Start by working together. Let's enjoy a design collaboration. We sign every work designed and originated through our shop and we like to be a part of the project from the beginning. Our specialized knowledge and experience will help develop an appropriate and satisfying design. By working together, we will all understand the reason, place and purpose for a commissioned piece as well as how it's made. Architects and designers should avoid detailed drawings and specifications without a preliminary discussion. Call us first!
Show and tell. Show us examples of what you like and tell us why. Images you find or your informal sketches or drawings can start our design discussion. Photos that reflect your preferences are very helpful, and we'll show you samples of work we've done. We're expert in leading-edge contemporary work and in time-honored designs and techniques, but please don't ask us to copy a commercial product from somewhere else. It's uninteresting, possibly infringing, and our copy would cost more than getting one from the original source. We'll work with your ideas to create something new, made individually for you.
Set a budget. After agreeing on a suggested price range, we request a $250 Design & Estimation Fee to prepare a written proposal for your project with clear cut specifications and a firm price. We use this non-refundable fee to research the time and techniques, cost of materials, and cooperation of any specialty suppliers or subcontractors that may be necessary for your project. Receipt of this fee also secures your place in our shop schedule, which fills up weeks or months in advance.
Approve a sample. Before signing a formal Project Agreement, you might want to see an example of what you'll get. We often collect or make sample parts and pieces to help define your specifications and develop a confirmed total project cost. We'll show them to you. If a substantial sample piece is required, there may be an additional fee, discounted if you allow us to keep it when the project is complete.