Born in Guthrie Center, Iowa and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Doug began his fascination with drawing as a young child. After a short stint studying cabinet making at TVI, he began an apprenticeship with renowned sculptor Federico Armijo, an experience which changed his life. He moved to Boston in 1973 where he worked on restoring old houses while still creating his own sculpture and furniture.

In 1978 he met his wife Jane, a classical oboist who inspired his line of music accessories, and moved to Rhode Island living first in Newport (more old houses) and later Jamestown where he has a small shop and large gardens.