Killstress Designs features fine modern furniture created by woodworker-machinist and artist Tyler Smutz.

Owned and operated by Tyler Smutz and Minglie Chen, who believe that well-made pieces have intrinsic value and beauty meant to be shared and passed down for generations.

We design and build objects of substance, not for show or the latest trend.

We know that the soul that goes into a finely-made object is palpable, as it can only be achieved through laborious handcrafting, elevated skills, and a passion for success.

We belong to a new generation of makers and this is our way to a sustainable future.

Welcome to Killstress Designs.

FAQS

Do you design your own pieces?

Yes. We begin every project with a complete 3-D design and we ALWAYS calculate how much use we can get out of each piece of wood/metal to minimize waste and maximize efficiency. Our software tool bag includes: Solidworks 2011, SolidCAM 2011, MACH 3 Motion Control, Adobe Photoshop CS 5.5, and Adobe Illustrator CS 5.

Where is your furniture made?

Made in the USA –> California –> Southern California –> Orange County –> Costa Mesa –> In the Killstress Designs workshop.

So you have a factory?

No, we are not a factory. We have a fully outfitted wood and metal shop where every piece is cut, prepped, built, and finished by hand. We are a husband-wife team making beautiful custom pieces and forging great relationships with the people who come to own and love our objects.

What materials do you work with?

We work with a wide variety materials. The shortlist:
Hardwoods: walnut, mahogany, ebony, cherry, oak, maple, beech, reclaimed wood…
Metals: steel, aluminum, copper, bronze
We also work with leather, plexiglass, iron, things on wheels…

How did you get the name Killstress Designs?

We get asked this question a lot. On a personal note, our name reflects the ideal place we see ourselves in this enterprise. In engineering, a stress riser is a location in an object where stress is concentrated. Fatigue cracks and failures always start at stress risers so removing those defects results in increased fatigue strength*.

Our building process, the way our furniture is meant to be used, and the continuing relationships we build with our clients are in and of themselves sustainable and therefore increase the strength of our community and our place in it. And that’s how you kill stress.

Photo credit: Kate Harrison Photography