Reid Bruggemann has been interested in craft and design since childhood. As a teenager, he worked as a stone-cutter at a custom jewelry shop. This was his first introduction to fine craftsmanship. As a young adult, he began designing and building furniture. After studying History and Literature in college, he got an apprenticeship at a welding and machine shop in 1995. This was the start of his career as a professional metalworker.
Reid moved from Portland, OR to Brooklyn, NY in 1996. Over the next few years, he worked at the top fabrication studios in New York, where projects included architectural metalwork and sculpture fabrication. During this time, he gained experience as a welder and machinist, eventually being hired as a metalworker for the Guggenheim Museum.
To expand his abilities, Reid then studied blacksmithing with craftsmen in New York and New Jersey. He was fascinated with the process of forming hot metal. After founding Vajra Forge, he mostly produced custom furniture pieces, eventually producing custom lighting and architectural details as well. In recent years, Reid has worked with museums, conservators and private collections on object conservation, museum installations and sculpture/patina repair.
Reid has a strong understanding of structure and design. With a broad skill set and over 25 years experience, he is able to produce work in a range of styles, such as classical, contemporary, art nouveau, art deco and gothic. Completed projects include furniture, lighting, headboards, fireplace screens, banisters, stairs, pergolas and gates, as well as jewelry and art conservation.
Reid currently lives in Denver, CO, and works with clients throughout the United States. Clients include: Lou Reed, Linda Evangelista, Richard Gere, Yannick Noah, Paul Tudor Jones, Denver Art Museum and Brooklyn Museum.