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A single detail of a well-designed space may not stand out on its own. But sometimes, one detail is all it takes to elevate an entire concept. Take Pinewood Social: It's an excellent meeting place for friends mostly because of the open floor plan, which allows for simultaneous people watching and exclusivity. Maybe you've been countless times (like us) and never noticed the massive steel wall dividers that cordon off the space to create natural gathering areas and a flow of movement. One separates the living room from a walkway; another borders the brilliant copper-topped bar. These large-yet-subtle details are the masterpieces of Ferrin Ironworks.
Owner Andrew Ferrin has been welding since he was 11.
'My dad taught me how to weld and how to forge steel,” he says. 'He was a blacksmith, farrier, and welder at the time, so it all came together from there.”
Once he picked up the basics, Ferrin continued taking on welding jobs throughout his teens and eventually launched Ferrin Ironworks in 2005, specializing in steel sculptures for art and interior and exterior design. Ferrin works alongside his brother, Zach, and the two operate out of a studio in the Wedgewood/Houston neighborhood. 'We've been in this area for about two years and it's been amazing,” he says. 'We get to work with many extremely talented artisans all the time. It seems like we're always bumping into each other on different projects here and there.”
The process begins with an initial consultation, taking in the client's ideas, relaying them to illustrations, and adding in a few signature details. Once the design is agreed upon, the fun begins.
'We order materials and begin our fabrication process using all types of techniques, from welding, hammer forging, heat treating, grinding, torching, drilling, and plasma cutting,” Ferrin says, sounding a little like a kid who's just been told he gets to play with fire.
Ferrin sources most of the materials from mills around the Nashville area. The arsenal of tools includes welders, plasma cutters, CNC plasma cutters, grinders, drill presses, acetylene torches, buffers, hammers, anvils…the list goes on. 'Sometimes, when the project calls for it, we will repurpose the metal,” he adds. 'Then we put stains, rusting agents, clear coats, and waxes on it to make the product truly unique.”
You've probably seen Ferrin Ironworks projects around town, like at Five Points Pizza, where they installed steel and glass cases, steel chalkboard frames, and pizza racks. There's also the zinc bar at Table 3 in Green Hills, the steel and glass shelves at Two Ten Jack, the outdoor Barista Parlor sign, and the sign at Rolf and Daughtersalong with the planters, handrails, and fencing that have made it one of the city's most photographed patios. Several installations are more industrial in style and built for function.
'Once the project is completed, we will deliver it and either install or have the contractor install, depending on what was agreed on,” says Ferrin. 'It's a wonderful feeling when we get to see the clients' excitement for the finished product.”
The brothers also team up on indoor and outdoor projects for private residences, where they might get to play a bit more with the details. They've done a three-star ode to the Tennessee state flag embedded in a metal gate as well as Texas stars, horseshoes, and winding tree branches growing along a staircase; other home projects include copper chimney tops, iron chandeliers and matching dining table bases, garden gates, and fireplace covers. 'Right now we're working on a pretty awesome semi-spiral staircase that is going down the parapet of a large home in Smyrna,” Ferrin adds.
Clearly, the possibilities to display their high-level craftsmanship are endless. Nothing seems to be off their tableas long as it's made from metal.