Norm Abram

[8] Abram initially studied mechanical engineering at the University of Massachusetts Amherst,[6][7][9] where he became a brother of the Pi Lambda Phi fraternity.[7][9] After leaving college, Abram worked for three years for a multimillion-dollar New England–based construction firm,[6] and was rapidly promoted to a position as a site supervisor.A one hour special titled The House that Norm Built aired online and on PBS stations on October 3, 2022, surveying his career with the program.[4] The program showcased furniture or other projects and emphasized classic, elegant designs, made using a combination of simple handtools and newer power tools and equipment.Norm Abram has lived with his wife, Elise (a skilled potter),[16] in a custom modified classic two story Colonial, timber framed home that he built in Carlisle, Massachusetts, with the assistance of his father and other professionals.[24] More recently, he bought a new old house in Rhode Island near the coast, where he plans to build a new woodworking shop, and he is also interested in learning shipbuilding.[16][23] His fondness for plaid shirts is well-known and at times parodied,[4][6] a prime example being the character Al Borland from Home Improvement, portrayed by Richard Karn.Abram and his wife enjoy cooking and entertaining, visiting museums and art galleries, boating, kayaking, and fishing.
Norm Abram recording an episode of This Old House at Kennedy Space Center , 2000
Norm Abram (left), with HUD Deputy Secretary Roy Bernardi (center), and This Old House host Kevin O'Connor (right), at a renovation site in 2006
Woonsocket, Rhode IslandThis Old HouseThe New Yankee WorkshopMilford, Massachusettsmechanical engineeringUniversity of Massachusetts AmherstPi Lambda Phibusiness administrationNantucketKennedy Space CenterRussell MorashJulia ChildThe French ChefWGBH-TVVictorian houseDorchesterBob VilaHUD Deputy SecretaryRoy BernardiKevin O'ConnorOld Sturbridge VillageSturbridge, MassachusettscommencementNorth Bennet Street SchoolapprenticeshipFreakazoid!Between the LionsWhere in the World is Carmen Sandiego?Foot LockerFetch! With Ruff RuffmanAce of CakesAmerican Academy of OphthalmologyKen BurnsCarlisle, MassachusettsshipbuildingHome ImprovementRichard KarnSunset BooksThe Boston GlobeThe Providence JournalFine WoodworkingBoston.comSFGATEYouTube