If you’re a regular reader of Modestics, you might already recognize the name Schmitt Design. If you’re not familiar with Schmitt Design, then I’m so happy to be the one to introduce you in today’s Meet the Maker! – Brian Schmitt, of Schmitt Design, is one of those guys you just want to know (or know about). He’s been a California maker since 2005, and a friend of Modestics since the beginning.
Although I’ve mentioned Schmitt Design before, I can’t gush enough about Brian. He has been extremely supportive of us, and our venture with Modestics. He’s one of the people we thought of when we started blogging that we thought you should know about. The real people every day making America modern. So without further ado..
Modestics: Tell me in your own words about your company?
Schmitt Design: Schmitt Design is a small design/build studio based in Sacramento. We produce a collection of modern lighting, clocks, and decor, and also create site-specific installations including large-scale mobiles and sculptural lighting. Our work features a wide range of materials including wood, bamboo, metal, porcelain, and glass.
MO: When did you start Schmitt Design?
SD: I started with the initial Adrift Mobiles collection in 2005. David Pierce, of OHIO Design, was generous enough to let me hang a mobile in his booth at ICFF that year.
MO: When did you feel like you were a “real company”?
SD: It has been a gradual progression, though 2012 was an exciting year as our Aspect Pendants were awarded the Dwell on Design Award for Best Lighting and we completed a couple of large commissions. I wish I could say that it’s been easy since then, though new challenges present themselves all the time.
MO: What aspect of your job do you love?
SD: I’m struggling to find a succinct answer to this, as there are so many rewarding aspects of this maker life. I really love the beginning of a project or new design when you can be loose and explore concepts. It’s also a thrill at the end, to see that initial concept come to fruition.
MO: What was the first thing you made?
SD: I got my start as a kid with Legos and skateboard ramps. My Rift Mobile, made from bent-laminated bamboo, is the first design that I decided to produce and sell.
MO: Do you, yourself make your products or do you have factories that you work with?
SD: A few of our products are built entirely in our shop, though most are a balance of in-house production and outsourced processes. We have a network of skilled craftspeople in the region with whom to partner for various processes, including CNC routing, laser cutting, powder coating, and slip casting.
MO: What is your favorite Made in USA designer?
SD: It’s exciting to see the wealth of talented individuals and companies who are producing quality work in the US. A few of my favorites are Heath Ceramics, Rich Brilliant Willing, and Brendan Ravenhill.
MO: Do you have any special interests?
SD: In recent years, being a dad to two young boys has absorbed most of my free time. When time allows, I look forward to hitting the skatepark and going to some daytime DJ parties with friends (and kids!).
MO: Any memorable on the job work injuries?
SD: Thankfully, I have steered clear of any major injuries; however, at a previous job, I worked with a friend who severely cut his thumb on a chop saw. It was a traumatic experience and a reminder of how quickly an accident can occur. I now have a heightened sense of caution around such saws.
He might make dreamy mobiles every day, but Brian is the most down to earth maker that we’re proud to know. We’re happy to be able to call him a friend and have Schmitt Design (as well as one of Brian’s favorite makers; Brendan Ravenhill) as part of the Modestics Collection.
Do you know a modern American maker we should meet? Email me: linda@modestics.com
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