Hi, I’m Nova Smith, a designer-maker working with precious metals to create sculptural, interactive objects—currently focusing on crafting candelabras for the dinner table.

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I love the challenge of designing objects that are both functional and a little playful—objects that serve a purpose, but aren’t just about utility. My work strikes a balance between function and form, blending sculptural elements with practical design.

My creative process often begins with sketches and paper models, which is one of the reasons I’m drawn to working with sheet metal. It shares a lot of the same properties as paper in terms of shaping and construction, but offers a greater range of possibilities. Transitioning from base metals like copper and brass to silver felt like a natural step, though it was a bit daunting. Silver is a beautiful, almost ethereal material, but it comes with its own set of challenges. Every mistake shows, and working with it demands a level of precision that’s both rigorous and rewarding. It also carries a higher price point and more social expectations, which adds a layer of pressure to get things just right.

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Tableware became my focus because I enjoy creating objects that not only have a place in the home but also serve a real, functional purpose. I want my pieces to be used, to become part of an experience—something that naturally finds its home at the center of the dinner table.