I have a client who wants to build a home with many exposed beautiful beams?  What are our options? 

     Using beautiful wood, especially in large dimensions is becoming a rare treat for clients.  If they are choosing to use large beams, it is a wonderful opportunity to draw attention to the joining and fitting by having custom iron plates cut or hand forged toenhance the beauty of the wood.  One of the features of steel is its amazing strength relative to size.  When a metal smith works with a client, they can get to know their interests and hobbies.  Instead of a rectangle or Shape plate, perhaps the client would like a series of animals represented: bears, otters, fish or a symbol or figure of their choice.  Architectural details such as arches, or small scenes can dress up a room or new living space.  The possibilities are many. 

Open floor plans are very popular.  What could we do with iron work in that kind of a setting? 
     Screens and railings are an excellent way to keep the space open for use, yet define areas
where small groups of people can gather for conversation or cooking, for example.  A
decorative screen with or without glass, can provide a beautiful visual barrier using scrolls or pickets for a classical look or animals or symbols to customize it to the client's interests.  Natural light can still flow through the room and room lighting can be used toenhance the placement of the piece. 
     Railings can perform useful functions and serve to direct the flow of traffic through a large space.  Again, the use of customized art in railings can add a focal point to a room and bring out the owner's particular tastes or interests. Ducks landing in a marsh or a field of tulips can bring a special touch to an entry way or living room.  Paul has many samples of his work among the sample photos. 

Do you make quality custom Door and Cabinet Hardware?   
     Yes!!  Hand forged hardware can add a special touch to a small room such as a guest
bathroom or a large bank of kitchen cabinets.  When a client is choosing to remodel or
build new, it makes sense to have quality hardware to enhance their choice.  Especially
as the costs of wood is rising so much.  Customized cabinet hardware and door handles are not any more costly than some of the high end pulls and handles available through catalogues.  One difference is that the client can specify exactly what they would like whether it be small fish, birds or shells or a design of their own. 
     Many of the designs available on the market today are cast of pewter or other materials.  They are vulnerable to breakage because when they are cast, air bubbles can be trapped in the material when poured.  Hand forged hardware however, is highly durable and many different kinds of handles, face plates and decorative bolts can be combined to create a look like no other! 

Corporate Art is a part of my architectural design work.  What options are there?  
     Wall murals, wall mounted three dimensional scenes and stand alone sculpture are just a few ideas which can add the beauty of art metal to a commercial setting.  A metalsmith skilled in designing animal figures can create a scene from the Pacific Northwest or use the flora and fauna native to your area. A series of King Salmon “swimming” along a wall will become the focal point of a board or meeting room as well as, set a tone in any room. Framed wall murals using Canadian Snow Geese or Loons on a Lake will remind community members of your company's appreciation of nature.  A bouquet of iron roses or Bearded Iris can bring springtime indoors all year long.  There are many birds of prey such as the Bald Eagle or Peregrine Falcon which are a striking addition to a room or as a dramatic weathervane.  Smaller birds such as Kingfishers, Pileated Woodpeckers or Owlsall lend themselves to portraits in metal. 
     With an hand forged iron piece, the figure can be captured in flight or mid stride to represent the forces of nature on the move.  Many corporate logos when hand forged make a bold statement of strength and permanence in our world where there is so much change.  The world is your oyster when it comes to creating a concept!