How to commission architectural glass

Commissions begin with communication. We make sure we understand our client, and the aim of the project.  This is the process you can expect:

Budget

The overall budget for the project should be clarified at the outset. We can then ensure that we are only putting forward proposals which we know can be realised, taking into account both our design fee, the production costs and the delivery.

Design Brief

Steve Robinson will talk with you in detail about your ideas and aspirations, and from this will formulate a design brief. This will take into account, for example, the style and use of the room in which the glass will feature, the theme or message you may wish the glass to convey, and any safety considerations.

Payment

Once you have confirmed that you wish to place the commission, a deposit equal to 10% of the value of the project is payable in order for the design work to commence. (Later, upon finalisation of the design, the balance is payable prior to production of the glass).

Concept Drawings

From the design brief, Steve will produce a number of initial concept sketches. These will be presented to you for discussion, and then developed taking into account your feedback, perhaps combining elements of each drawing. This process will continue until you are completely happy, before then working up a scale version of the finished design.

Glass Samples

You will be given, usually alongside the sketches, specially made glass samples enabling you to see the design colours and textures in their true form. These too can be adapted as necessary until you are completely happy. Depending on the scale of the project, Steve may even produce a scale 3D glass maquette to further help you visualise the effect in-situ.

Timescale

We will confirm to you the overall expected timescale when we are discussing the brief for the project, and it is important that any specific deadlines are made clear to us at the outset. The timescale is of course partly dependent on how quickly you respond to designs and samples sent to you; typically the entire commissioning process will last around 12 weeks from order to completion.

Delivery

Once the glass is finished we will send you some images so that you can make sure you are completely happy before delivery. Depending on the size and nature of the glass, we may personally deliver and fit it or oversee its installation.

You may find it helpful to read Case Studies of previous commissions.  Ready to take it further? Contact us now to get the ball rolling; we can arrange a no-obligation chat with Steve over the phone at a time to suit you.

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