Last spring, amidst the remodeling of my husband's office, I was put to the task to find some sort of statement art piece that would not only elevate the space but also reflect his passion for golf.
Our search for such a unique piece became quite difficult in the mainstream market. While there were options like poster paper pin maps or canvas boards listing the top courses, they lacked the elegance and sophistication we envisioned. This is where we began asking ourselves, can we just make this? What would this take? Determined to bring the concept to life, we decided to take matters into our own hands.
Inspired by both being raised in the Pacific Northwest, involving local businesses was a priority. We began casually reaching out to artisanal woodworker companies, scouting them at farmers' markets and local events.
After discussions with various craftsmen and learning the time commitment this would take on the design and development side, we found the perfect partner who we felt understood exactly what we were looking for. With our collaborator on board, we delved into the intricate process of bringing our vision to life.
The initial phase involved sketches and brainstorming sessions, where we meticulously outlined every detail of the Centurion Map. From the selection of wood species to the dimensions of the board, from font styles to stain finishes, every aspect was carefully considered to ensure the final product exuded luxury and sophistication.
Translating our rough hand-drawn designs into digital renderings proved to be a crucial step in the process. With the expertise of a CAD designer, we were able to refine our vision in intricate detail. However, the entire process was far from smooth sailing. Numerous iterations, trial, and error were integral parts of the development. We encountered challenges ranging from selecting the right wood grain to determining the perfect depth for the engraved font. Each new discovery was met with determination and a willingness to adapt.
The art of creating a product like this, we soon realized, is a journey filled with surprises and lessons. What began as a simple idea evolved into a labor of love, requiring a lot of dedication. Despite the things that challenged us, our perseverance paid off as we witnessed the transformation of raw materials into a masterpiece. The Centurion Map is a testament to our commitment to quality craftsmanship.
From the idea to the final product, the journey spanned over 6 months of conversations, design, development, and refinement. Every moment was a testament to the energy poured into this project—a project that has now become not just a piece of art but a statement of our values and passion for golf.
Today, the Centurion Map serves as a reminder of the beauty that lies in the process of creating art, tough work, of bringing ideas to life. As we look back on our journey, we are filled with gratitude for the collaborators who helped turn our dream into a tangible reality.