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.