Across the United States, master craftspeople are preserving traditional building techniques in their workshops. Every day, they produce windows, doors, lighting, hardware, moldings, and more with historic accuracy and functionality in mind. This article highlights the work of eight companies that are keeping age-old craftsmanship alive in a modern world.
Agrell Architectural Carving
Ian Agrell, a British Master Carver, moved to Denver in 1988 and founded Agrell Architectural Carving. The company has grown to meet the needs of its clients and now has a substantial full-time team of 18 carvers. Agrell Architectural Carving has worked on many high-profile projects, including an elaborate wood-paneled library that required 60,000 hours of work.
According to Ian, “We have a large team because timely delivery is essential and integrated with other trades. I don’t know of any other classical architectural company that employs so many full-time carvers.” The company’s carvings are done by hand using traditional tools, and they produce hand-carved moldings, corbels, capitals, decorative panels, fire surrounds, furniture, and more.
Ball & Ball Lighting & Hardware
Bill Ball and his brother, Bob, represent the third generation of their family’s metalworking business. Ball & Ball Lighting & Hardware has been producing quality reproductions of antique lighting and door hardware for over 30 years. The company’s lights are handmade to have the character and quality of old-time craftsmanship, and they use solid brass, bronze, copper, pewter, tin, and iron to build their fixtures.
Bill notes that “our lights are handmade to have the character and quality of old-time craftsmanship. For historic applications, we build lights using solid brass, bronze, copper, pewter, tin, and iron. Our glass is offhand blown where possible.”
Cooper Historical Windows
Brian Cooper started Cooper Historical Windows. Cooper Historical Windows produces glass that matches the look of most cylinder glass from the 1800s through 1920, but with improved energy efficiency.
According to Brian, “we copy antique designs using the same techniques, the same materials, the same fabrication methods used historically. We feel that’s the best way to make any reproduction.”
J. P. Weaver
Stephanie Croce is the co-owner of J. P. Weaver, a company that specializes in the restoration and conservation of ornamental moldings. The company’s designers work with clients to create models and molds, filling in the gaps and recreating patterns to expertly revive the ornament. J. P. Weaver has worked on many high-profile projects, including the restoration of California’s State Capitol Building.
Stephanie notes that the company’s artisans are adept at piecing together clues from the past to recreate historic moldings. “We have an incredible group of artisan craftspeople who have been with us for a long time,” she says. The company’s catalog includes over 10,000 catalogued ornamental pieces, and they execute castings in plaster, resin, or composition ornament.
Lantern Masters
Sharyn Olesker is the vice president of manufacturing at Lantern Masters, a company that specializes in the design and manufacture of custom lighting. The company was founded by Sharyn’s parents, Stuart and Jackie, in 1978, and it has since become one of the country’s most distinguished custom lighting manufacturers.
According to Sharyn, “we have an incredible group of artisan craftspeople who have been with us for a long time. One of the most rewarding moments is when we finally see our work come to life.” Lantern Masters produces lighting in styles of Spanish and Mediterranean Revivals, and they also excel in historic lighting, often using traditional forging techniques and creating ornamentation through processes such as lost wax casting.
Remains Lighting Company
Leeann Latsch is the vice president of business development at Remains Lighting Company, a company that specializes in the restoration and manufacture of historic lighting. The company was founded by David Calligeros, who has an art history-focused degree and a natural curiosity for how old things tick.
According to Leeann, “we have a team of lighting designers, engineers, and artisans who conceive of and handcraft every fixture. We prioritize careful cleaning, structural repair, and preservation of original finishes, when possible, while updating fixtures with code-compliant, modern wiring.” Remains Lighting Company has restored thousands of historic fixtures and approaches projects with a conservation mindset.
Vintage Doors and Vintage Millwork & Restoration
Gabe Ockrin is the owner of Vintage Doors, a company that specializes in the manufacture of high-quality, solid wood exterior and interior doors. Amos Fisher is the general manager of Vintage Millwork & Restoration, a company that also produces custom wood doors.
According to Gabe, “we always say that the door is a home’s most touched architectural element. There’s nothing like pushing open a solid wood door, its weight and feel. It’s an important piece of any project, and I’m glad to be a part of that.” Amos notes that “profiles, joinery, wood species, glass, and hardware preparation—every element needs to respect the original design. Accuracy matters not just for appearance, but for integrity.”
These eight companies are dedicated to preserving the past while meeting modern clients’ needs. They use traditional tools and techniques to produce high-quality products that are both beautiful and functional.
By preserving traditional building techniques, they are able to create unique and historically accurate products.
It is a delicate balance between preserving the past and meeting modern needs.
Ian Agrell’s team is skilled in creating detailed carvings.
Bill Ball’s company produces lights with a character and quality of old-time craftsmanship.
Brian Cooper’s company produces energy-efficient windows with a historic look.
For homeowners looking to restore or renovate their properties, these companies offer valuable resources.
Stephanie Croce’s company has worked on many high-profile projects, including the restoration of California’s State Capitol Building.
Lantern Masters produces custom lighting with a focus on historic styles.
Remains Lighting Company approaches projects with a conservation mindset.
Vintage Doors and Vintage Millwork & Restoration specialize in producing high-quality, solid wood doors.
Homeowners can learn more about installing tempered glass in their homes.
For those looking for safe electrical upgrades, they can consult with an electrician for guidance.
