STEFANI & CO.
METALWORKS
About Us
Where Precision Meets Permanence
Stefani & Co. represents a rare intersection of generational provenance and avant-garde industrial design. Founded by the father-son duo of Cary and Jesse Stefani, the studio draws upon a three-generation lineage of metal-smithing to produce exclusively one-of-a-kind works for the world’s most discerning environments. Each commission is a masterclass in the "finer points" of design, applying the microscopic precision of high-jewelry to the commanding scale of architectural furniture and sculpture. With an academic pedigree from Cranbrook and the College for Creative Studies, the Stefanis have garnered international acclaim—including the prestigious A’ Design Awards in Italy—by ensuring that every piece possesses a structural integrity and level of finish that is unparalleled in the contemporary market.
The allure of a Stefani original lies in the sophisticated tension between material and movement. By manipulating the "containment of form," the duo achieves an organic fluidity in steel, bronze, and glass that challenges the viewer's perception of weight and rigidity. Their work is a study in juxtaposition—where the grit of industrial heritage meets a refined, hypnotic elegance. Eschewing mass production in favor of a bespoke, hands-on approach, Jesse and Cary personally oversee every nuance of the creative process. For the architect or collector, a Stefani & Co. piece is more than a functional object; it is a profound connection to the history of craft and a bold exploration of form that defines the space it inhabits.
Our Story
In the heart of Metro Detroit, a region defined by its industrial grit and manufacturing soul, Cary and Jesse Stefani have forged a legacy that transcends mere metalworking. As a father-son duo, they represent the second and third generations of a metalsmithing lineage, blending technical precision with high-concept artistry. Their partnership, formalized in 2006 with the founding of Stefani & Co. Metalworks, has become a hallmark of Detroit’s creative community, producing everything from intricate, award-winning jewelry to large-scale public art and architectural installations.
The Foundation: Cary Stefani Cary Stefani (b. 1951) began his journey with a foundation in precision, influenced by his father, a master toolmaker. This background instilled an exacting approach to the craft that would become his signature. Cary pursued his formal training at the College for Arts and Crafts in Detroit (graduating in ’76) and later at the prestigious Cranbrook Academy of Art (’78). By 1985, he established Mettal Studio in Birmingham, Michigan, where he earned national and international accolades for his work in fine jewelry. His mastery extends beyond the forge; Cary is an expert in carving and molding, possessing a rare ability to translate the rigidity of metal into fluid, organic forms.
The Evolution: Jesse Stefani Jesse Stefani (b. 1974) followed in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps while carving out a distinct identity in industrial design. After graduating from Detroit’s College for Creative Studies in 2002, Jesse brought a modern, process-oriented perspective to the family trade. His work is characterized by its material diversity—frequently incorporating glass, wood, leather, and up-cycled steel hardware. In 2013, he launched Hex Detroit, a production line that captured the spirit of the Motor City through wearable "Hex Gear" made from industrial components. Jesse’s ability to bridge the gap between functional design and fine art has garnered him recognition in both lighting design and public sculpture.
Stefani & Co. Metalworks The union of their talents in Keego Harbor led to a prolific nearly twenty-year operation. Together, Cary and Jesse expanded the scope of their work to a much larger scale, applying the same meticulous detail found in jewelry to sculptural furniture and architectural elements. Their portfolio includes notable projects like the "Tree Trellises" and bronze sculptures for the Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens, as well as collaborative architectural features for luxury homes and commercial spaces.
Return to Vision In 2022, after a decade of high-volume architectural production, the Stefanis made a pivotal decision to return to their initial vision: the creation of high-quality, one-of-a-kind works. This shift marks a return to the "soul" of their craft—focusing on original pieces where every weld, texture, and curve is a direct expression of the father-and-son team. For Cary and Jesse, the work is more than a business; it is a shared language, an exploration of raw materials, and a continuation of a family story written in steel and bronze.
Meet The Craftsman
Cary Stefani : Artist Statement
"Art and design have been the constants of my life since childhood. My approach is rooted in the precision of toolmaking—a legacy passed down from my father—but it is guided by a sculptor’s intuition. I believe that whether a piece of art is a small ring or a massive public installation, it deserves the same level of intimacy and attention to detail. Metal allows me to explore the relationship between form and strength, and I find great joy in the physical act of carving and molding materials to meet my vision. Collaborating with my son has allowed our work to grow in scale and scope, but our core philosophy remains the same: to produce work of the highest craftsmanship that stands the test of time. For me, success is found in the satisfaction of creating something truly one-of-a-kind."
Jesse Stefani : Artist Statement
"My work is an investigation into the character of materials. I am drawn to the tension between the industrial and the organic—taking the cold, rigid nature of steel and giving it a form that feels alive, or pairing it with the warmth of wood and the translucency of glass. Growing up in a family of makers, I learned that the process is as important as the final product. I view metal not just as a structural element, but as a medium for storytelling. Whether I am designing a piece of furniture or an architectural sculpture, my goal is to broaden the viewer’s perspective of what metal can be. I strive to create objects that are functional yet unexpected, honoring the grit of Detroit’s history while looking toward a refined, modern aesthetic."