Doing good work for good people.

Who we are

We are a group of craftsmen from a variety of backgrounds and experiences who care deeply about what we do.

At our core, we are problem solvers.

A black and white circular pattern with wavy lines inside.

Keaton Hudson

Owner

Brennan Sampson

Carpenter I

Derek Chism

Carpenter II

Keaton Hudson

Owner

Brennan Sampson

Carpenter I

Derek Chism

Carpenter II

What motivates us

Good work. We are diligent in detail, passionate about uncompromising quality, and always in pursuit of sound, lasting solutions to complex problems. If quality of work is first—forming deep, long-term relationships with those we work with is a close second.

We pursue good because we aim to be great.

When we got started

Skål was a passion project formed in 2017 while Keaton still worked remotely for an office design company. Two years later, Skål became his life’s work. The company name is Danish for ‘cheers’, a nod to Keaton’s Danish heritage and a moniker that celebrates the relationships built through shared purpose.

“Skål”

“Cheers”

Where we operate

Skål is based in Portland, Oregon. We’ve regularly set up on jobsites from Cannon Beach to Hood River, and Wine Country to SW Washington—and we would travel further for the right fit. We are licensed to work in both Oregon and Washington states.

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How we get work done

Diligently, with a high degree of detail, alongside trustworthy trade partners. Trust and consistent communication between the builder, designer, and sub is vital to any project's success. There are hundreds, often thousands of details and decisions to consider in construction, and we are intentional about ensuring each relevant one is carefully considered, rooted in durability, and implemented responsibly.

Why we do it

Because we care. Too often, details get overlooked and quality suffers at the expense of speed and higher bottom lines. We care about doing the right thing, at the right time, in the right way.

Three young men smiling outdoors, wearing work vests with tools and accessories, with trees in the background.

FAQs

  • Just like the chewing tobacco brand. “Skoal.”

  • Our owner is ¼ Danish. His grandmother came over from Aalborg, Denmark in the 1960s. The name, meaning “cheers” in Danish is not only an homage to family heritage, but also a nod to community building—something we value deeply.

  • This is the first question virtually everyone always asks. We don’t. Finish carpentry and cabinetry fall into two different scopes, and effectively two different trades. The lines can blur sometimes, but cabinet makers usually come before us or simultaneously in a job schedule. On occasion, we will take on a one-off, small built-in.

  • At this time, we do not. But we are happy to recommend some very talented design agencies we love working with.

  • We do not and we have no plans to, but we are happy to point you in the direction of some of the talented subcontractors we partner with who do.

  • We make a conscious effort to prioritize our working relationships within our industry: builders, designers and architects dictate the majority of our schedule. These connections provide us with business year after year, and often multiple times within a given year. We do reserve some time in our schedule for the discerning homeowner, those who understand what this work takes and the cost associated with it. We take on homeowner direct work based on best fit.

What people are saying

  • “Skål Studio combines clear, proactive communication with execution at the highest level. Our reputation is built not only by our own workforce, but by our trade parters working behind the scenes. The craftsmanship, professionalism, and attention to detail delivered by Skal Studio consistently elevate our projects and reflect the standards that we promise our clients.”

    SEVERIN PIPER
    OWNER, EARTHWISE BUILDERS

  • "Working with Keaton and the Skål Studio team is always a standout experience. Their craftsmanship and attention to detail are exceptional, and they consistently deliver at the highest level, no matter the challenge. They bring care, precision, and a collaborative spirit that makes them one of my most trusted and valued partners in the industry. Beyond their exceptional work, they’re genuinely kind, thoughtful humans and an absolute joy to have on site."

    SARA GRAY
    PRINCIPAL, GRAYHAUS INTERIORS

  • "We at Ment Architecture have had the pleasure of working with Keaton and his team at Skal on multiple occasions. They've executed complicated, intricate, painstaking details really well, and they don't take any shortcuts. We look forward to collaborating with Skål on future projects that require the best craftsmen around."

    ADAM LAWLER
    PRINCIPAL ARCHITECT, MENT

  • "...I wish that more of our customers could be like Skål. They are the embodiment of professionalism."

    CREATIVE WOODWORKING NW

  • "Skål consistently delivers thoughtful, highly detailed carpentry and finish work that aligns seamlessly with our architectural designs. Keaton and his crew are reliable, communicative, and clearly take pride in executing the intent of the drawings with care and precision. We can always count on them to deliver a finished product that goes above and beyond expectations."

    JASON STAMP
    PRINCIPAL ARCHITECT, WORKADAY

  • "Their knowledge, communication, attention to detail for this industry is commendable... I wouldn't think twice about hiring their team."

    DEREK HAGEDORN
    OUTSIDE SALES, MCCOY MILLWORK