—A legacy of craft, inspired by the rich architectural history of New Orleans, generations in the making.

The building on the corner of Toulouse and Chartres Sts where the business first began.
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A 1930s view of the Mid City warehouse where our millwork
shop is currently located.
Our Roots
In 1811, the Bertel brothers, Etienne, Jacques, Jean Baptiste, and Jean Prudence, opened their cabinetmaking business on the corner of Toulouse and Chartres Streets in the French Quarter of New Orleans. More than 200 years later, we are proud to continue the Bertel tradition by providing custom-built, handcrafted millwork from our Toulouse Street workshop in Mid City to property owners and builders along the Gulf Coast and throughout the Southeast.
Founder Etienne Bertel is featured in this intriguing history of 20th century furniture making in New Orleans.
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An invoice from June 19, 1810 for $407 for work that Etienne Bertel did for the City of New Orleans.
Our in-depth knowledge of both traditional woodworking methods and the latest modern technology ensures quality and longevity in everything we produce. We are a full-service millworks, with in-house historic preservation, design, and tax credit expertise. We use long-lasting, exterior gradewoods and time-tested components in all our projects, from exterior and interior doors, windows, shutters, casegoods, and decorative architectural millwork, to custom wood cabinetry and furniture.
Today

Our Millworks Shop

Our Team

Mike Bertel
Business Development / Client Services
As a devoted father and husband, Mike balances family life with a deep-rooted commitment to upholding New Orleans' architectural legacy through respect for traditional woodworking and an eye toward modern, innovative solutions. Descended from a line of master woodworkers dating back to 1810, co-founder Mike leads the team in partnership with Caroline Rogers, and is in charge of client relations. He holds a degree in agricultural business, but Mike’s passion for woodworking has always remained steadfast. Today, he not only oversees Toulouse St Millworks but also manages the family farm on 120 acres in nearby Poplarville, MS, preserving both agricultural and architectural traditions of the region.
Caroline Bertel
Design Coordinator
Caroline Bertel is an experienced design director known for her creative vision and organizational skills. With a background in interior design, she seamlessly blends artistic talent with efficient project management. Caroline excels in bridging communication between design teams and the shop, ensuring smooth collaboration and successful execution. Caroline's positive attitude fosters a collaborative environment where creativity thrives.
Brooke Cranford
Director of Sales & Operations
With over eighteen years of design and historic preservation expertise, and hailing from Mobile, Alabama, Brooke earned her bachelor’s degree in interior design from Auburn University and Master’s of Preservation Studies from Tulane. She has cultivated lasting relationships with general contractors and architects specializing in historic restoration work throughout the city of New Orleans and manages an average of thirty-five projects at a time. In her sales role, Brooke is the lead estimator on both commercial and residential projects and creates detailed proposals that include custom millwork fabricated in the shop. In her project management role, she communicates with clients, architects, and homeowners throughout the shop drawing, fabrication, finishing, and installation process.
Jim Bertel
Specialties Shop Director
Jim Bertel, a New Orleans native, is a master woodworker and carpenter. As the co-founder of Toulouse St Millworks, he brings decades of expertise to the group. After a lifetime dedicated to honing his craft, Jim is semi-retired and works out of his woodshop at the family farm in Poplarville, MS. Jim helps the team tackle problems that only a woodworker with 60 years of experience could solve.
Geovanny Ramos
Shop Director
While growing up on a farm, Geovanny cultivated a knack for fixing and building, honing his skills with hand tools from a very young age. Drafting and design courses fueled his passion for woodworking and evolved into a fervent love of transforming raw materials into bespoke pieces. Geovanny’s experience in field construction work, CNC design, and as a bench carpenter also contributes to his expertise in directing the fabrication end of Toulouse St Millworks. He draws on decades of expertise in New Orleans architectural styles and oversees every aspect of our projects from initial job site visits, to shop drawings, production, and installation.
Michelle Duhon
Historic Tax Credit Millwork Constultant
Michelle Duhon is a professional preservationist and architectural conservator with experience in construction, architectural drawing, and hands-on conservation of historic buildings. Michelle brings technical knowledge of historic building materials and has worked as an owner’s representative on construction projects, from historic cemeteries to sculptures to masonry buildings. Michelle holds a bachelor’s degree in history and art history and a master’s degree in historic preservation. Michelle works with clients to create historically accurate designs and drawings in the design phase that meet the specifications of their most detailed needs.
Cody Stringer
Sales Manager
After finishing his college degree at the University of Colorado, Cody cultivated many years of experience as a construction manager of both historic renovations and new developments and as one of the most productive real estate agents in New Orleans. As sales manager, his honesty, transparency, reliability, and tireless work ethic consistently exceed client expectations. Cody has an in-depth understanding of millwork methods, materials, and design. In addition, his extensive experience with the Historic District Landmark Committee (HDLC) helps guide clients through permitting processes when needed. Cody’s passion for historic homes, quality craftsmanship, and attention to detail continuously translate to successful projects and satisfied customers.
Molly O'Keefe
Finance Director
Molly O’Keefe joined the Millworks team in 2013. She is originally from Gulf Shores, Alabama and moved to New Orleans in 2005 to attend Tulane University, where she completed a BA in Political Economy and an MBA. Molly has worked in the finance and accounting industry for over 15 years. She now resides in Utopia by the Bay, in Fairhope, Alabama with her husband and three children. Roll Tide.