A master metalworker’s journey from blacksmith to bespoke metal artisan

Gareth Quarterman has worked with metal for a long time. 

He discovered his passion for metalwork early on in his career as a tradesperson in 1987, at the age of 17, serving a four-year apprenticeship as a farrier. From here, he gradually began to broaden his skillset, eventually taking up a position as a fully-fledged blacksmith.

He continued to hone his metalworking skills in this field over the following three decades – gaining a deep understanding of the intricacies of working steel with fire and hammer over an anvil, of the subtleties of these materials and how they moved under his expert guidance.

Once he gained mastery over metal, he began to realise that a single cold piece of steel can, with the right skillset, be turned into almost anything his imagination could come up with. This, combined with access to modern engineering and manufacturing processes, opened the door to a host of brand-new possibilities.

“My background as a farrier and blacksmith for 33 years taught me about design and structure,” says Quarterman. “Having such a traditional training gave me a grounded approach to design and production. Now, after expanding my knowledge, equipment and industry contacts, my confidence in what can be designed and made knows virtually no limits.”

Armed with this confidence and conviction in his abilities, in 2020, he ventured into uncharted territory, starting his own company: Q Metal Designs (QMD). With his firmly established contacts, loyal customer base and industry knowledge, his new company takes metalworking to the next level: manufacturing for business to business, architectural details, film and TV work, and furniture.

The pieces he’s created in the three years he’s been in business have included Art Deco-style stair balustrades; large custom, glazed steel pergolas; double barn doors with steel frames; classic French-style driveway gates; furniture pieces for B2B including ottoman frames, bar stools, round side tables, table legs, table frames – and much more.

“I work alongside private customers to make their visions into dream pieces that can take centre stage in their homes,” says Quarterman. “I love working with different materials and designs, and I always aim to deliver high-quality products that meet the needs and expectations of my clients.”

After three years in the business, QMD has now expanded its scope to work with non-ferrous metals, including aluminium, brass, bronze and copper - and the team can also accommodate timber work into its projects and builds, too.

So what custom metal pieces has Quarterman made for his discerning clients since 2020?

Recently Quarterman was approached by a designer on behalf of a bar in Titirangi – they wanted three bespoke arched Art Deco-style shelves to take pride of place at the back of their bar. “After some collaboration with a designer, we manufactured them with a solid square bar frame, which included four tiers of shelves lined with expanded mesh,” he says.  

“The designer then painted in aged copper, and added a mirror backing and lights to shine through the mesh. The collaboration resulted in a fabulous addition to the bar's décor.”

For another project, a customer wanted large glazed steel pergolas to match existing wrought iron-style frames and posts. 

“We designed the new structure to match the scroll work,” he says. “In particular, the tiered posts to the much older original that came with the house. The client wanted the roof fully glazed which we accomplished seamlessly and in keeping with its surroundings.”

Then there were the classic, French-look driveway gates. Standing at two metres tall and spanning six metres across, the client wanted them to integrate seamlessly with their villa in a timeless, old country style. These were the largest metal gates Quarterman and his team have built to date.

One of the most spectacular pieces was the oversize round mirror with a 1.5 metre circumference. “The frame was steel, and powder coated in a deep flaked gold with the mirror glass fitting perfectly inside to the edge,” says Quarterman. “The client wanted an elegant and understated piece to put in her entrance hall, with the intention of setting the tone for the rest of the home’s décor. 

“She initially couldn’t find anyone to take this on – but it was no problem for us.” 

The experience Quarterman and his team have gained designing and manufacturing these pieces has accumulated, leading to more complex and higher-profile projects – and has culminated in him taking on his most significant undertaking yet.

“QMD is about to start on our biggest project yet – balustrades in a neoclassical/baroque style for a double curved grand staircase with balcony and returns,” he says. “I can’t tell you much more than that – but we’re very excited to share this once it’s all done.”

The size of this particular commission has affirmed to Quarterman that his skill set is valuable to his customers.

“Having the ability to make different types of products, to complete complex or simple projects, to manufacture one or a thousand same parts or simply help with a concept – our work life is never dull, and the challenges are satisfying to plan and resolve,” he says. 

“We have a desire to make things work and make them beautiful.”

QMD will be launching its own range of New Zealand-designed and manufactured metal pieces, shelving soon.

Learn more about Q Metal Designs and its metalwork.