Deconstructing Dan Faires

Dan Faires grew up with a hammer in his hand.

Most know this independent contractor who charmed audiences when he competed in the fifth season of HGTV Design Star, but Dan has his crafty upbringing to thank for his spot on the show. 

Born Daniel Grady Faires, Dan spent his childhood helping his dad fix up their century old home in Arkansas. He also spent a good deal of time helping his mother in the garden.

After graduating from the University of Arkansas with a degree in biology, Dan almost strayed from his craftsman ways when he accepted a medical sales position in Mississippi. However, the destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina reawakened his desire to rebuild homes and lives, and Dan soon found himself joining a construction crew. Dan and his wife Dasha, would go on to move to New York, hoping the big city would provide more opportunities for their creative minds. 

The move to the Big Apple paid off: Dan oversaw the completion of three buildings and built custom furniture out of reclaimed materials (as a hobby!). He caught the eye of HGTV and hasn’t looked back: he now hosts his own online mini-series DanMade; is head of Capsule Furniture – his own custom, furniture line, and is working in Manhattan as a designer and independent contractor. 

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