For 50 years, Hubbardton Forge has combined global inspiration with unrestricted design. Their resulting collection of boundary-pushing designs combines pieces with jewelry-like delicacy and bold geometric forms, sculptural sconces and interactive fixtures, plus classic cast-iron pieces and innovative textures. It’s not surprising, considering their unrestricted approach to design leans on the collective expertise of an interdisciplinary design team that’s equally comfortable chiseling stone, carving glass and reimagining LEDs. Together, they’ve built Hubbardton Forge into one of America’s most original and lasting design firms—and they’ve got no plans to slow down.
“Winning designs have both a unique drama and familiarity or comfort that balance each other out,” explains Hubbardton Forge V.P. of Design and Product Strategy David Kitts. “When we are reviewing the initial prototype and everyone in the room, including sales and marketing people, can see that design in their own space—then we know it’s a winner.”
In honor of Hubbardton Forge’s golden anniversary, we spoke with their design team to discover the challenges and joys of collaborating in the firm’s “Anything-is-possible” workshop.
“So many hands touch each piece.”
David Kitts, V.P. of Design and Product Strategy
With a background in engineering and a passion for design, David Kitts brings a keen eye to the drawing board and decades of know-how into the forge. “My design process typically starts with the question: ‘What problem are you trying to solve?’ which can be anything from figuring out how to light a unique space to creating something for a category we haven’t worked with before.”
David focuses on bringing Hubbardton Forge’s wide-ranging design team together to craft unique pieces from start to finish. “Design, engineering, customer service, sales, supply chain, accounting and production all happen under one roof here in remote Vermont,” he says. “There is so much that goes into each product we design and build here and so many hands that touch each piece, in order to ensure each one is high quality.”
“Be true to the nature of the material.”
Paul Marr Hilliard,
Design Team Leader
Metal, glass, stone, chocolate—artist Paul Marr Hilliard sculpts them all. At Hubbardton Forge, his unique perspective as a sculptor has led to statement-making pieces like the Chrysalis collection, which combines artistry with functional light in boundary-pushing pendants.
“The dual role of a piece being functional and aesthetically captivating at the same time can be challenging, but very rewarding, especially considering that the idea usually starts with something as simple as a pencil sketch,” he says. “There are plenty of practical problems to solve as a result of having to add wiring and light sources to a sculptural form, but having light itself be an additional element to work with is exciting.”
For the Chrysalis collection, which makes a dramatic visual impact using layers of glass carved to reveal a sparkling light, Paul relied on a unique molded blown glass then carved into a teardrop-esque shape.
“Play can be a big part of the process.”
David Martin, Designer
“Even after all these years, I am still excited by the vastness of the possibilities for discovery,” says designer David Martin. “Being a keen observer of the world means inspiration for designs can come from almost anywhere—nature, craft, fashion, science or, my favorite, happy accidents. Play can be a big part of the process.”
With a background in architectural design, Martin brings a special appreciation for scale and geometry to his work at Hubbardton Forge. A native Vermonter and the team’s longest-tenured designer, Martin’s wealth of experience gives his designs a mesmerizing depth. His stunning Olympus collections, which relies on rings and spheres fused together in various shapes and often accented by light, highlights his expertise in a stunning fashion.
“The most critical thing is understanding scale, whether it’s of a space, a place, or a chair,” he says. “All of these things have a scale in relation to the human body and the context in which they exist. Light fixtures, to be in harmony with where they are placed, must also be appropriately scaled. Because we never know what style of building a fixture might be placed in, I think about how a design could be appealing in multiple environments.”
“Working with my hands takes my creativity to a new place.”
Ori Goldberg, Designer
Ori Goldberg’s gravity-defying designs combine the patient care of sculpture with the precision of jewelry design. Blending texture with delicacy, the energetic nature of his work resets the atmosphere of a space.
“The creation of something new, whether a new lighting piece or jewelry, is what makes me excited about design,” he says. “Playing with metal or different materials is a big part of my design process. When I work with my hands, it’s usually taking my creativity to a new place, often one that’s much more playful and engaging than the original idea.”
For the Riza collection, Goldberg added significant texture to the designs which gives them their unique pattern. “Texture adds character and personality to a piece, which I think is very important,” he says. “I think it almost always elevates the piece.”
“Strike the right balance between innovation and practicality.”
Andy Morter, Designer and Design Developer
“The artistry lies in crafting light that is gentle on the eyes while ensuring the fixture itself is visually stunning,” says Andy Morter, who grew up in the lighting business watching designs move from conception to production. “It’s about striking the right balance between innovation and practicality.”
Perpetually inspired by new materials and technology, Mortar’s designs continuously raise the bar for what’s possible at Hubbardton Forge. From LEDs to uniquely conductive cables, his pieces balance artistry with science in stunning forms. “I wanted to create a lighting fixture that not only illuminated a space but also allowed for interaction and customization,” he says of the ultra-modern Abacus collection.
The Abacus revolves around fully movable light orbs that can be easily rearranged even when the fixture is on, giving the piece incredible customization options and versatility—elements Morter believes are crucial to home lighting. “Lighting isn’t just about function, it’s an opportunity to express your style and create an atmosphere,” he says. “Invest in rich materials and prioritize domestic manufacturing, as these elements are key to achieving quality lighting that not only enhances your space but also stands the test of time.”
“Equal parts mad scientist and artist.”
Jason Hancock, Designer
Designer Jason Hancock took an unconventional path to becoming a designer, working as a tool and metal fabricator before joining Hubbardton Forge’s R+D team, eventually making the leap to designer. His deep understanding of how materials interact—and the tools needed to create specific patterns, shapes, and styles—gives him an edge in the workshop, while lending his finished designs an ingenious style.
“My tooling background has always involved identifying a problem and experimenting with a hands-on approach to uncover the best solution, which can lead to an innovative result with a fresh artistic outcome,” he says. “Anyone that has worked with me knows that my design approach is equal parts mad scientist and artist.”
For his Tura collection, Hancock fused art and science to create the molds needed for the collection’s unique textures, adding depth to the designs. “Texture matters,” he explains. “Incorporating texture into any design scheme adds depth and dimension, making the space more engaging and tactile. By breaking up flat surfaces and creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, it draws the audience in on a sensory level.”
To learn more about what makes Hubbardton Forge a leader in American-made design, visit their brand page here:
