By: Ethan Rogers

In the event and experiential marketing world, brands need more than excellent ideas—success often hinges on executing eye-catching retail displays, immersive pop-ups, and large-scale brand activations. Since 2014, Smart Department Fabrication Inc. has emerged as a reliable partner for premier brands, helping bring their concepts to life with a focus on precision, creativity, and dependability.

Based in Brooklyn, New York, Smart Department Fabrication is a full-service fabrication shop specializing in custom props, furniture, artwork, displays, signage, and more. It has developed a reputation for collaborating with designers, artists, and marketing professionals to produce visually compelling, high-quality pieces that enhance brand storytelling. The company handles every phase, from concept development to fabrication and installation.

Smart Department Fabrication strives to ensure that projects meet high standards of craftsmanship and functionality. This commitment stems from founder Taylor Browning, an artist and fabricator passionate about building. Browning’s background in sculpture and graphic design, combined with her training in welding and metal casting, has honed her ability to translate two-dimensional ideas into three-dimensional forms.

Early in her career, Browning worked on large-scale public art pieces for sculpture parks and crafted intricate, high-end furniture for premium fabrication shops. These experiences expanded her network of creatives and deepened her understanding of fabrication’s artistic and technical demands.

After moving to New York, Browning worked under a respected mentor, gaining experience in diverse environments—from corporate builds to artistic installations. Eventually, she faced a choice: continue working for others or start her own venture. Browning chose the latter, founding Smart Department.

The company began as a solo operation in Browning’s Bushwick studio, taking on small projects. The name “Smart Department” reflects its roots in set design for commercials and TV pilots. On film sets, the art department handles all visual production elements; Browning and her early collaborators saw themselves as an extension of that—aiming to be more efficient and inventive.

As the business grew beyond set design, Browning officially incorporated Smart Department Fabrication Inc. in 2016, establishing its presence in Brooklyn’s fabrication scene. She assembled a team of skilled designers, engineers, and fabricators from varied backgrounds, enabling the company to tackle projects—whether woodworking, metalworking, CNC routing, or 3D printing—with a distinctive approach.

Senior project manager Audrey Liana shares: “Smart Department offers a dynamic opportunity to work in a space that encourages unique skill sets. It’s rewarding to see our creative energy merge with brand designs and witness what our collaboration can achieve.”

Samuel Hawkins, who contributes an artistic touch to projects, adds: “I feel fortunate to do what I love—painting—alongside people I admire. It’s especially fulfilling to see our impact in public spaces and to hold a tangible result at the end of each day.”

Clients often note that one of Smart Department Fabrication’s key strengths is its collaborative and adaptive approach. The team works closely with clients to refine ideas, address design challenges, and align creative visions.

This process begins with thorough communication and sampling. Clients can review material options and prototypes before full-scale production, and when needed, Smart Department engages in “value engineering,”—helping optimize budgets without compromising the design’s core intent.

The company also prides itself on agility. Last-minute changes are common in experiential marketing. “A project approved in one color might need adjustment overnight. We adapt quickly and problem-solve in real-time. That adaptability is why many marketing agencies trust us for high-profile campaigns,” Browning explains.

She emphasizes that clients don’t just interact with leadership—they also meet the fabricators building their pieces. This transparency fosters trust and ensures projects run smoothly from start to finish.

Smart Department Fabrication’s expertise has led to collaborations with major global brands, creating installations, retail displays, and event activations. It has contributed to notable brand experiences, from fashion showcases to sports marketing campaigns.

“We like to say we build experiences, not just fixtures,” Browning notes. “Every project is a chance to create something memorable, something that connects with people. Our passion lies in the details—ensuring each piece not only looks impressive but functions seamlessly in its setting.”

Over time, Smart Department Fabrication Inc. has cultivated a reputation for craftsmanship, creativity, and collaboration. With a dedicated team, it aims to keep innovating in experiential design. Looking ahead, the company is exploring new frontiers, such as integrating technology into physical builds. In the coming years, it plans to attend industry conferences and expand into augmented reality, projection mapping, and responsive installations.

Still, Browning reflects: “No matter how technology evolves, people still value real-world interactions. We hope to bridge the digital and tangible, creating experiences people can see, touch, and engage with in meaningful ways.”

Published by Jeremy S.