How to Commission a Stained Glass Window

Commissioning a stained glass window is a collaborative and highly personal process. Whether you are looking for a window for a private home, a decorative panel for a door, a feature for a business, or a piece for a public or ecclesiastical building, I can work with you to create something unique, handmade and thoughtfully designed for its setting. Depending on what you have in mind, the finished piece can sit quietly and harmoniously within a space, or become a more distinctive and contemporary feature.

The process

1. First contact
You are very welcome to get in touch by email to discuss your idea. At this stage, it is helpful if you can send photographs of the space, approximate measurements, and any thoughts you already have about colour, style, imagery or atmosphere. If you are in or near Udine, I may be able to visit in person. For commissions elsewhere, the process can begin perfectly well by email, phone or video call.

2. Initial discussion and ballpark price
Once I have a sense of the project, I can give you an approximate idea of cost. Some clients come with a very clear idea of what they would like, while others prefer a more open brief. Both approaches work well. If you already have a budget in mind, I am happy to design with that in mind from the outset.

3. Design development
If you decide to proceed, I will develop the design further and prepare a formal quotation. This stage allows us to refine the composition, colours, glass types and painted details. Once the quotation has been accepted, a deposit of 50% is required to secure the commission and allow work to begin. The final balance is payable on completion of the piece.

4. Measurements and final details
For architectural commissions, accurate measurements are essential. For local projects, I may be able to measure on site. For commissions further afield, this can often be done from clear measurements, drawings or templates, depending on the nature of the opening and the installation.

5. Making the piece
Once the design is approved and the deposit has been received, the making begins. Each piece is made by hand using traditional stained glass techniques. Where appropriate, I can incorporate painted detail, calligraphic elements, geometric patterning, antique or mouth-blown glass, and other materials best suited to the design.

6. Delivery and installation
Completed panels can either be collected, carefully shipped, or, in some cases, fitted by arrangement, depending on the size of the commission and where it is going. We can discuss the safest and most practical option for delivery or installation.

What kinds of commissions can I make?

I undertake commissions including:

• stained glass windows for homes

• decorative door and window panels

• stand-alone decorative stained glass panels for birthdays, anniversaries and commemorative gifts

• stained glass for businesses, public buildings, and heritage or ecclesiastical settings

Pricing

Every stained glass commission is different, and the final cost depends on the size of the piece, the complexity of the design, the type of glass used, and how much painted detail is involved.

As a general guide, bespoke stained glass commissions usually begin at around:

£100–£900 per square foot
£1,080–£9,700 per square metre

Delivery and installation costs are extra where applicable. Because each project is unique, I am always happy to discuss a commission before giving a formal quotation.

Get in touch

If you have an idea in mind, I would love to hear from you. You can contact me with photographs, measurements and a brief description of the project, and I will be happy to advise on the next steps.