6 steps to choosing the right studio
By John Phillips
Stained glass for your church is one of the most important and lasting purchases you’ll ever make.
Stained glass has powerful artistic impact. It conveys a spiritual message to your congregation and community. It also contributes to the interior and exterior fabric of the building envelope.
As crucial an investment as stained glass is, purchasing it is often unchartered territory for church leaders and selection committees. Here are 6 steps to guide you through the process and avoid common (and costly!) mistakes.
Step #1: Determine project details
These details will inform and facilitate a course of action for the collaboration between the church and the stained glass studio it ultimately chooses to work with. Determine:
• How many stained glass windows are needed
• Overall size(s) and shape(s) of the opening(s)
• Will the window(s) be fixed or operable?
• What is the desired style(s) or theme(s) for the window(s)?
Step #2: Identify the decision-makers
Committee members and those in committee leadership roles might be called upon to:
• Determine budgets
• Make artistic decisions regarding style, theme and color for the stained glass designs
• Manage contract administration
Step #3: Do your research + request information
It is vital to the success of your church’s stained glass project that you choose an experienced, financially stable and qualified studio that can communicate your needs and vision. As you vet your options, several types of information should be easily obtainable from each firm:
• A list of completed projects similar to yours in scope and / or scale
• References and testimonials
• Evidence of financial viability and stability
• Feedback about the firm on websites, social media and Dun & Bradstreet
• An A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (accredited studio)
• The studio’s portfolio
• Artisans qualifications assigned to the project
Step #4: Shepherd your funding goal
Perhaps a plan is in place or a monetary appeal is already under consideration. Even so, as you consider different studios, it makes sense to find out if their sales consultants can offer some additional guidance in this area. Together, discuss:
• Can the church raise monies on its own through planned giving fundraisers, sponsorships, commemorative opportunities, donor and memorial gifts?
• Or, will this initiative be added to a capital campaign?
• Or, should the church consider hiring outside fundraising counsel?
Step #5: Tour the studio
A studio’s limitations — surrounding artistic expertise, project management and adequate studio space — can be difficult to assess remotely. As such, our firm encourages and welcomes studio visits. We offer:
• A full-service studio employing Master-level craftsmen and craftswomen
• Industry innovation: state-of-the-art equipment, technology and safety protocol
• An Apprentice Program that fosters the craft and art
• The oldest, operating library in the country; staffed with a full-time librarian, it spans 120 years and holds 25,000+ archived designs
• Dedicated project management, from design development, to fabrication, to installation
Step #6: Award the project
Once you’ve made your decision, be sure the proposal / contract with the stained glass studio clearly itemizes each service per window, with all materials specified.
Payment terms should be detailed and specific. Before authorizing payment, be sure each stage is fully completed and that you are satisfied.
In the stained glass industry, guarantees on work performed can range from zero to 20 years and can cover the entire project, or just the workmanship. A 10-year guarantee against any defective workmanship is appropriate. (Be aware that in some cases, smaller studios can’t fulfill guarantees they make because they’re aren’t in operation long enough to do so.)
As a church leader, others have put their confidence in your abilities and stewardship. Honor that trust by doing your homework!
John Phillips is Founder & CEO of Associated Crafts® & Willet Hauser Architectural Glass® — the largest studio in North America — headquartered in Winona, MN. The firm has served more than 20,000 churches and institutions in the last century. For more information, visit willethauser.com or call (800) 533-3960.
