Curved Stairs and Creativity: The Unique Craftsmanship of North Charleston
NORTH CHARLESTON — A Blend of Art and Functionality
In the heart of North Charleston, a remarkable blend of craftsmanship and creativity is taking shape at Hammer and Bell Design-Build. Here, a dedicated team led by Katie “Bell” Williams and her husband Jack Bassett brings a passion for woodworking to life, specializing in the creation of stunning custom staircases, curved doors, and unique furniture.
“Bending wood to create something functional and beautiful is where my heart truly lies,” Katie explained with a smile as she worked on the latest project. The air in the shop filled with the sound of clamping and the scent of fresh-cut wood, a comforting combination that many builders know all too well.
Making Dreams Come True
Just recently, Katie and her team were hard at work on a project that had the potential to transform a home in Wyoming. It took the client a long two years to find skilled artisans who could understand and execute their vision. “Projects like this usually run into the low six figures, but we pride ourselves on the quality we deliver—sometimes the price can soar over $200,000 for monumental pieces,” Katie explained while carefully monitoring the wood as it was clamped into the form to cure overnight.
Fascinated by the marriage of aesthetics and practicality, Katie added, “We want everything we create to be structural, functional, and, most importantly, beautiful. We genuinely believe that beauty begets beauty. When we alter someone’s space and provide them with daily beauty, that’s something they carry with them into the world.”
A Weekend Forecast of Cloudiness and Rain
As the team continued their work, the weather outside North Charleston was looking a bit under the weather. The day’s forecast promised considerable cloudiness with some occasional rain showers expected to roll in this afternoon. With high temperatures reaching around 82°F and northeast winds blowing gently at 5 to 10 mph, it seems like a good day to stay inside a cozy woodshop and focus on crafting intricate designs.
The chance of rain is estimated at 40% this afternoon with a potential low of around 70°F tonight. So, if you’re thinking of heading out, it might be a good idea to grab that umbrella—looks like we might get about half an inch of rain in the coming hours!
From a Dream to Reality
Katie’s journey began in Kentucky, where she fell in love with working with her hands. It wasn’t just a job for her; it was a passion driven by the desire to create something meaningful. She shared, “I have always been drawn to aspects of art and function. I wanted to build things with purpose, whether it was a beautifully crafted staircase or a practical piece of furniture.”
Having faced challenges as a woman in the trade, Katie remained persistent; she attended the American College of the Building Arts in Charleston, where she learned traditional building methods. “Often I was the only woman on site, and opportunities were scarce. But I never let that deter me,” she recalled, her eyes shining with determination.
A Vision of Tomorrow
With backgrounds not only in woodworking but also in boat building and sculpture design, the Hammer and Bell Design-Build team is well-equipped for challenges that come their way. As the workers meticulously monitored the curing process of the wood set in an airtight bag, they reflected on how their love for craftsmanship has guided them.
Not just another project, the staircases and furniture created at Hammer and Bell are expressive works of art that stand the test of time. “Every piece carries a story, a moment from the time it was made, and that’s something truly special,” Katie said, smoothing her hand over a freshly finished design.
As today unfolds beneath a cloudy sky, the creativity and passion in the shop continues to flow, promising North Charleston not only skilled craftsmanship but also pieces that elevate spaces and lives.
