Max Rutgers, originally from the Netherlands, developed a fascination with woodworking at a young age. His passion for art, sculpture, and drawing led him in 1994 to train in France with the Compagnons du Devoir, a centuries-old French guild of master artisans whose roots trace back to the Middle Ages.

The Compagnons’ training involves an itinerant phase known as the “Tour de France,” during which apprentices travel across the country to work alongside various master craftsmen. This unique experience exposed Max to a rich variety of traditional techniques and regional approaches, marking the beginning of a deeply personal and professional journey that continues to shape his work.

After years of working in Europe, America, and Africa, Max settled in Alt Empordà (Girona) in 2007, where he founded his workshop Max Madera. Specializing in wooden structural carpentry, he began by building porches and small roof structures, gradually gaining recognition for his mastery of traditional methods and exceptional craftsmanship.

His expertise has led to involvement in significant heritage restoration projects as well as the construction and rehabilitation of large-scale wooden structures in historic homes and rural estates. He leads a team composed of skilled carpenters and trainees, welcoming students and apprentices—particularly from the Compagnons network—offering them a hands-on education much like the one that shaped his own early career.

Notable Projects

• Restoration of the bell tower at the Church of Sant Andreu de Serinyà

• Construction of the dome at Mas Marroch

• Reconstruction of beams and rafters in the Claustre dels Gats at the Monastery of Pedralbes

• Full rehabilitation of Can Buch

• Restoration of Casa Burés, including the recovery of 86 uniquely carved beam heads

Today, Max Rutgers continues to honor and evolve the tradition of structural carpentry, merging historic craftsmanship with contemporary needs and cultivating the next generation of woodworkers through mentorship and collaboration. His work reflects a deep respect for material, heritage, and technique, making him a key figure in the preservation and reinvention of architectural timber structures in Catalonia and beyond.