Modern Beauty























We are proud to have been part of the design team on this fantastic project in Makena Beach, Hawaii. The essence and beauty of true modern design - In visual perception becomes - what is not there. Seemingly floating tread design, invisible glass hardware, all capped with a simple ribbon of stainless steel. This project is an excellent example of this, and our stair while seemingly simple – is an exercise of countless critical relationships and tolerances and utilizes new glass engineering technology.
While we have dealt with bent glass on other projects this particular piece was quite a challenge. Many of this country’s finest glass fabricators declined to quote on this project due to its complexity. We ultimately searched all over the country and found the best fabricator for this critical section and in the process learned that even the best can fail.
We were forced to reject the first two attempts due to significant quality imperfections in the glass (both technical and visual.) Further interactions and questionable customer service, necessitated us finding another “best” in the country fabricator. All in all - the glass was made about 4 times and on one version underwent many hours of precise polishing by one of the worlds greatest glass artists. The things you learn when it all seems so simple, is a journey of enlightenment. Having been through this – I truly can say "I can do nearly anything with glass."

And for this design – it is all in what you do not see.
See additional pictures on our website.

Wyoming Grandeur

Wow – I am so exited with an e-mail I just opened. Some time ago we completed a stair for a “reproduction” vintage 100 year old stair for a farmstead in Alta, Wyoming. The scenic setting could not have been grander. Just outside of Jackson Hole this new construction represented a natural farmstead organic development over a 100 year period. Each of the buildings are period based and while there is a little bit of Disney to the design interpretations – it was so well thought out that it all makes sense and creates a magical environment.

Our role was to build a grand stair for what would represent the main house. This stair was to look and feel as if it had been built by craftsman over 100 years ago (and last for 100 more.) We started out with rough-sawn reclaimed black walnut, salvaged from a 150-year old country house in Indiana. All of this rough material was then milled in Seattle into parts that we met out on site. Our team then installed this grand stair to act as a “construction stair” for the remainder of the build. The natural and unnatural abuse this stair endured during the construction process became the patina that now gives such warmth and comfort to the entryway of this home. While the design is somewhat simple the visual impact of the newel and execution of the joinery gives a strong feel of old-world grandeur. We are quite proud to have participated on this wonderful project for such passionate clients.

I have a few more pictures on our website to share if you wish.

New Compagnon!

We are so happy welcome our newest intern Arnaud. He is from Paris and has been working on an Encyclopedia for Les Compagnons du Devoir prior to joining Seattle Stair for advanced training and experience. I have been working on the preparation of his Visa papers for the past few months and am quite pleased in his arrival.
Arnaud will spend the first day or so here in the shop getting his “bench” together and organizing his area of the shop. We then will orient him into an existing project to prepare him for the ultimate fabrication of some very complex wreathed sections of hand railing.
The Compagnon du Devoir is a craftsman's guild based in France that has origins nearly 1000 years old. Since 2003 we have been fortunate to be the only stair maker in North America that is recognized by the Compagnon du Devoir as a stage of professional training and development while these craftsmen are on their journey from apprentice to master. Arnaud is of the highest level of apprenticeship thus far. We look forward to imparting our knowledge and culture while learning from him and his experiences. It is this cross cultural exchange and passion for learning that I find to be a large part of the magic that is Seattle Stair & Design.

David – Seattle Stair & Design

Oh so Fun

This is a "sneak peak" at the beginning of a modern rail project currently in production in our shop.
We were initially engaged to create several charrettes/concepts for this clients recently purchased home. The home has several design challenges in relation to once popular 1980's style plays on scale and space. We came up with several designs that are harmonious with these challenges and one in particular resonated with the client. Once the design intent was focused we refined the concept to production and are currently milling all of these wonderful elements in our shop.

The entire system is rectilinear (without curves) and horizontal in orientation, rather than the traditional vertical layout. We have created a conversation of reveals and steps that are echoed in a wrap-around bookshelf system under the stair. It is all being made with hand selected American Cherry and there are many highlight panels, in the system and the newels, that are made from the Waterfall Bubinga - shown above.
The element of bubinga is like built-in jewelry.
Stay tuned for updates on this fun project.

David - Seattle Stair & Design

In the commercial construction world - Fail is a four letter word.

To the right is a picture of a failed rail-joint (one of many) on a Monumental Stair for a local Client.
We were contracted to supply parts only, as installation was to be done by others.

Often we are called in to review jobs and to offer solutions to other installers, designers and fabricator fails. This can be one of the hardest and most complicated parts of our jobs here at Seattle Stair & Design.
I have so many pictures in this vein and it seems this fountain keeps replenishing itself.
It stresses the importance of having the right talent complete the task at hand.
However, most contractors and homeowners may not know the extent of the risk they are exposing themselves to.
Saving a few hundred or even thousands by having a lesser bidder complete the work exposes a tremendous amount of risk and can cost much more than the savings to fix properly. It is not uncommon for me to see situations that force the client or contractor to pay more than twice the original amount to correct errors that could have been solved right the first time.
I did not even get into the delays this can add to a project.
My very wise and frugal Uncle used to always tell me " a poor man has to buy the best - because he can't afford to but it twice." True words that every contractor and client should consider prior to making risky cost cutting decisions.

The bottom line is this - everyone makes mistakes - it is how you deal with and more importantly - prevent them - that is what sets you apart and adds value.

David - Seattle Stair & Design