Mar 18 2015
This past week, Compass Ironworks participated and lectured at the annual National Ornamental Miscellaneous Metals Association (NOMMA) conference METALfab 2015 before a throng of excited design professionals and other metal craftsmen.
Tulip railing with matching Juliet balcony, residence in Chester County PA.
Compass Ironworks is a leading blacksmith company, renowned for handcrafting distinctive gates, decor, fences and railings in the Mid-Atlantic region. Compass takes great pride in providing peer-to-peer education for architects, interior designers and landscape architects, enabling them to properly specify metal projects to best meet their client's needs.
"For years, architects and designers were learning on the fly with ironworks," says Amos Glick, President of Compass Ironworks. "Recently, there has been a huge resurgence in the interest in specifying iron as it exudes a timeless elegance that can really be appreciated for generations. Iron allows architects and designers to add beauty to their project without subtracting from the planet's resources due to its recycled content. However, there was virtually no educational content available. Compass is filling that need with ASLA, AIA, and ASID accredited courses."
That knowledge base was also shared last week at the NOMMA conference when Glick presented an all-day education event specifically for architects and designers. The craftsmen at Compass Ironworks assisted in facilitating this exceptional opportunity, helping to empower design professionals with knowledge they can use.
On the last day of NOMMA, attendees toured the workshop at Compass Ironworks to view methods, gain knowledge and glean information from some of the ongoing test labs at Compass. To ensure the best product, Compass continually puts its own products through rigorous testing:
- A salt spray chamber mimics the brutal effects of the elements at the shore, subjecting test panels to salt environment, giving these craftsmen a glimpse into how their products and finishes will hold up for as many as 20 years. To date, Compass has accumulated 40 years of data.
- Estate gates are a vital part of security and prestige for a reclusive property. If gates are open due to bad hinges, security falters and first impressions ruined. Compass simulated 1,000 lb. gates with a 10 ft. swing to test three different hinges -- the industry standard, an advanced polymer hinge, and their own unique design, all tested 24/7 to learn what works and what doesn't. The results of the test showed flaws, which have since been addressed. The second generation of hinge technology was shared with attendees.
In addition to educational sessions, METALfab hosts the Top Job competition, inviting expert craftsmen from 50 states and seven countries to enter their best work. The contest showcases design innovation, techniques, trends, and the latest in finishing technology unlike any other venue. The team at Compass was thrilled to win 2 awards, a tribute to their ability to provide sensational projects to their clients, recognized by their industry peers.
This coming week, the Compass team will be sharing their thought leadership directly with national and international attendees at the Architectural Digest Home Show in New York City. Architects and designers seeking intelligent and supportive collaboration will be in attendance, as will affluent consumers looking for guidance and craftsmanship to meet their specific design requirements, using materials that are timeless and elegant, yet have minimal environmental impact.
Compass Ironworks is located in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, an area internationally known for its skilled artisans, impeccable craftsmanship and dedicated work ethic. Compass is a team of less than 10 craftsmen that utilize materials with 97-100% recycled content, and wield tools and techniques that have been used for centuries, yet embrace eco-friendly and sustainable finishes proven to be robust enough to sustain the harsh elements of the shore.