Studio visits are welcome.
Commissioning Procedure
The method of commissioning Mel Howse and the nature of the consultation process depends on the type of client, for example a public institution, corporation or ecclesiastical organisation.
Clients may make an appointment to visit the Studio or telephone us to discuss their specific requirements. Alternatively details of approximate sizes, location and design requirements of the windows can be sent to the Studio for consideration.
The Studio recommends initial contact with sufficient information with which it can make efficient feedback. It is very important to establish the client’s available budget at the early stages of the process so that the Studio can assess whether the proposal is achievable. Most importantly the site of the proposed commission must be visited in order to receive full consideration of the setting and your brief. The Studio would make a charge for such a visit and this would be agreed in advance.
Following the visit we would write to you to confirm the content of the discussions held and to put forward an estimate regarding cost and time and thoughts as to design. We would also submit our proposals as regards preparing sketch designs based on your brief and its potential. The studio charges for carrying out all design work. We would indicate the cost of this in advance and only begin on instruction. The finished sketch designs would be presented to you during a further visit for your consideration, together with a firm quotation for the work.
Should this develop into a commission, the cost of the sketch design work would be included in the quotation we would have provided. Should the commission not proceed however, the design work up to that point would be chargeable on a time basis, as shown on the quotation.
Construction of the glasswork can be started following your approval of the design sketches, subject to the next available opening in the Studio. Lead-in times will be advised on our quotation. Depending on the duration of the work we may propose payment by instalment.
The Studio can provide a full range of services. These include, site survey, initial consultation and detailed design, liaison with others, say in the case of building work being undertaken concurrently, and fitting. The extent of the services offered depends on the merits of each commission. This would be discussed during early consultation.
Mel Howse Stained Glass will travel nationally and internationally according to the needs of the client. Expenses for travel will be chargeable at the time of expenditure and agreed in principle in advance.
Insurance of the commissioned work is provided by the studio up to the completion of the commission, including during delivery.
Delivery is most often arranged and carried out by the studio to either the client’s address or other selected location, according to the scope of the final instruction.
Visits to the Studio must be arranged by appointment.
The studio is not seeking apprentices or work experience related enquiries.
Pricing Policy
Due to the variety of client types and demands of each client a price structure is difficult to indicate with great accuracy. The demands of the materials, the scope of the work and the techniques required in relation to an architectural glass design all contribute to the variety of permutations available. Refer to Maker’s Procedure for more information.
For this reason commissions can start at £5,000 and increase in cost to £50,000 or more, including VAT. Prices shown against past commissions are at current prices.
VAT Registered: No
