The first thing any potential client should do is familiarize themselves with the past work around this web site. Certainly take a look at other pieces that are of the same type as you are looking for. Its a good idea to take a look at other objects as well, as it will give you an idea of my general design style. You will see that my best work is in my signature RIVENDALE style - a blending of Art Nouveau with elements of Celtic and Norse. I can of course design in other contemporary and historical styles.

You may also be interested in my general commentary : Defining the Artist Blacksmith  available on the Ontario Artist Blacksmith Association web site.

Possibilities of HAND FORGING I have created a special GALLERY OF DETAILS. Over the years I have created a large number of sample pieces and prototypes. This collection of individual elements gives just a small idea of what is possible through aggressively hand forging the metal.

ARCHITECTS and DESIGNERS A promotional CD-ROM is available containing specific materials found on this web site. The segments gathered on this portfolio disk showcase past work and potential designs that will be of the most interest to your clients. This includes structural and decorative pieces, both exterior and interior. Considerable attention is centred on objects for the GARDEN, as this has been a primary focus of the workshop over the last several years. The disk is designed to work on both Macintosh and IBM/PC computers, using your existing web browser. Contact me if you are interested in a copy. Sorry, limited to the Trade only!

Next, e-mail me to start a general discussion of your project. You should have some idea as to your budget, time frame, and some technical details (rough sizes for example) on hand.

If it looks like I can meet your requirements, I then like to meet the client at their home. This allows for me to get some sense of their taste, and allows me to bring some reference materials for them to paw through. We discuss and mark things they like from historical or other contemporary pieces, working through my collection reference materials on modern, Art Nouveau, Settlement / Colonial, and Medieval periods. A rough budget framework is also established. This is based on what funding is available, and hopefully is realistic in terms of the amount of work required to undertake the project. The amount is modified by variables like finishes required and installation requirements. Obviously the more complex the work - the higher the cost.

I then take the references in mind and make up a number of rough designs within the budget. These are then presented - with modifications suggested by the customer as required. Its important to realize that I treat each project as an artistic process, so there may be some variations from the original roughs to the finished object. (Take a look at any of the roughs to finished pieces shown throughout the web site.) This results of all this are combined in a final approved design with a hard quote. I like to make all my own physical measurements, to ensure they are accurate and include the type of details the work requires. This means a visit to the job site if not lived in right now. At this point a contract is signed with a deposit made and dates confirmed. Normal practice is for this deposit to amount to 50% of the total. Fabrication is then undertaken, bearing in mind the production deadlines specified in the contract. The balance of funds is due on final delivery.

Everyone wants to know HOW MUCH. Obviously each original design has a differing price tag. Each element is HAND FORGED - this takes both TIME and SKILL. The more complex the individual elements and the larger the number of elements within any piece will effect directly the overall total cost. Large installations have additional costs because of the raw effort required to physically construct and transport them. Bear in mind that I bring over 25 years experience as a metalsmith and designer to each project. (Consider what that skill level should cost in relation to your own workplace.)