DESIGNS ON HANDCRAFTED TREASURES
Panel Discussion A couple of woodworking experts provide an update on their intriguing business TEXT BY TRACY DONOHUE PORTRAIT BY MIKE BARTELLO
W
hen Jeff Smith and Shayn Smith met in 2014, they discovered they had more than a surname in common. Over the following year, the two highly skilled woodworking artisans collaborated on several projects and found they shared a similar passion for their craft. It seemed a natural next step to combine their talents by launching their fine woodworking company, SmithMade. With a mix of nationwide residential and corporate clients, the Shelby Township-based business offers luxury custom flooring, furniture, cabinetry, and decorative surfaces. SmithMade’s unique specialty is custom veneer designs — an art form known as marquetry. Among their many upscale projects, they’ve created artful staircases, fireplace
ARTISTIC ENDEAVORS
Jeff Smith and Shayn Smith are two highly skilled woodworking artisans who see endless possibilities.
surrounds, and wall panels, as well as intricate patterned wood flooring. They recently expanded their offerings with more commodity veneered panels for use by high-end cabinet and furniture makers. “We often work in partnership with other companies or designers and the client,” Shayn says. “We get to know the clients as individuals and find out what really matters or is interesting to them, so we can bring it into the design.” Adds Jeff: “Whatever a client can imagine, we can create. We like challenges. We take the time, do the research, and feed off each other. It’s important to be open to what’s possible (so we can) create meaningful pieces. We (make) 3-D drawings to give the client a clear description of the project, but we want the finished product to be even better and have a connection.” Their designs range from refined rustic to sleek modern, and the partners work with a variety of domestic and exotic woods including walnut burl, hickory, and African wenge. Depending on the vision for a project, it might incorporate different
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