Whitesmith & Company, Inc.

Texas architect, Cole Smith, FAIA, founded Whitesmith & Company, Inc. in 1990. Introduced to forging and metalwork in the 1940’s as a student of architecture and engineering at Kansas State University, Smith continues to design and fabricate prototypes at his own forge.

Whitesmith & Company’s designs begin with collaboration. The design team works closely with the architect, interior designer, project superintendent, or homeowner to fully understand the scope of the project, be it the design of simple kitchen cabinet hardware or the design of a massive, three-tiered chandelier. Hand-drawn sketches are refined over several drafts until the final design emerges. All designs are confirmed and scaled to fit the setting seamlessly. Approved sketches are then rendered in a prototype before finally being forged of iron or bronze and finished with specially mixed patinas. Coming out of the box, the hardware gleams like a functional treasure and installed, gives a space palpable heft.

Originally the weighty, custom-forged pieces were designed as decorative additions to the work done by Smith’s architectural firm, Smith, Ekblad and Associates. Now these exquisitely worked locks, hinges, lanterns, chandeliers, and fittings are available for direct purchase. Please contact us. We look forward to designing heirloom hardware for your home.

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