Ray McMahon, the child of an architect and an interior designer, has been shaped by good design since her early years. Before establishing herself as a fine woodworker, Ray traveled across North America contributing to experiments in natural building and sustainable architecture. She spent two years at Arcosanti—a desert arcology that radically reimagines urbanism—participated in several humanitarian builds through the Earthship Biotecture

Academy, and eventually landed in Vermont to complete a furniture-intensive program at Yestermorrow Design/Build School.

Ray strives to make woodworking more equitable and particularly loves teaching beginners. She believes that a supportive, creative environment is essential for nurturing knowledge. A San Antonio native, she is thrilled to have the opportunity to uplift the Central Texas community through the Austin School of Furniture.

Outside of the woodshop, Ray enjoys mountain biking, reading, yoga, and roller skating. She has always had a passion for textiles and enjoys hand sewing and leatherwork, and has recently gotten into rug tufting. These days, most of her time is spent renovating her house in South Austin, doing as much as she can by hand.