Loran Smith has had a hand in woodworking and furniture craft for decades. He began Loran Smith Woodworking in August of 1988. Previously, he lived and worked in New Hampshire, serving as chairman for the Guild of New Hampshire Woodworkers. Today, he lives and works east of Nederland proper.
“Upon moving to Colorado from New Hampshire in 2013, I set up shop outside Nederland to focus on projects throughout the Front Range. I started my own business in 1988 in an effort to specialize in crafting one of a kind furniture, custom cabinetry, and architectural millwork with an emphasis on unique, high-end projects with attention to detail,” he explained. “Prior to 1988, I had worked for a large construction company in New Hampshire as foreman of a 20-person finish crew, and then job site supervisor on commercial hotel projects.”
He took part and taught in both workshops and educational sessions with the New Hampshire Furniture Masters Association.
“I have a degree in Electrical Engineering that I never used per se, but find quite useful for the math and problem solving,” Smith noted.
He’s educated others on the craft of molding, and restored antiquities to their original glory, with fine, meticulous attention to his work.
“I currently work in and around the front range of Colorado, specializing in meeting demands for business and residential designs that integrate seamlessly with customer needs,” Smith said, speaking of his craft. “I also create one of a kind furniture in a variety of styles for clients across the country.”
He brings high quality workmanship to the table, and anything he creates.
“I have a unique skill set based in traditional design with attention to detail. Furniture pieces are designed with client input, and then lumber is hand selected to complement each piece, which is crafted from start through application of finish, all by my hand,” he said, speaking of the process. “Renovations and new construction are built using time-tested methods learned from projects in New England that date back to the seventeenth century, utilizing modern materials and forward thinking.”
History plays a big part in restoration projects, in both their design and Smith’s skillset. In his work, he serves the Front Range of Colorado for renovations and new construction. For furniture creations, his work is delivered anywhere in the US and Canada. In the past, he’s won numerous awards for furniture designs, and been featured in multiple magazines and books. As said, he served as chair of the Guild of New Hampshire Woodworkers and the New Hampshire Furniture Masters Association, teaching many classes and workshops to bring his knowledge to others.
But what’s his favorite part of the craft? “I love seeing designs evolve from concept to finished work to meet the needs and demands of individual clients,” he said.
For the now and immediate future, Smith is unable to take on projects due to previous commitments. “I am helping a contractor friend with numerous projects resulting from the Marshall fire,” he said, speaking of the most destructive fire in terms of lost structures in Colorado history.
Loran Smith Woodworking is located in Nederland. For those interested in Smith’s work and craftsmanship down the road, he can be reached at smith. loran@gmail.com or by phone at 603- 833-3037.
Sponsored by the Town of Nederland, with funds from the American Rescue Plan Act.
