In the heart of Charleston, where history is shown through centuries-old architecture, Brad Nietert has quietly crafted his legacy for the past 25 years.
“I am 55 years old, and in my mid-20s, I got interested in refinishing and repairing antiques, and woodworking in itself,” Nietert shared.
He credited his passion for woodworking to his family’s influence and a fortunate apprenticeship with Robert Sarco, a respected figure in Charleston’s antique restoration community.
“He would not accept anything but the best product you could possibly put out. That’s super important and set me up for success. After about two years with him, I went off on my own to hopefully do what he was doing,” Nietert recalled.
From humble beginnings in a small downtown shop, Nietert’s journey has been a steady growth and unwavering dedication to his craft. He maintained his commitment to preserving tradition while embracing innovation.
“I started in a very small shop downtown and did tons of repairs and then actually started building tables out of old wood that were custom-made,” he recounted.
His shift from repairing antiques to crafting custom-made tables represented a notable evolution in his work. Emphasizing his commitment to preserving traditional techniques, he underscored the importance of using new wood with old methods, particularly for his own creations.
“The antiques I’m restoring are from the 18th and 19th centuries. For stuff I’m building, I’m using new wood with old techniques that aren’t used very much anymore. That, to me, is just extremely important,” Nietert claimed.
He utilized a combination of traditional techniques and contemporary methods, highlighting his commitment to craftsmanship and the detail that goes into each project.
“My specialty in building furniture is that a lot of my furniture has an old world feel and dining tables are often hand-planed and drawers are always hand cut dovetailed,” he explained.
Through the years, Nietert’s clientele has expanded, fueled by word-of-mouth referrals and enduring relationships with interior designers.
“The clients are awesome. The people I’ve been working for have been clients for years and years. So we get to know each other, and there’s a lot of loyalty to each other, and they get to know me and give me a little bit more artistic freedom,” Nietert remarked.
He has worked with designers from Charleston, Alabama, New York City and Connecticut, and has built furniture for several celebrities and athletes. His work has not gone unnoticed as it has been featured in several outstanding places and publications.
“My work is in country clubs, restaurants, resorts, second and third homes, plantations and museums. My work has been in magazines, including Veranda, Southern Living, Traditional Home, Cottages and Bungalows,” he explained.
As Nietert reflected on his long-standing client relationships, he emphasized the mutual trust and loyalty developed over the years. This sentiment was echoed in his strong belief in what consistent hard work can accomplish.
“If you do what you say you’re going to do and you do a great job, it will always be there,” Nietert said.
One thing became clear as he reflected on his journey: his passion for craftsmanship remains undiminished.
“I don’t have dreams of retirement. I don’t ever want to stop doing this. I’m blessed to have done this for 25 years, and I’m always looking forward to that next project,” Nietert said.
Nietert Antique Restoration is located at 3101 Meeting Street Road in North Charleston.
