TOP 20 F.A.Q.s

Depending on their design and our own work load. We also have collaborated with architects and interior designers. Recently, we have been working more with independent artists - there are a number of examples of these collaborations in this website..

Normally, design fees are included (usually as a percentage) in the overall price given in your proposal. All design fees are applicable to the final price. However, an hourly rate for studio's design services can be negotiated. We have done this a number of times when serving as consultants.

If special sash is required to install our work, it is included in our estimate. If exterior windows are required, we will work with the architect/contractor to design them to work with the stained glass design. We can provide specifications and recommend frame types, but we do not install them or the exterior protective glazing. This is done through the GC and the glazing subcontractor. We will coordinate with them however.

It depends on how busy we are. Our studio is at its best when working on large scale windows and complex project. But, sometimes a small commission comes our way that we find unique and interesting. The hourly cost of our studio's overhead and payroll make residential work problematic, so it is not cost effective for the studio or client. Our facility is geared toward efficient and effective production of larger scale projects.

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.

No. Every project is different with the prices varying according to project type, complexity, medium, difficulty of installation, etc. We encourage you to call for pricing information. You can not put a square foot price on art, expecially custom work - there are just too many variables. We can provide estimates, but only after we have the answers to certain questions. Also, did they ask Michelangel or da Vinci this question? I wonder.

Yes, provided there is no funny business going on with the frames or any of the other structural elements. A guarantee is written into our proposals. Most general contractors' warranties expire after one year. Our general guarantee is for ten years (unless otherwise specified) and for practical purposes, extends beyond that.

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 locate and define the problematic siting of windows. Involving an artist as early as possible is also 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 more expensive to retrofit art if no provision has been allowed for it.

Since the dove is one of the most important symbols for Christian art, of course we do doves. We've designed hundreds of them. We undoubtedly will do another hundred more. But each time, our challenge is to find an original way to do represent this symbol.

We don't like to do representational bird, flowers, and what in the world does water look like?

We would probably design most any subject matter into a stained glass windows as long as it is sutitable for the space and is interesting to us. Having said that, over the past few years, we have done birds for the Florida Audubon Society's annual auction - for us, that is about our yearly bird quota!

Probably not, that is, if it has to be a representational parrot- it might be exciting to pick up on a particular parrot's colors and develop some abstract forms from that - now that could be cool, especially if the owner actually owns a parrot of those colors. The same answer also applies to sailboats, butterflies, hummingbirds, etc.

But we did do a window one time that ended up in a chicken coop in Massachusetts!

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 appear flat and lifeless - like a piece of Plexiglas signage - it looks that same all day, every day. . 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. It also becomes a job for a cabinetmaker, not a stained glass artist.

OK, having said that, yes, we will, if there is no other workable solution, work with lightboxes!

Repairs and restorations are not projects that we pursue, but oftentimes a project comes to us that needs this type of work. If a window has artistic, historical, sentimental value, then yes, we might consider it. We just finished a major repair on a set of 16 beautiful 2'6" x 13", 120 year old windows made by Franz Myer Studios, in Munich. These were special windows and as Accredited Members of the Stained Glass Association of America we felt an obligation to ensure that these windows were treated with respect.

It should be noted, not all old windows are really worth the cost of restoration. something you might never know until you consult a stained glass professional.

Probably not. But it would be more advantageous for you to hire a storefront glazing company to do the actual work according to our specifications. THIS IS A PROJECT THAT HAS TO BE DONE CORRECTLY. Improper exterior protective glazing installations can greatly speed the degradation of stained glass. So, even if we do not do the work, we can consult on this.

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. Some studios use subcontrators for this. we do not. As a matter of fact, it would behoove a selection committee to ask any studio that they might be considereing, how, when and to what extent does their studio subs out any its work. Sub-contracting certain parts of a project are not the problem - the problem comes from who is responsible for the windows when they are our of the hands of the contracted studio. Well, of course, you must consider the quality of the subs.

Of course. But we are not open to the public, so be sure to call to set up an appointment time. We would love to be on everyone's "bucket list", but if we were, we would NEVER get any work done. That is why we are not open for any kind of retail sales either.

Every piece that comes from JPS requires time to design and execute. We are an efficient, bespoke glass studio, not a stained glass window factory. Certainly, the size and scope of a project will determine the length of time required for its execution. 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.”

If given a fair amount of time, we make every attempt possible to meet the schedules on our proposals, But remember, we are at the mercy (?) of glass suppliers, frame suppliers, architects, engineers, and other folks for various approvals. And, honestly, working with some committees is sorta like herding cats.

The real problem is when some "arbitrary and capricious" date is set for completion. Stained glass is going to last, if done well, for over 100 years, easily. So, if you want to get the windows in the church before your niece has her wedding, then start early enough with your stained glass program.

Not usually (but we can be if the committee wants it added to their proposal!) Seriously, we have a great reputation of meeting schedules, staying within budgets, being as low impact as possible during installations, etc.

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. Prior to us even beginning to design we want to pick your brains as to what you expect when the project is complete. Why would we waste time if we did not have at least some idea of what direction you want us to take? Yes, constructive input is not only appreciated by us, but really, is necessary. Having said that, after the design has been approved, some minor changes requested by the owner in the design might be tolerated, anything beyond that will be added to the final price.

Now, you must keep in mind WE can make changes at the studio if necessary. And this often happens. Translating a design on small scale (12:!), to full size (1:1) is sometimes not just a simple task of enlargement. Sometimes things just do not scale up well, i.e. sometimes additional technical lines need to be added. But these things happen in the studio. Only major changes that affect the actual appearance or structural integrity of the window will be made by us without your permission. in other words - we are only going to make necessary changes that only we can see, usually!

We ask a variety of questions. These are some of the most usual - and useful

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? (please don't do this last one!)

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

5. Do you need our input in helping you develop a theme?

6. Have you set an installation date based on the realistic completion of your construction, or is it some date that is more 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.

7. Do you have a preconceived idea of what you want your artwork 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.

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

9. 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?

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

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