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Evert Sodergren was a fourth generation cabinet and furniture maker whose father emigrated to Seattle from Sweden. His father bought a custom furniture building shop in the University District in 1933. During World War II, Evert worked for Boeing, making aircraft models for wind tunnel testing and then in 1947 he took over his father's shop. Later, he taught furniture design and construction at the University of Washington from 1963-1978. Then in 1978 he moved the workshop to his home where he continued to work with apprentices and former students.

He was a founding member of Northwest Woodworkers, Northwest Designer Craftsmen, and Northwest Fine Working. His furniture pieces were considered works of art which lead to him being named a Living Treasure in the studio craft movement of the Pacific Northwest and honored by the inclusion of his furniture in collections at the Smithsonian Museum's Renwick Gallery, the Museum of Art and Design in New York, and the Boston Museum of Fine Art. His sculptured walnut armchair with leather seat and his Tansu chests are signature pieces of distinction easily recognizable as his design and execution.