential, moving beyond vague drawings and embracing detailed, flexible casework specifications. This shift, he argues, is essential to meet owners’ demands for adaptability in today’s fast-changing environments.

Conclusion

Systems Millwork is more than cabinetry—it’s a philosophy that prioritizes functionality, efficiency, and sustainability. By embedding modular, standardized components into commercial work spaces and design, Cleasby envisions a future where buildings are not just constructed but designed to evolve. His call to action challenges architects to rethink casework as a critical “spoke” in the design wheel, delivering spaces that are as adaptable as they are enduring.

David Cleasby Modular Furniture

Understanding the Modular Furniture Manufacturing Process

When you think “modular furniture” you most likely think of companies like Amazon or Ikea – cheap, put-together-yourself type of furniture that doesn’t usually last long. At Modular Furniture Group we’re different, our modular furniture manufacturing process is like no other.

Our unique modular furniture manufacturing process ensures that you, as a customer, get the most out of your new piece of furniture. This means our items are sturdy and built to last but are also made with your specifications in mind. They combine the ease of being able to change things up to create new working environments with all natural woods and designs that stay around for the long haul – just like furniture should be.

Over the years, we’ve mastered the ability to do this and our process is unmatched. But, what is it exactly? In this article, we’ll outline the 3 steps we take to provide the best quality and service when it comes to the modular furniture manufacturing process.

Design

The look and feel of your space matters. Whether you are a business, bank, school, or medical facility we take the impact of your environment seriously. During the design process, we work with your contractor to ensure all custom wood workspaces meet your space, electrical, and mechanical requirements.

Some key elements we use to make this happen are:

  • Utilizing the state-of-art technology of Wood working machinery
  • Using precision machined parts ensuring accurate modular assembly
  • Building with accuracy and on time delivery
  • Pre-engineering component parts for rapid turn around, custom finished to each project’s specifications
  • Implementing “old school” craftsmanship with Computer Aided Manufacturing

Fabrication

A great design needs to still be made well and built to last as your business or facility changes. To make this happen, we pair old woodworking techniques with modern technology to get the best results. Based on your specifications, the custom wood workstations, desks, or cabinets are then preassembled in our factory and shipped to your destination. They come premeasured and ready for set up as soon as they get there – no need for any wait time!

We make sure you have the best quality by:

  • Utilizing the state-of-art technology of Wood working machinery
  • Using precision machined parts ensuring accurate modular assembly
  • Building with accuracy and on time delivery
  • Pre-engineering component parts for rapid turn around, custom finished to each project’s specifications
  • Implementing “old school” craftsmanship with Computer Aided Manufacturing

Installation

Our tagline is “renovate in a weekend”, and we mean!

Once your custom designed furniture is built and shipped we then reconnect with your contractor to coordinate the installation so when the time comes, the process is quick and seamless. Contractors are involved in the installation process to ensure the entire space is functional and put together correctly. Plus, this turn key installation means that your business doesn’t have to close – you can keep operating!

To ensure speed and efficiency we:

  • Assign a project manager that orchestrates the entire installation
  • Provide delivery to the job site
  • Coordinate electrical, data, security, and computer equipment personnel
  • Have on site tooling abilities for renovation adjustments

After the installation is complete, our service team works to make sure you are satisfied with the look, feel, and functionality of your new furniture. We promise quality customer service through each step of the process. Our service team will assist you with all warranties that assure that any problems with our product, hardware, workmanship, or finishes will be quickly remedied.

Want to put this process into action? Contact us today to see how Modular Furniture Group can transform your space for the better!

David Cleasby Medical Furniture, Modular Furniture

Health must be met with extreme flexibility

To serve health well, the space where health happens must be met with extreme flexibility – handling what is happening now and anticipating what’s next. Modular Furniture Group’s modular components support smart space planning and dynamic care needs.

