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Who we are
Craftsmen, & co-creators.
We’re Derek Leonard and Mike Leakey, longtime friends turned business partners, with a shared passion for woodworking and design. With backgrounds in architecture and construction management, we bring more than 75 years of combined experience to Studio Wood Duck.
derek
mike
To transform raw wood into extraordinary projects that reflect both timeless craftsmanship and creative design.
our mission is simple
meet michael leakey
“There’s satisfaction in shaping something that will last for generations.”
Michael (Mike) Leakey is an architect and craftsman with more than 45 years of professional experience as a contractor, project manager, and architect. A Penn State graduate, Mike is licensed in seven states, including Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, and Massachusetts. His project portfolio spans private residences to large institutional buildings, always guided by thoughtful design and client focus.
In 2014, Mike co-founded Hoffman Leakey Architects, becoming sole owner in 2022. Beyond architecture, he channels his passion for woodworking into Studio Wood Duck, blending design insight with craftsmanship. Outside of work, enjoys building furniture, cycling back roads, and spending time with his three grandsons.
meet derek leonard
“I like projects that challenge me to think and build differently.”
Derek Leonard has had tools in his hands for as long as he can remember—building for the love of it, shaping spaces with purpose, and refining a craft rooted in authenticity. What began as a personal passion evolved into a professional pursuit of precision and integrity. A former U.S. Army Ranger, Derek brings discipline, clarity, and an unwavering attention to detail to every project.​
In 2020, Derek crossed paths with longtime friend and architect Mike Leakey on the Axemann Brewery project—Mike as designer, Derek as builder. The success of that transformative project inspired the creation of Studio Wood Duck, a practice dedicated to thoughtful design and meticulous craftsmanship.
For Mike, Derek and the team at SWD, this endeavor is about maximizing the beauty of form and function to create inspiring spaces using the most natural and widely used building material on earth. Each project reflects a balance of simplicity, shape and purpose that defines Studio Wood Duck’s approach.
why wood duck?
A name that reflects our craft.
The wood duck is one of nature’s most distinctive birds, known for its striking beauty and character. For us, it’s a symbol of what we strive to create—projects that are unique, enduring, and crafted with care from the world’s most timeless material: wood.
Built to be remembered.
Today, Studio Wood Duck partners with restaurants, cafés, and retail brands to design, fabricate, and install custom millwork and casework. Every project is guided by the same principles that inspired us from the beginning: craftsmanship, collaboration, and an unwavering attention to detail. We believe woodworking is about more than building—it’s about creating experiences that transform spaces into places people remember.
our philosophy
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