Our Story

The idea for our shop began with a single dining table, crafted in a driveway on Fisk Avenue in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Joel built his first table out of necessity but soon found it to be the focal point in his home, bringing his family together for countless memories. We believe your home should be about who you are and those you love, and at Fisk Avenue, we'll help you create your space, your way with locally milled and made furniture.

While working on these initial custom pieces, we quickly realized that home is more than just the objects placed inside. It is a reflection of you and how your personal touches and style decisions work together to create a fingerprint of your family. This realization created our DIY Experience, taught by our skilled workshop leaders to help you make something that is fully your own. We offer projects for all experience levels and age ranges, and we make sure each project will be enjoyed by anyone from beginner to expert. Create your own version of our countless projects and create memories in the process.

  • Our Storefront

    Step back in time at our historic building, first established as the New Exchange Hotel in 1870.

  • Main Workshop

    See where the magic happens at our studio! Work tables are ready for your creativity in action.

  • Interior Accents

    Our space features authentic character with rustic barn doors, arches, and original stone.

  • Our Lounge

    Pull up a stool at our newly remodeled wine bar area, perfect for relaxing while your project dries.

  • Private Workshop

    Book our entire lounge to host a private event and have your own project area just for your group.

Meet Our Staff

Get to know the designers and workshop leaders at Fisk Avenue

Joel Ellington, Co-Owner

The original founder of Fisk Avenue, Joel has grown Fisk Avenue Custom Furniture and DIY Experience from a woodshop in his garage into the local go-to furniture and homegoods spot it is today. Born and raised in Waukesha, he is proud to have the opportunity to create well-made and long-lasting products for the community he loves.

After searching for a table for his family, Joel felt disillusioned by the options available in the current fast-furniture market. He wanted something that would last as long as the furniture he had inherited from his grandparents. With this in mind, he built his first dining table as a place for his family to come together and found his passion at the same time. Named after the street on which he raised his family, Fisk Avenue now proudly brings quality furniture to clients all over the Midwest and has been since 2014.

Madilyn Duffy, Lead Designer

Madilyn has been working at Fisk Avenue since 2021 when she reached out on a whim seeking an internship opportunity, wanting to use the summer to work for a smaller, creative startup. She remained at Fisk through the summer, returning to a full time position after graduating from Minneapolis College of Art and Design with a degree in Product Design. Madilyn now leads our workshops and conducts design consultations with incoming clients, and was brought on as a full partner in 2024. She has a passion for making what clients envision a reality and loves to prototype and create new ideas for our store and workshops.

Duke, Shop Dog

Duke is a one-year-old American Bully trying his hardest to train to be the best shop dog he can! He enjoys meeting new people, helping lead workshops, and greeting every passerby at the window. He has been employee of the month every month since starting at Fisk and is excited to lead many workshops in the future!