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.