Smith Shop produces metalwork of extraordinary design and exceptional craftsmanship
Smith Shop is an artistic metalworking studio that creates functional and ornamental metalwork for private clients, architects, designers, and institutions. They specialize in architectural ironwork, historic restoration, furniture, hardware, housewares and ecclesiastic objects. Working from a deep expertise in historic ironwork and architecture, Smith Shop employs a traditional approach to the design and construction of their works, which are often produced for architecture in historic contexts. Their works have been recognized for excellence through numerous awards and publications, and reside in public and private collections across the United States. Smith Shop’s collaborative process utilizes the talents of two senior partners along with a committed group of talented metalsmiths and apprentices.
Services
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Smith Shop is a full service architectural metalworking studio—we work with clients to define a scope of work, conceptualize, design, build, and install our work. Smith Shop can independently handle a project start to finish. We welcome clients and collaborators into our process at every phase.
Our specialties include:
Interior projects: grand stair railings, wall mounted railings, interior gates and screens, fire screens, andirons and other hearth equipment, custom hardware, kitchenware, furniture
Exterior projects: estate and pedestrian gates, doors, step railings, ornamental fencing, porch railings, transom and window grilles
Landscape and Garden projects: pergolas, trellises, benches, follies, sculpture
Lighting projects: lamp posts, lanterns, free standing and desk lamps, chandeliers, sconces, candelabras
On a more limited basis we will consider:
Silversmithing and hollowware projects: cups, bowls, vases, etc.
Liturgical works: croziers, fonts, chalices, pattens, candle sticks, menorahs, yads, mezuzot, etc.
Co-branded or limited production jewelry and accessories.
Jewelry projects in gold, platinum, palladium, and precious stones.
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Smith Shop provides comprehensive historic preservation and restoration services. Because of our deep technical expertise and academic knowledge of historic ironwork and architecture we are among the most qualified restorers of significant historical ironwork in the United States. Smith Shop always honors the original means and methods in restoring historic works while always trying to preserve the original fabric of the work. We follow the US Department of the Interior guidelines, and reference professional guidelines set by the National Heritage Iron Group in the United Kingdom—which specifically address historic ironwork in detail. A statement of qualification is available upon request.
Smith Shop provides:
Condition reports and assessments
Work proposals detailing methodologies
Deinstallation services
Cleaning and coating removal
Repairs to existing material fabric
Replacement of missing or severely damaged (as needed) components
Assembly
Recoating Services
Installation
Maintenance guidelines
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Smith Shop is based in Detroit, Michigan, USA. While much of our work comes locally, we are willing to take on projects for clients located anywhere in the world. For any project which is smaller than a bread box, location doesn’t pose any real hindrance. For architectural projects and historic restoration we suggest potential clients contact us to discuss the logistics of working at a distance.
National and International Projects
Smith Shop routinely executes projects within a day’s drive of Detroit. We are comfortable taking on projects further afield. Smith Shop must be able to travel to the project location for an assessment to verify field measurements and site conditions. From this information we can build a digital model and complete most projects remotely without follow up visits (if site conditions change or the project changes it may require additional site visits). Rather than incurring the expense of travel and housing our staff for the duration of an installation at a remote site, we recommend hiring a local company to perform installation. Smith Shop crates and freights the project to the site. We have a number of reciprocal relationships around the US, where colleagues will assist in installations of our work. We typically provide the necessary documentation to the installation crew and have a video conference to initiate the hand-off. Where necessary we will send a supervisor to oversee an installation subcontractor. Specific details are determined in collaboration with the client, and are specified in work contracts.
Philosophy
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Ironwork is supplemental to architecture – it should elevate the environment and everything around it, not seek to dominate it.
Fine craftsmanship and proper engineering is non-negotiable. Every work we undertake is intended to last for centuries. We don’t measure the quality of our work by comparing it to others currently practicing in the field, we determine our success by comparing our output to historic masterworks.
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We communicate clearly with our clients. We tell them what we’re doing, how we’re doing it, and why. We share regular updates with pictures and videos while projects are in production. We also have an open door policy, and welcome clients to visit the studio (with notice). Not every client wants to be in the kitchen while we’re cooking, and that’s ok too. We find communication and openness are the best way to manage expectations and to build trust.
We’ve spent half a career sacrificing to arrive at a place where we can produce timeless works of merit. We are actively seeking partners, collaborators, and clients who share our goal to create these works.
Not every project is a good fit for our studio, we are always happy and willing to refer projects to competent colleagues who may be a better fit.
We don’t do blades or weapons. Move along.
Terms & Conditions
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Each project begins with an email or phone call outlining the scope of work and describing the project and its context. The client is queried to obtain all relevant information to the project. This may include discussions with general and subcontractors, architects, designers, etc. Any relevant design or inspiration materials should be shared to communicate the intention of the project. From there, Smith Shop schedules a site visit—if necessary—to take detailed measurements of the site.
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Once we have all this information we can begin our design process. Before we begin design work we try to give the client a high level number which is for planning purposes only. Depending on the scale and scope of a project the design process may take a few hours or a few weeks. We often make samples as a “proof of concept” that our drawings can be executed in the material. If changes are necessary after sampling then the design is updated. Proposal drawings are presented to the client for review. Revisions are made as requested. Once the design of the project is approved, Smith Shop creates a project proposal and cost estimate. If the client approves the estimate, a signed contract is returned and a deposit is made—typically 50% of the project cost. The project is then placed on our production schedule. In the event the client chooses not to proceed, a pre-development & design fee equal to 5-10% of the total cost of the project is due to Smith Shop.
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In production Smith Shop will in good faith execute the approved work but will not be liable for minor deviations to improve engineering, craftsmanship, etc. The contract will specify a schedule for the remaining balance of the project typically broken up by milestones in production and delivery or installation. Any changes to the project requested by the client after the approval of the design may incur additional costs. We always give estimates of the time to complete the project from the time we begin production. We notify clients of current lead times during the development and design process. We will make every attempt to complete projects in a timely manner, but in no case, may a discount, penalty, or deduction may be imposed. Our goal is always to complete a project to the best of our ability and to the satisfaction of our clients. We find working under the threat of financial penalty runs counter to our goals and puts pressure on relationships we hope to maintain for decades.