FAQ's

  Frequently Asked Questions of our Studio
  Frequently Asked Questions by Us


Frequently Asked Questions of our Studio

  1. What is included in the price?
    In most cases, the proposal price includes all design fees, fabrication costs, delivery and the installation of your project.

  2. Are you willing to execute another artists' designs?
    Depending on their design and our own work load. We also have collaborated with architects and interior designers.

  3. Is there an hourly design fee?
    All design fees are included in our overall price given in your proposal. However, an hourly rate for studio's design services can be negotiated.

  4. Are window frames and protective glazing included in prices for stained glass?
    Only as additional items but we generally prefer them to be provided by the general contractor.

  5. Does your studio work with small residential stained glass commissions?
    Usually not. We find that, with the hourly cost of our studio's overhead and payroll, it is not cost effective for the studio or client. Our facility is geared toward efficient and effective production of larger scale projects.

  6. Do you have a minimum project price?
    We have no minimum price established. However, we find that the larger the project, the more cost effective it is for the studio and the client. If a small project is interesting, then we will consider it. We are most comfortable with projects in the range of $ 15,000 and up. Our average commission is $ 65,000

  7. Do you have a square foot price?
    No. Every project is different with the prices varying according to project type, medium, difficulty of installation, etc. We encourage you to call for pricing information. You can not put a square foot price on art. It is not wall or floor covering. It is for the most part a permanent fixture that expresses not only the personality of the artist but of the owners for which it was designed. We can provide estimates, but only after we have the answers to certain questions.

  8. Do you guarantee your work?
    Yes, provided there is no funny business going on with the frames or any of the other structural trades. A guarantee is written into our proposals. Most general contractors' warranties expire after one year. Our general guarantee is for ten years - and for practical purposes, extends beyond that.

  9. When is the best time to get the artist involved?
    As early as possible. Ideally an artist should be part of the original design team. An architect can be unfamiliar with the light transmission qualities of stained glass and might have questions as to the best type of framing system for the windows. The artist can help provide these answers. The artist can help the architect find ideal locations for the placements of glass or mosaic and help define the problematic siting of windows. Involving an artist as early as possible is beneficial to the committee in determining the best type of art to be used, developing a budget for the art, and whether the art needs to be phased in or not. Often it is much more expensive to retrofit art if no provision has been allowed for it.

  10. Will you do a dove?
    Since the dove is one of the most important symbols for Christian art, of course we do doves. We've designed probably a hundred of them. We undoubtedly will do another hundred more. Each time, our challenge is to find an original way to do a dove that is sensitive to the architecture and visually appealing.

  11. Will you "do me a parrot that matches my wallpaper or fabric, or fix my "Tiffany" lamp shade that I bought at Sears or Costco"?
    Probably not. Sorry, but this also includes sailboats!

  12. Will you design a stained glass window to be fitted into a light box?
    There is a reason they are called stained glass WINDOWS! Stained glass is meant to be viewed by the transmission of sunlight. If no window opening is available, we recommend the use of a mosaic. One of the beauties of a stained glass window is its ability to change as the daylight changes. This is what makes it "alive". Light boxes, no matter how cute and innovative they are designed, make a stained glass window look flat and lifeless - like a piece of Plexiglas signage. The ONLY reason you might want to install a stained glass window in this situation is if the window is of a historical nature, something brought over from "the old church". In this case though the piece becomes more of a furnishing item, not a window, and becomes a job for a cabinetmaker, not a stained glass artist.

  13. Do you restore windows?
    Occasionally, on small projects. Large restorations need the facilities of a studio that specializes in this work. For this type of work, we will be happy to recommend a studio member of the Stained Glass Association of America.

  14. Will you install protective glazing over my existing stained glass windows?
    Maybe. Depending on the project it might be more advantageous for you to hire a storefront glazing company to do the actual work according to our specifications.

  15. Do you do your own installations?
    Yes. Without proper training, stained glass panels are tricky to handle. We are very protective of our "babies" and are extremely hesitant in allowing others handle our work.

  16. Can we visit your studio?
    Yes. Often initial and subsequent meetings are held here in our conference room if convenient with the committees. Committee members are always welcome to view their work in progress but you should contact us to set up a time you plan on your visit. Even if we have not yet started fabricating your project, there is always something interesting "on the tables".

  17. How long will my project take?
    Every piece that comes from JPS requires time to design and execute. We are efficient but not a production studio. Certainly, the size and scope of a project will determine the length of time required for its execution. Be fair and realistic, rushing a project does absolutely nothing to improve its quality. Like I always say "there is no such thing as an emergency stained glass window."

  18. Are you one of those flaky, stubborn artists we often hear about?
    Not usually.

  19. Can we have input with the artist?
    JPS employs no outside reps or salesmen. When you interview with us, you are speaking directly with the artist that will be designing your commission.

top >>

Frequently Asked Questions by Us
(some of these, the committee members should ask themselves)

1. Why do you want stained glass windows?

2. What do you expect the windows to achieve?

3. Are our designs being approved by a particular person on the committee, by the whole committee or the entire congregation?

4. Have you provided a realistic budget? What is it? Do you want our input in helping you develop a budget?

5. Have you set an installation date based on the realistic completion of your construction, or is it some date that is entirely arbitrary? Have you as a committee allowed the artist enough time to develop ideas, create designs to submit for approval, order materials, execute the designs and then install the piece? This is important since there is no such thing as EMERGENCY stained glass windows or mosaics, at least not good ones.

6. Do you have a preconceived idea of what you want your art work to look like or are you flexible and open to some creative suggestions? One of the characteristics of a good artist is the ability to see things differently from other people - then be able to execute that vision. Our best work is done when we are asked to be part of the design team, to work along with the architect, pastor, committee, interior designer, contractor, etc.

7. Have you done your homework on selecting an artist for your needs?

8. Are you aware that you will most likely be expected to pay an artist for any conceptual work that you may ask of him/her?

9. How committed are you to this project?

10. Have you established your priorities (price, content, quality, etc.?)

11. Do you want to attempt to complete the entire project or pursue it in phases?

 

top >>


Copyright © J. Piercey Studios, Inc. All rights reserved.
Hosting and Design by CompBiz, Inc.

232qwa