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Stewards of provenance. Builders of legacy.

Our On-Site Procurement & Processing Teams

Three Forks Wood Reclamation is led by veterans and craftspeople who believe luxury begins at the source. We research, reclaim, and prepare historic timbers with museum-level care so architects, designers, and clients can design the unrepeatable.

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From the first assessment of historic structures to the careful deconstruction, de-nailing, and preservation of each timber, our teams bring a blend of craftsmanship and precision to every project. With deep local knowledge and expertise, they navigate complex logistics, ensuring that each piece arrives in the United States safely and retains its full historical integrity.

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These specialists are the heart of our operation ensuring that the legacy of these materials is honored, preserved, and ready to be reimagined in your next architectural project.

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Meet Our Founders

Three Forks Wood Reclamation Logo
Chris Kelley Retired Navy Seal

Chris Kelley

Born and raised near New Orleans, Louisiana, Chris Kelley brings over 31 years of service as a U.S. Navy SEAL to his work at Three Forks Wood Reclamation.

 

His years of discipline, precision, and respect for mission translate seamlessly into the craft of reclamation where every beam, board, and fragment carries irreplaceable history.

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Chris leads the conservation and finishing side of Three Forks, ensuring that each timber is stabilized, milled, and prepared to meet the standards of elite architects and designers. His philosophy is simple but resolute: nothing is wasted.

 

Every piece—no matter how small—deserves purpose, which is why he also champions the craftsmen and creators of Forks & Fragments, Three Forks’ sister brand dedicated to turning historic remnants into artful, everyday heirlooms.

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For Chris, preservation is not just about wood. It’s about legacy. Once these materials are gone, they’re gone forever, and his work ensures that every inch continues its story in the hands of makers who value authenticity and respect the past.

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"EVERY PIECE OF RECLAIMED WOOD WE SOURCE CARRIES THE WEIGHT OF HUMAN HISTORY, AND IT'S A PRIVILEGE TO BREATHE NE LIFE INTO THESE STORIES.  BY CRAFTING UNIQUE DESIGN PROJECTS, WE NOT ONLY PRESERVE LEGACIES BUT CREATE TIMELESS CONNECTIONS BETWEEN THE PAST AND FUTURE, TURNING YOUR VISION INTO A LIVING TESTIMENT OF CRAFTSMANSHIP AND HISTORY."

Chris Kelley and Christian Knutzen

Three Forks Wood Founders

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Christian Knutzen

A native of Durango, Colorado, Christian Knutzen served over 26 years as a U.S. Army Green Beret, leading missions that demanded precision, cultural understanding, and strategic storytelling. Those same strengths now define his role at Three Forks Wood Reclamation.

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Christian heads global sourcing and provenance research tracing each piece back to its origin through meticulous documentation and field verification. But his true specialty lies in helping designers and architects tell the story of their materials, ensuring that provenance isn’t just archived. It’s infused throughout every design, detail, and client experience.

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From Normandy barns to forgotten European ateliers, Christian bridges history and design, helping teams weave authenticity into architecture and interiors that endure. Every structure reclaimed, every project completed, is a continuation of a legacy and he makes sure that story is told beautifully, accurately, and powerfully.

Christian Knutzen retired Green Beret
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Our Stateside Partner:
Arotza Woodworks

Every timber we reclaim carries a story; Arotza Woodworks helps us preserve it. They house and care for our U.S. inventory, maintaining conservation-grade standards so each beam retains its integrity, character, and finish quality.

 

More than stewards, they’re our craftsmen in the field by our side on Custom Adventures, advising on selection, reclamation strategy, milling plans, and finish recommendations. From first touch to final install, their expertise ensures the material and its story arrives ready for excellence.

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