Built with Texture | Rooted in Meaning

DESIGNED FROM YOUR STORY
HANDCRAFTED TO FEEL LIKE HOME

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You’re Not Just Searching For Furniture,

You’re Searching for the Missing Piece

You want more than a placeholder.

You want presence.

You want something meaningful, but you don’t want to make a hundred decisions to get there.

You’ve looked, searched, measured, but nothing fits.

That awkward corner has never felt quite right.

You’re ready for something intentional.

But you’re not sure where to start.

More than a maker

A creative partner

Turning story into form

With a master’s degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology and over two decades of experience in operations, Dakota built her career by leading teams and making an impact at a local non-profit. However, in her early 40s, a quiet desire for a more hands-on, creative life became impossible to ignore. What began as a welding lesson from her husband soon ignited a full-blown passion—and a completely new path.

Today, Dakota is the founder and artisan behind Core Elements Studio, where she handcrafts custom furniture and statement pieces for the home that blend modern simplicity with organic warmth. Each piece is a balance of form and function, born from her background in leadership and love of thoughtful design.

Meet Dakota

A Process as Intentional as the Work Itself

At Core Elements Studio, my mission is to build functional art for our personal spaces—pieces that are inspired by nature’s core elements and re-imagined with a creative twist. I draw on the deep resonance of earth, the magic in the moment of fire, the creative flow of water, the meaningful connection of wood, the strength and practice of metal, and the restorative breath of air to infuse every creation with both functional purpose and aesthetic beauty. —Dakota

Tuning into Earth and Air
I begin by connecting with your space. During a personal visit, I listen not only to your words but also to the silent cues of your environment—laying a solid foundation as grounded as earth while remaining as open and fluid as air.
Igniting Fire and Channeling Water
Back in the studio, the creative spark is ignited. Early sketches evolve into refined designs through a process that captures the instantaneous magic of fire and the intuitive, ever-flowing creativity of water. Your insights help shape a design that truly feels like you.
Harmonizing Wood and Metal
This is where art becomes tangible. In the workshop, wood and metal are transformed under careful craftsmanship—melding the meaningful connections of wood with the enduring strength and precision of metal to create pieces that are both beautiful and robust.
A Synthesis of All Elements
The final step brings it all together. Your space is transformed into a daily reminder of your journey—each piece resonating with deep earth, vibrant fire, fluid water, soulful wood, resilient metal, and refreshing air. It’s a celebration of who you are and a reflection of where you’re going.

Fire

Earth

Deep Resonance

Magic in
the Moment

Meaningful
Connection

Water

Creativity &
Knowing

Wood

Restorative Breath

Metal

Strength &
Practice

Air

Let's Create

they don't just speak to you, they speak of you

“Dakota makes individualized pieces of art that don’t just speak to you, they speak of you. Because the vision is yours. She puts your unique story into a brilliant and yet purposefully functional piece of art.”
— Prairie T.
an extension of my story

“Working with Dakota Meeks of Core Elements Studio was more than commissioning furniture - it was a deeply personal and artistic journey. From the very beginning, Dakota took the time to understand not just what I needed for my space, but who I am and how I wanted to feel in it. The custom set she created includes a stunning console table, two nesting end tables, and a matching tray that all feel like an extension of my story.”
— Cammi S.
functional piece of art that brings warmth & joy

“Every time I look at our beautiful handcrafted dining room table, I can’t help but smile as I notice the parts and pieces that Dakota skillfully wove together to create a functional piece of art that brings warmth and joy to our kitchen.”
— Sue K.
commitment to quality & our personal style

“Dakota brings unmatched creativity, technical skill, and attention to detail, translating ideas into structurally sound and stunningly beautiful pieces of functional art. From a reclaimed wood coffee table to innovative shelving and driftwood art, each creation reflects her commitment to quality and our personal style.”
— Stacie & Cary C.
true artisan

“Dakota is a true artisan – her ability to blend creativity with practicality sets her work apart, and ensures each piece is both beautiful AND expertly crafted. If you have the opportunity to work with Dakota, consider yourself (extremely) lucky!”
— Kelsey F.