bios

 

joe l smith Born in Florida and raised in Texas, Joe traveled a lot through the South and West parts of America, as well as Europe, which defined his appreciation for the arts and drove his love for them. Originally finding his passion in the arts through sculpture with a particular love for bronze. He was recognized in the arts at an early age and began putting his work in shows. After moving to Florida to finish his degree he became fascinated with stained glass and changed his art emphasis. He then took part in area Art Festivals. Joe then began to construct pieces to sell, always specific for the client. He worked on pushing the envelope of stained glass while building on and keeping the integrity of the best techniques of stained glass artisans. When Gator Trails was introduced in 2001, Joe knew it was an excellent opportunity to contribute to the Gainesville Community and to also push his talents to the limit. Upon receiving the commission he knew he wanted to combine the elements of porcelain tile and stained glass. Never working with mosaic tile before he studied the technique and began, it came natural to him, and he loved all of the many hours he dedicated to this once in a lifetime project. He has since worked on independent projects and a mosaic brick wall for a new restaurant in Miami. He currently lives in Miami with his wife Natacha and their son Logan.

 

 

nicole f smith Born in Atlanta, Georgia, raised in Florida and Texas, Nicole is also well traveled through the South and West of America. She studied art throughout school and from an early age knew she wanted to go into Architecture. Interning in Architecture firms through school, she graduated from the University of Florida in 2001 with a Bachelor of Design in Architecture and a minor in dance. She spent her last semester overseas based in Vicenza, Italy, and traveled extensively throughout Europe, which has influenced and broadened her approach to design. Nicole has a broad working experience, from sales to marketing and even managing, that gives her a good business base. She moved to New York in September of 2001, where she worked for a lighting design firm for a year and a half. Nicole is now concentrating her efforts on Environmental Architecture. She is currently a volunteer with GreenHomeNYC and is working on developing a broader base of clients for designs by smith.