Forging Furniture with Purpose: Meet Aaron Heisler of Pique Studio

In an age of mass production and fast furniture, Aaron Heisler is committed to a different approach—one rooted in craftsmanship, creativity, and permanence. Through his business, Pique Studio LLC, Aaron designs and builds custom furniture and lighting that blend traditional handcraft with contemporary design, creating pieces intended to become part of a family's story for generations.
Aaron and his wife, Christy, have called Ardsley Park home since 2007. Their three children—Sophie, Luca, and Hazel—have all grown up in the neighborhood, making Savannah not just the place where Aaron built his career, but where his family has put down deep roots.
Originally from Greene, New York, Aaron first arrived in Savannah to pursue graduate studies at SCAD. What was meant to be an educational opportunity quickly evolved into something more lasting. After earning his degree, he convinced Christy to make the move south permanently, and the family has been here ever since.
For the past 15 years, Aaron has operated Pique Studio as a solo artist and maker, overseeing every aspect of the creative process himself. His work combines blacksmithing, welding, and woodworking, though he rarely limits himself to a single material or technique. Instead, he approaches each project with curiosity and a willingness to experiment, often incorporating new materials and processes to achieve a unique result.
That inventive mindset is supported by an impressive foundation of expertise. Aaron has spent nearly three decades working as a professional blacksmith, holds a master's degree in furniture design, and currently serves as a professor of furniture design. Together, those experiences have shaped a design philosophy that respects traditional craftsmanship while embracing innovation and contemporary aesthetics.
The pieces that emerge from his studio are difficult to categorize. Some are furniture, some are lighting, and many exist somewhere between functional object and sculpture. Aaron has developed a particular passion for residential lighting, creating custom lamps, lanterns, chandeliers, and sconces that bring both artistry and atmosphere into a space.
Regardless of the form a project takes, his objective remains consistent: to create one-of-a-kind pieces that are both beautiful and enduring. Rather than chasing trends, Aaron focuses on thoughtful design and exceptional craftsmanship, producing heirloom-quality work intended to be used, appreciated, and eventually passed down.
As a one-person studio, Pique Studio operates differently from many furniture businesses. Every design decision, every weld, and every finishing detail passes through Aaron's hands. That direct connection to the work allows him to create highly personal pieces tailored to each client's needs while maintaining the level of quality that has become his hallmark.
Outside the studio, Aaron's life is equally hands-on. He enjoys ultimate frisbee, disc golf, and spending time with his children, especially when it involves a game of hockey. Those activities provide a welcome balance to the focused, often solitary work of designing and building custom furniture.
Aaron is also a strong advocate for Savannah's thriving creative community. He believes homeowners looking for something distinctive should consider working with local artists and craftspeople, many of whom are producing exceptional work right here in the region.
"There's a large community of creative people in Savannah who would love to work with you," he says. "If you want something unique and beautiful for your home, there are many talented local artists creating exactly that."
It's a philosophy that extends beyond supporting fellow makers. For Aaron, custom furniture is about creating meaningful connections—between artist and client, between materials and design, and ultimately between an object and the people who live with it every day.
Through Pique Studio, he continues to create work that honors those connections, proving that furniture can be more than functional. It can be personal, enduring, and worthy of becoming part of a family's legacy.