“We are blessed to have a talented team that takes pride in their craft and gives their all to every project they touch.”
From iconic sculptures in city parks to special residential pieces to sweeping stairs in commercial buildings, 2024 brought the kind of projects that craftsmen dream about. Big or small, every job presents its own unique challenge not only to execute the client’s vision, but to uphold the standards of quality and excellence that Heirloom has come to be famous for. In looking back, the projects that stand out most seem nearly impossible to narrow down, so we let our team decide instead. We asked five faces of Heirloom which jobs they loved most – whether it be because of the crafting process, the challenge the job presented, or simply the impact of the finished product – and here is what they said.
It’s no surprise that our Operations Specialist and resident commercial project expert chose the largest—and arguably most complex—staircase we’ve ever built as his top project of 2024.
The United Center was recently awarded the WELL Certification, which is the premier building standard focused on enhancing the health and well-being of employees in the facility. It is the very first project in South Carolina to receive this certification.
Reuben Knights is one of the exceptional craftsmen on our team, dedicating every day to building and installing custom staircases. His expertise and attention to detail set a high standard for excellence. So when this client—whose own career also began in staircase construction and who shared the same commitment to quality—came to us, we knew their collaboration would result in something truly remarkable.
Of all the projects we’ve tackled, the Wetlands Structure on the Reedy River in Greenville, SC, may be the most intricate. Weighing approximately 3,000 pounds, this striking piece features hand-twisted wooden beams, each bolted at 324 different intersections. The complexity of its design presented a true challenge, making it no surprise that James Moseley, Co-Owner and Lead Designer at Heirloom, reflects on this project with immense pride and appreciation.
Located just outside Unity Park—Greenville’s newest and most vibrant gathering space—the Wetlands Structure stands as a testament to thoughtful craftsmanship and collaboration, and provides opportunities for park visitors to learn about and grow in appreciation for the beautiful habitat that surrounds them. We were honored to partner with the City of Greenville and Harper Construction to bring this vision to life.
It may not be a multi-level commercial staircase or a hyper-complex geometrical structure, but our Project Coordinator Meghan has a special knack for finding the beauty in simplicity. That’s what she loves most about this range hood we crafted for the 2024 Southern Living Idea House – its understated nature. The way it seems to seamlessly melt into the wall, as if its part of it. At first, its a whisper; but if you take the time to really look, it can be quite loud.
In terms of fabrication, this range hood is actually much more than meets the eye. While the vast majority of our range hoods are crafted from metal, this hood was first crafted from wood. In order to achieve the desired design intent, we then covered the wood in plaster, adding some interesting and subtle texture, and then finished it with the brass elements.
“Every detail we created for this house is a testament to how Southern Living became so iconic,” says Meghan. “The pieces manage to somehow be timeless and fresh at the same time. A nod to classic coastal design that is unique, yet will never go out of style.”
One of Heirloom’s two blacksmiths, Josh Moore, is an incredibly skilled craftsman. When asked about his favorite project from last year, his answer was immediate. Heirloom has had the privilege of working with a client in Asheville for the past five years, and they returned to us in early 2024 for a custom driveway archway to complement the gothic architecture of their home.
The arch was fully hand-forged from solid steel—a meticulous and time-consuming process. Not to mention the install, as the finished prodcut weighed over 2,000 pounds. But for Josh, the end result was more than worth the effort.
We are truly blessed to have a body of work that we are proud of and clients that appreciate our trade. But above all, we are blessed to have a talented team that takes pride in their craft and gives their all to every project they touch. 2024 was a year filled with unforgettable moments, but we know that our best days are the ones ahead of us.
