‍In our Staff Spotlight series, we’re pulling back the curtain on the talented artists, artisans, and craftspeople who make up our crew. Our team is a gumbo pot of creativity: painters, sculptors, woodworkers, fiber artists, costume designers, metalsmiths, actors, musicians, writers, jewelry designers, and the list goes on. If you can dream it up, chances are we’re already doing it in our free time, too. That’s what makes us so good at our day jobs as custom experiential fabricators.

Each month, we’ll shine a light on one of our team members—their inspirations, their after-hours projects, and the creative spark they bring to both their life and our shop floor. Because behind every masterpiece is a person with a story worth sharing.

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This month, we’re spotlighting Brittney McCray, a talented member of our Metalworks Department who spends her weekdays playing with fire and her free time out on the water.

When Brittney McCray was a little girl, her parents lovingly called her Pyro. The nickname came from her instinct to step toward the heat instead of away from it, especially when she was helping her grandpa, a farmer and welder, fix equipment in his shop. She spent her early years watching him turn ordinary materials into something useful, learning that if something broke, you fixed it, and if you didn't have the right tool, you made one.

That early experience shaped the way she sees the world and the work she does today. “I have always worked well with my hands,” she says. “It's all I've ever known.” When she started thinking about picking a long-term path, she wanted something that would challenge her and offer room to grow, which led her to welding.

Learning to weld pushed her in ways she did not expect at first. It required patience, steady focus, and a willingness to learn from mistakes without giving up. Over time, she came to appreciate the process, especially the way welding allows her to create pieces that are both functional and expressive, blending strength with artistry.

One project that stands out to Brittney is the Bucktown Birds Nest Learning Pavilion in Metairie, Louisiana. She watched it take shape from the earliest stages, having a hand in creating the details and effort that often go unnoticed by the public. Being able to experience the finished structure and knowing how much care went into it, gave her a deep sense of pride and connection to the work.

That feeling became even more meaningful when she brought her family to see it in person. For Brittney, her work is not just about what she builds, but also about who she carries with her while doing it. She sees each project as a reflection of her effort, her love for the craft, and the influence of the people who helped shape her along the way.

There is something deeply personal in that process for her. When she puts her hands to work, she is also bringing her experiences, her memories, and her connections into what she creates. In that way, every project becomes more than just a structure, as it holds a story that extends beyond the material itself.

At Downtown FabWorks, one of the things she values most is the variety in her work. She never knows exactly what the next project will be, and that unpredictability keeps her engaged and curious. Each new challenge gives her a chance to learn, adapt, and continue growing in her craft.

Outside of work, Brittney finds a different kind of rhythm on the water. Fishing is one of her favorite ways to spend time, especially with her family by her side. Whether it is early in the morning or a calm afternoon, she appreciates the stillness and space it gives her to think and recharge.

Fishing teaches her many of the same lessons she relies on in her work, including patience and persistence. After long days in a busy environment, the quiet of the water offers balance and clarity. It gives her time to slow down, reflect, and return to her work with a steady and renewed perspective.

Brittney brings a steady presence to everything she does, and her work reflects that same strength and reliability. Like the metal she shapes, she is dependable, focused, and committed to creating something that will stand the test of time. We are proud to have her on the Downtown FabWorks team and grateful for the care and craftsmanship she brings to every project.

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If you're looking for a fabrication partner you can rely on, it helps to work with a team that values strength, precision, and follow-through from start to finish. At Downtown FabWorks, we bring a steady, dependable approach to every project, with craftsmanship you can trust to stand the test of time. Reach out today and let’s build something solid together.