RTID’S YEAR IN REVIEW
The Projects That Defined Our Year
As we wrap up 2025, we’ve taken a moment to look back at some projects we created this year. The expanded shop has continued to open the door to bigger ideas, larger builds, and projects that pushed our capabilities further than ever. None of it would have been possible without the hard work, creativity, and grit our team poured into every detail. Here’s a look at the standout moments and the large-scale work that defined our year.
Belle Font Gate
This gate was originally forged by RTID in 2023, but after sustaining damage, we rebuilt it in 2025 with the same level of care that went into the first build. To complete the entrance, we also forged the adjoining fence and pedestrian gate to perfectly match the driveway gate, creating a fully cohesive estate entryway. With a personalized estate name worked directly into the design, it’s a seamless blend of artistry and engineering that brings a distinctive, elevated character to the property.
Emanuel 9 Memorial Gate
This year, we had the profound honor of forging a gate for Mother Emanuel Church as part of the Emanuel 9 Memorial. Marking ten years since the tragedy, this commission demanded more than technique — it demanded heart. At RTID, our work is rooted in purpose, and this project called every one of us forward.
This project became an all-hands-on-deck effort for our team. Whether someone was brand-new to RTID or typically focused on manufacturing, we made space for everyone to contribute. That collaborative push not only allowed us to create something meaningful, but also opened the door for the team to explore new techniques, sharpen their craft, and level up our skills together.
We’re humbled to have contributed to a memorial that holds such deep meaning, and proud to have created a work that reflects the strength and spirit of Mother Emanuel.
Clemson University Commemorative Gate
Our work on the Clemson University Commemorative Gate stood out as a defining project in 2025. Commissioned for the entrance to Woodland Cemetery, the gate honors generations long overlooked, including the hundreds of unmarked graves recently identified at Cemetery Hill on campus. You can learn more about the entire Cemetery Hill project here.
What began as a request for craftsmanship turned into a thoughtful journey of remembrance, design, and purpose. Every scroll, vine, and hand-forged flower was crafted by hand with precision and care. The custom fence panels and monumental gate, which was hot-dip galvanized for lasting durability, bring a sense of dignity, respect, and permanence to the space.
More than a build, this project was our contribution to legacy — a physical tribute anchoring history, memory, and respect at Clemson.
We did a full blog post on this project which you can find at the link below.
Rivets for Days — Efficiency is Key
A Virginia Lakehouse Staircase
A highlight of this year’s collaborative wins was a custom staircase installation in Virginia. A piece defined by hand-forged branchwork, thoughtful personal details, and traditional joinery woven throughout. When we arrived for the final fit, the team faced a handful of unexpected site conditions that required quick thinking and precision adjustments.
Instead of slowing us down, those curveballs pulled the best out of everyone. The crew adapted instantly, tuned each detail on the spot, and worked together with a level of trust and focus that made the final result feel seamless. The clients were thrilled, and their reaction made the long days on site well worth it.
The team even stayed a few nights near the project to finish everything to our standards — turning what could’ve been a stressful crunch into a genuinely memorable team-building experience. It was one of those projects that reminded us what we can accomplish when everyone brings their skills, creativity, and problem-solving instincts to the table.
It’s all in the Details — Hand Forged + Raised Leaf Designs for Clemson University Gate
Leveling up with BIG Machines
This year, we powered up in a big way, making major investments in our infrastructure and bringing in several large-scale machines that expand what we’re capable of building. These upgrades aren’t just additions; they’re horsepower for the shop, giving us the muscle to take on bigger, more complex projects, streamline our workflow, and push our work to new levels. More capacity, more reach, more work that pushes our limits
Machinery added:
— Weingarten 500 ton friction screw press
— Pacific 375 ton hydraulic press
— Hayes 75 ton hydraulic trimming press
These presses expand our capabilities into full closed-die forging in steel and brass, pushing what we can design and build in-house. Keep an eye out — our new hardware collection is coming soon.
Fun in the Forge — Putting the Power Hammer to Good Use
That’s A Wrap
Every project this year pushed us technically, creatively, and as a team. 2025 was filled with challenges, growth, and work we’re proud to stand behind. Thanks for following along. We’ll see you in 2026 — where the projects get bigger, the ideas get bolder, and the work gets even sharper.
The RTID Team
Robert Thomas Iron Design — Forging meaning into metal.