When my great-grandfather emigrated from Sweden in 1898, he changed our family name from Svan to Swan. I like to think some part of those coastal-dwelling Scandinavian roots found their way into me, first when I began sailing and working on boats over 15 years ago, and again when I built my first sauna during the quiet months of Covid.

I’ve owned businesses, built homes, and led all kinds of projects over the years, but saunas are where it all comes together for me. The design, the precision, the challenge of building something beautiful that feels right. For me, each sauna is a kind of refuge for the nervous system, a place where form meets function, and the body can let go and relax.

It’s an old tradition, but one we need now more than ever.