Journal
The Matt Coffey Design Journal covers metalworking techniques, material science, and craft philosophy — including deep comparisons of powder coating vs patina finishes, hot-rolled vs cold-rolled steel, and traditional joinery methods like forge welding and hot riveting, written by a master blacksmith with 25+ years of experience.
Reflections on the craft. Exploring metallurgy, architectural history, design case studies, and the philosophy of building things that outlive us.
Engineering a floating three-story spiral staircase using one-inch solid mild steel, without visible welds. A deep dive into the mathematics, challenges, and artistry behind one of our most ambitious projects.
Modern anvils lack the rebound and soul of forged-steel historic pieces. A deep dive into the Peter Wright anvil that has shaped twenty-five years of metalwork.
They look identical on a spreadsheet, but behave entirely differently at the forge. Understanding which material is right for your custom architectural project.
Before ARC and MIG welding, bridges and skyscrapers were pinned entirely by rivets. We bring this ancient joinery technique to modern residential designs with compelling aesthetic and practical results.
They both work with metal, but the methods, tools, and outcomes are fundamentally different. Understanding when you need a blacksmith versus a fabricator.
Your contractor says 'wrought iron railing' but there's no wrought iron in it. Understanding the three metals that define architectural metalwork.
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