In this episode, host Jacob Edmond sits down with Negus Negesti, also known as the Millwork Drafter, to discuss his newly released book, ‘The Freelancers Guide to Millwork Drafting.’ Negus shares his extensive experience in the millwork industry, detailing his journey from a truck loader to an expert drafter with over 20 years of experience. The conversation explores the ‘three pillars of drafting’—drafting the right thing, drafting the thing right, and drafting fast—and offers insights into how these principles apply to the millwork drafting process. Negus also discusses the importance and challenges of freelance drafting in the industry and shares his vision for the future, including advancements in technology like virtual reality and point cloud systems. Tune in to learn from Negus’s rich experiences and valuable advice on succeeding in the competitive world of millwork drafting.
About Our Guest
Negus Negesti is a seasoned professional in the millwork industry with over two decades of experience. His career began in 2002 on the shop floor of a contract furniture company and evolved into a path that now includes national projects, training outsourcing teams, and writing The Freelancer’s Guide to Millwork Drafting. Based on the East Coast, Negus has worked for high-end millwork firms like Allen Architectural Millwork in New York, gaining fast-paced, high-pressure experience that shaped his understanding of the full project lifecycle.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
- The Three Pillars of Drafting
- Negus introduces his foundational philosophy:
- Draft the right thing
- Draft the thing right
- Draft fast
- Negus introduces his foundational philosophy:
- Why Millwork Drafting Is a Unique Art
- Unlike mechanical or architectural drafting, millwork requires deep creativity, material versatility, and real-world problem-solving. Negus shares how millwork drafters act as both artists and technicians, turning design intent into buildable, manufacturable reality.
- From SOPs to Bestsellers
- Negus reveals how his book began as a training manual to onboard outsourcing teams and evolved into a structured guide for drafters at any level—especially those entering the trade without hands-on experience.
- The Value and Power of Freelance Drafting
- Learn why freelance drafters aren’t just a stopgap—they’re a strategic advantage. Negus and Jacob explore how outsourcing can relieve bottlenecks, improve efficiency, and let in-house teams focus on what they do best.
- Future-Proofing the Trade
- From drafting with VR goggles to the rise of point cloud tools like OpenSpace, Negus gives a preview of what’s next for drafters—including how tech can take us into the site without ever leaving the desk.
- Millwork Drafting as Project Management
- Good drafting isn’t just lines on paper—it’s managing scope, aligning stakeholders, ensuring buildability, and coordinating with vendors and trades. It’s as much about how you draw as what you draw.
More from our Guest:
Negus’s book, The Freelancer’s Guide to Millwork Drafting, is available now on Amazon and at themillworkdrafter.com. Whether you’re building your drafting team or just getting started in the industry, it’s a must-read roadmap from someone who’s done it all.
Connect with Negus Online