The Main Logo
Design

Inside the New Chabanel workshop of Montreal designer Finkel'

Daniel Finkelstein's anti-ego approach to design is what makes his work in restaurants, retail, and beyond authentic to their purpose.

J.P. Karwacki

J.P. Karwacki

October 7, 2025- Read time: 7 min
Inside the New Chabanel workshop of Montreal designer Finkel'Photography by Eva Blue / @evablue

Daniel Finkelstein sits on a handmade wooden stool in his Chabanel workshop, surrounded by the organized chaos of lumber racks, power tools, and half-finished furniture pieces.

"To this day, whenever I draw a custom furniture piece that will go into a space, and when I first get the real version produced and I can touch it, I still always get that feeling of excitement..." he says, pausing. 

"Like, I can't believe I drew this and it's real. I still get that feeling every time I make something."

Sawdust is almost omnipresent in the air at Finkel'.

Instead of imposing signature aesthetics for appeal on social media, Finkelstein disappears into his clients' needs, emerging with spaces that feel unique.

Member-only story

Unlock Montreal’s stories. Join The Main community.

Read this story free.

Enter your email to unlock your first article and get The Bulletin — our weekly roundup of food, art, and local culture.

  • 5 free articles per month
  • Save your favourite places & guides
  • Weekly newsletter The Bulletin
  • Stay connected to Montreal culture

Become an Insider.

Join a community that supports independent Montreal stories and celebrates the people shaping its culture.

Subscribe
  • Unlimited access to all stories
  • Exclusive features & local insights
  • Special offers and event invites
  • 10% off in our shop
  • Support local storytelling

Already a member? Sign in

How to grow gourmet mushrooms with Full Pin's hybrid Hochelaga laboratory-farm

Previous

How to grow gourmet mushrooms with Full Pin's hybrid Hochelaga laboratory-farm

Next

A (mostly) spoken history of Mano Cornuto, Griffintown's unexpected Italian institution

A (mostly) spoken history of Mano Cornuto, Griffintown's unexpected Italian institution

Related articles

Ivy Studio is shaping Montreal's visual identity from the inside out
Lili Monette-Crépô

Ivy Studio is shaping Montreal's visual identity from the inside out

Always in collaboration with local craftspeople, this nimble design firm creates immersive commercial spaces designed for that ineffable 'wow' factor.

The design behind the REM's 14 new stations, and changing how Montreal moves
Thom Seivewright

The design behind the REM's 14 new stations, and changing how Montreal moves

The expansion adds 14 stations and 33 kilometres to Montreal's light-rail network, connecting the North Shore to the South Shore through downtown for the first time.

A new city gateway and memorial with the Montreal Irish Monument Park
J.P. Karwacki

A new city gateway and memorial with the Montreal Irish Monument Park

An incoming commemorative park design makes the Black Rock accessible for the first time with public space honouring 6,000 Irish famine victims and the Montrealers who tried to save them.

There’s a reason why this fashion runway was out in the cold
The Main

There’s a reason why this fashion runway was out in the cold

It was chill: ROYALMOUNT’s Urban Park hosted eight brands and a live Milk & Bone set.

Inside the New Chabanel workshop of Montreal designer Finkel'
J.P. Karwacki

Inside the New Chabanel workshop of Montreal designer Finkel'

Daniel Finkelstein's anti-ego approach to design is what makes his work in restaurants, retail, and beyond authentic to their purpose.

Will Crosson's critical approach to Canadiana through fashion
Elizabeth McLellan

Will Crosson's critical approach to Canadiana through fashion

The Montreal designer creating thoughtful garments that critically engage with Canadian landscapes, histories, and identity.