Riggo Design

My journey as a steel furniture maker in Colorado began quite unexpectedly. I took a welding class for something fun to do. On day one, as I was heating up a piece of cold steel with my torch, that strong, dark chunk of steel eventually gave up and melted into a bright orange puddle. A puddle that I could control and turn into whatever I wanted. It was my little molten epiphany and it changed my life. Soon after, I ditched my corporate job and began pursuing my newly-discovered passion full-time. I make custom art and art furniture out of mild steel. It’s silvery gray, cold, and strong. And I love it. It’s an uncommon material for furnishings that can fit into almost any style of home. It can look classic, industrial, modern, and everything in between. How would I describe my style? That’s tough, because my aesthetic shifts from one project to the next. People have told me they can recognize my pieces when they see them, but they can’t put it into words. I’m good with that. That means I’m not falling into any ruts. I also like creating discovery points in my work, like hiding the client’s initials, anniversary date or their dog’s name in the details of a piece. It adds a deeper meaning to it and a stronger sense of ownership for the client. And it makes for a good story – if the client wishes to share it with anyone. I also like to incorporate salvaged or meaningful objects into my pieces whenever possible. Scraps of hardware, decommissioned manhole covers or an item the client has been holding onto for years, just waiting for the perfect way to use it – a hand-painted tile they bought on their honeymoon or an old doorknob from their childhood home. I love giving new life to old things and making people look at them in a new way. Again, it makes for a better story. And isn’t that what our homes are all about – sharing old stories and creating new ones? When you’re ready for a Shiny Metal Object for your home, and a new story, call me. Thank you. -Riggs