For Joel Algra, founder and president of Denver-based millwork studio Castlewood Doors, doors are far more than an entryway—they’re a state of mind. The son of a carpenter, Algra has a keen understanding of quality work. “Something well-made elicits a feeling. When you see something that’s truly well-crafted, it just feels right,” he says. “A door isn’t just a door. It has to fit the architecture, the materials, the proportions. When it’s done right, you can’t quite put your finger on why—it works almost silently.”
Guided by Algra’s passion for exceptional artistry and materiality, Castlewood Doors has been designing and building custom doors since 2008. “It wasn’t about building a business to fit a need—it was about making something at the highest possible level and creating that feeling of, ‘Wow, that looks amazing,’” Algra says. This dedication to excellence has earned the company a reputation for exceptional work across the country, from Colorado’s mountain towns to New York City. From conception to installation, Algra and his team are constantly working to get things exactly right. “What we’re not is, ‘Here’s the product we have, hope it works.’ Every door is tailored to its environment, its materials, and the people who live with it.”
Crafting a custom door is as much a work of creative expression as it is an exercise in precision. For Algra, this means taking into account not only physical elements but also architectural design and location. “We work with designers and architects who have a very specific vision, and our job is to figure out how to bring that vision to life while also making sure it functions as intended,” Algra says. “It’s not just about choosing the right materials, it’s about understanding how they’ll work together and how they’ll behave over time.”
Algra emphasizes the importance of materials and environment, noting that a door in a sun-drenched area of Colorado will react differently than one in a moisture-rich climate. “Wood moves; it expands and contracts with the seasons,” he notes. “We have to consider all these factors to ensure our doors will stand the test of time.” This also means helping clients realize their visions without sacrificing on quality or longevity. “We want to make sure we’re not just creating something that looks good now, but something that will continue to function and look beautiful for years to come.”
From larger factors like environmental considerations to the smallest details such as structural motifs and hardware choices, Castlewood Doors guides every project to exemplary completion. This diligent attention to detail and craft also extends into the sustainable practices central to the company’s ethos. “Being good stewards of materials means finding ways to reintegrate scraps—sometimes it’s saying no to a project that won’t last.”
With decades of experience behind him, Algra has nothing but appreciation and gratitude for his work. “I’m really lucky to get to do what I do.” He relishes every opportunity to craft doors that embrace function, transcend the norm, and respect the beauty of the world.
