Abstract: A furniture design and manufacturing system utilizing initial selection of a design "vocabulary" of rectilinear cross-sectional shape "beams" that integrate structural and aesthetic considerations, and utilizing panels coordinated in thickness to be received in dados and rabbets in the beams. Beam cross sections generally have a predetermined incremental size difference, or multiple of the incremental size difference, so that beams inter-fit and cooperate with panels and other beams in a graduated manner permitting a sort of "nesting" when beams, or panels and beams, are used together. This facilitates joinery in furniture using such components because, among other reasons, mortises tend to fall in thicker components than those having tenons. Production of beam stock and, if desired, panel production precedes identification of a furniture item to be produced, facilitating economies in production.