Bringing Your Vison
to Life:
Our Commission Process
At Pearl River Glass Studio, each new commission is an opportunity to create something truly unique. Our team of artisans with over 150 years of combined experience is dedicated to working closely with clients to ensure that their vision is realized with the highest level of craftsmanship. Whether it’s a custom stained glass window for a church, a one-of-a-kind piece for your home, or a large-scale architectural installation, we guide you through every step of the process, ensuring that the final result exceeds your expectations. Designing for stained glass windows is not as mysterious as it may seem at first glace.
Step 1: first Consultation & visit
Discovering Your Vision
The process begins with a personal consultation, where we discuss your ideas, project goals, and any specific requirements you may have. It is important to the process to see where the stained glass windows will be located. Environmental factors such as window openings and the direction or quality of natural light are all aspects to consider. During this stage, we’ll also discuss a budget based on the scope of the project, including materials, design complexity, and installation requirements. This step ensures transparency, giving you a clear understanding of your investment upfront as we begin translating your vision into a design.
Step 2: Design Development & Presentation
From Concept to Cartoon
Once we have a clear understanding of your vision, our artists will develop a design sketch tailored to your project. An initial design is prepared for your review, and modifications can be made to ensure it aligns perfectly with your goals. For more sizable commissions, a design fee may be applied as part of the overall cost. After incorporating your feedback, we will present the final color design rendering for your approval, ensuring that every detail is just right before moving forward. At this stage, we’ll arrange the cost of your commission and our projected timeline to completion for review.
Step 3: material selection
Choosing the Perfect Glass
Once you've finalized your design, the next step is entrusting our team of skilled craftsmen to select the perfect glass. With years of expertise, we carefully choose the colors, textures, and opacities that will bring your vision to life. While some clients enjoy visiting our studio to review options, it’s our team who expertly pulls the glass to ensure each piece reflects the light, mood, and style you desire, whether you're aiming for traditional stained glass or a more modern, subtle palette.
Step 4: Fabrication, assembly, leading, soldering & waterproofing
Turning Design into Reality
With the design finalized and materials selected, our skilled artisans get to work. Using both traditional stained glass techniques and modern innovations, we carefully craft each piece with precision and attention to detail. Our studio’s dedication to quality means that every commission, whether large or small, is made with the highest standards of craftsmanship.
"We get one opportunity to build this window, so let's do the best possible job that we can do."
-Andy C. Young
Step 5: Final Cleaning
Precision Cleaning for Long-Lasting Results
Once your stained glass piece is assembled it is subjected to a final cleaning - an essential step to ensure longevity of the work. Before every piece of art leaves our studio, its lead cames are conditioned, buffed, and detail cleaned while simultaneously checking that no step was missed in its creation. Doing this improves the overall surface finish and hardness of the cames.
Step 6: Installation & completion
Bringing the Art to Your Space
After the final cleaning of your stained glass piece, we coordinate the installation to ensure everything fits perfectly and looks stunning in its final location. Our team handles the entire process, ensuring that the installation is seamless and that the artwork enhances your space exactly as envisioned.
Step 7: Final REview
Celebrating the Finished Work
After installation, we conduct a final review to ensure that every aspect of the project meets our standards of excellence. This is your opportunity to see your vision fully realized. We take pride in delivering not just a piece of art, but an experience—one that celebrates the beauty and craftsmanship of stained glass.
Cost & Quotes
We understand that each project is unique, and costs will vary based on the complexity, size, and materials involved. During your initial consultation, we provide a detailed quote that outlines all associated costs, including design, materials, fabrication, and installation. Larger commissions may involve a design fee, which will be discussed during the early stages of the project. We are committed to transparency, ensuring that you have a clear understanding of the investment required to bring your vision to life.
ready to begin?
If you’re ready to explore a custom commission with Pearl River Glass Studio, contact us today. We look forward to turning your ideas into timeless stained glass art that you will cherish for years to come.