BIOGRAPHY

Brad Reed Nelson, who received a graduate degree in sculpture from Arizona State University (his undergraduate degree was in Design), combines architecture, nature, history, contemporary culture and engineering to create furniture, accent pieces and product design.  Nelson set up his studio, Board by Design, in the Roaring Fork Valley of Colorado in 2002.   Originally, Nelson set out to focus on unique furniture pieces made for commission.   Board by Design has since evolved into a full production enterprise capable of handing large furniture production and product design. 

Board by Design has produced commercial interiors for numerous start-up businesses in the Roaring Fork Valley; The Roaring Fork Beer Company, Casey Brewing, Osmia Organics, Sure Thing Burger, Organic Returns, Fold Community Kitchen and BB’s Kitchen. 

One of Nelsons’ focuses is problem solving.  An inventor to his core, he describes himself as a mad scientist thinking of solutions for our modern problems of space, resources as well as experimenting with unique materials and processes. Some of his most successful ideas come to him while on his bike in the beautiful Rocky Mountains where Board by Design is found. His hands-on approach dictates that whatever he may be creating, it must first work with the body, not just be beautiful to the eye. 

Nelson spent his informative years in North Carolina, one of the capitals of American furniture.  His father was a shop teacher before becoming an electrical engineer at General Eclectic.  He made his first side table with his father when he was 8 years old, and has never stopped being a maker. 

Instagram: @boardbydesign

Website: boardbydesign.net