Education
Architectural Art Glass 101
Architectural Art Glass companies like Glassworks, Inc. are in the business of designing and manufacturing unique glass products that both catch the eye and serve an architectural function. Our domain is the unknown, with technical expertise and creative problem-solving as our greatest assets. Custom work like this involves constant reinvention to suit each unique situation. This means that every finished product is one-of-a-kind, limiting our ability to set uniform standards and prices. This article is the first in a series to inform new and existing customers on the basics of our business, what general standards do exist, and those methods which yield the best results – on time and within budget!
Who buys Architectural Art Glass?
If you are considering the purchase of Architectural Art Glass, you likely fit into one of the following categories: Architect, Designer, Contractor, and/or End User. Each category has unique motivations and requirements to fulfill, however it is the End User who must live with (and likely pay for) the decisions the others make on their behalf. Because architectural art glass is functional, it must often be engineered to some degree; it has to support a minimum weight, fit within specific dimensions, and integrate with surrounding materials. This requires that our customers have some design skills. Professional Architects, Designers, and Contractors typically provide us with detailed drawings describing the requirements of the desired glass. There are also circumstances where our design team can work directly with an End User (i.e. Home Owner, Business Owner) to design and produce the perfect glass element.
When should I get started?
We are aware that every project has its own life cycle… from a high-rise commercial development to a residential kitchen remodel. Larger projects can take a year or more to complete, while smaller projects can take weeks or even days. We have more than forty years of experience with all sizes and types of projects, and we know that architectural art glass usually is installed toward the end as a finishing touch and a feature of the design. It is important to know your time frame and let your glass designer/manufacturer know roughly when you will be ready to receive the finished piece for installation. The steps discussed here can happen at any point in your design process, but an early start can reduce the potential need for a redesign in the later and more critical stages of the project.
Initial Steps to acquire Architectural Art Glass
- Explore your options
- Create a design
- Consult on feasibility of design
- Request a quote
Exploring your options
Having a clear idea of what you want is essential to good design. It is also important to be open to possibilities that you may not have imagined were available. We recommend you learn the capacity and capabilities of your custom art glass designer/manufacturer. To help our customers learn what we can do, we have two rooms in our showroom filled with samples of styles, processes, and applications of architectural art glass. In addition to physical samples, we have hundreds of photos of finished and installed glass to serve as inspiration. We regularly update and refresh our samples and demo installations, so please stop by and see the new products we are cooking up in our kilns.
Create a design
Now that you know the capabilities and capacities available, you can combine this knowledge with the technical and aesthetic requirements of your project to design the perfect element. Producing a detailed drawing (with measurements and surrounding fixtures) is extremely helpful, and ensures that the final product will fit when it comes time to install. Since art glass is often one of the final touches in a construction project, several other contractors and trades people may need to understand and incorporate the same design information into creating the support structures for the art glass piece. Now that you have thought of everything and your drawing is finished, it is time to submit the design.
Consult on feasibility of design
More complex and creative uses of architectural art glass should be looked at by our production and design team to ensure that the design accomplishes the desired result while maintaining the long term aesthetic and integrity of the piece. One of the main benefits of working with a specialty manufacturer like Glassworks, Inc. is our wealth of experience with this material in a variety of applications. We can advise on how to meet architectural codes for safety (i.e. when to use laminated glass vs. tempered glass). We can also help you avoid potential design problems, and advise on the most appropriate method for attachment. One example is the tendency for designers to attach art glass panels using standoffs that require holes near the edge of the glass. This is a perfectly legitimate method of attachment in certain cases, but often there is a better solution that eliminates the need for holes, leaving a final design that is more aesthetically pleasing without compromising functional integrity. We get great satisfaction from helping our customers arrive at a design that will look amazing and serve the intended function for years to come.
Request a Quote
If all the previous steps have had the appropriate time and attention, this is the easiest step in the process. We typically return quotes in one to three business days depending on the complexity and scope of the project.
Now you are on your way to creating Architectural Art Glass like a pro. This advice fits most situations, but there are always exceptional situations that need special attention. If you have any questions about this process or the details of your project, please feel free to contact us via email, or call is at (206) 441-4268 or toll free 1 (888) 441-4268.
For more information on our glass, our process and our people, feel free to read more articles in our Glassworks, Inc ongoing educational series:
Architectural Art Glass 101: Getting Started
Architectural Art Glass 102: Glass Style
Architectural Art Glass 103: The Big Three
Architectural Art Glass 104: The Art of Glass
Architectural Art Glass 105: Going Green