The reception desk is the centerpiece of your office’s waiting room, thus making it important to find the right one to make everyone feel welcomed. Reception and administrative assistant stations must offer ease and functionality in order to get patients on their way to their appointment quickly and work done efficiently.

Diversity in your workplace layout is key. Our receptionist stations have a variety of system millwork cabinets available to choose from. We aim to design an efficient work environment with an esthetically pleasing color finish. All of our cabinets are designed to be moved or relocated for years of use.

Administrative assistant stations can also be quickly modified into using our unique modular construction techniques. Our design department can tailor-fit to your business needs and make cabinetry functional and flexible.

When product parts are completed, our team preassembles as much of the project as possible. Then the parts are shipped to your location where they can be installed in as little as a couple of hours. This allows you to reopen your doors without disruption of business.

Modular Furniture Group has more than 35 years of experience. Our team has worked to develop custom modular furniture that can be adapted to your needs over time. We believe your investment in custom woodworking should last as long as your business with adaptable workstations with a timeless look. For more information contact us today at 402-289-0309 or info@modularfurnituregroup.com.

David Cleasby Modular Furniture

School Furniture Made Right

Choosing the right furniture for your school and library is imperative to students’ learning and our products are designed with today’s educational environments in mind. No two students learn the same and no two educators work alike. Let us help you create custom pieces that allow for an optimal learning environment.
From elementary schools to university libraries, we have everything you need including:

– Administration reception stations
– Library and media center check-in counter assemblies
– Library book shelving systems
– Tech lab work cluster assemblies
– Study booths
– Computer desks and more

We use only the best and most eco-friendly raw materials to create substantially sturdy custom wood school furniture systems. These systems are designed to be moved and rearranged to fit in classrooms and media centers of any size or shape. Not only that, but the pieces are durable and meant to sustain the daily use of students and faculty.
For schools following CDC guidelines, our workstations can be social-distanced and designed with protective shields to provide a barrier to keep students and faculty safe. These protective shields can be removed when the time is right, and the workspace remains functional.

When product parts are completed, our team preassembles as much of the project as possible. Then the parts are shipped to your location where they can be installed in as little as a couple of hours. This allows you to reopen your doors without a disruption of business.

Modular Furniture Group has more than 35 years of experience. Our team has worked to develop custom modular furniture that can be adapted to your needs over time. We believe your investment in custom woodworking should last as long as your business with adaptable workstations with a timeless look. For more information contact us today at 402-289-0309 or info@modularfurnituregroup.com.

David Cleasby Medical Furniture, Modular Furniture

Medical Furniture in a Competitive Healthcare Industry

As the healthcare industry becomes more competitive, the importance of quality design in nursing stations has never been more important. Providing a workspace that supports great outcomes is critical in keeping healthcare employees and patients satisfied.

Great design ensures that each nurse’s needs are being supported, and thus, leading to the best possible results in patient care. When furnishing a healthcare facility, knowing where to start your search for the right furniture can be a daunting task.

Our modular furniture is designed to assist staff and guarantee their comfort, safety and health as well as maintain well-being in the workplace. We offer custom wood medical furniture and have unlimited finishes to choose from.
Our wood worktop sections, panel legs and support sections allow us to fit a workstation into any floor plan.

Modular drawer pedestals can be placed and moved wherever you want them. By using parts that work across all product lines, this allows doors, shelves, drawer units and the structural parts of each unit to be interchangeable. Still have questions? Contact our design department today to review your unique specifications and needs.

In addition to nurse stations, we can update your workspace with charting islands, executive and doctor’s office workstations, computer kiosks, meeting and conference tables, storage cabinets and mod pod systems.

When product parts are completed, our team preassembles as much of the project as possible. Then the parts are shipped to your location where they can be installed in as little as a couple of hours. This allows you to reopen your doors without disruption of business.

Modular Furniture Group has more than 35 years of experience. Our team has worked to develop custom modular furniture that can be adapted to your needs over time. We believe your investment in custom woodworking should last as long as your business with adaptable workstations with a timeless look.