The art behind architecture
A few weeks ago, I was invited for an interview with TRADITIONAL BUILDING, a magazine that has long been a beacon for those who safeguard and celebrate the craftsmanship behind historic architecture. Their upcoming issue, “Craftsmanship and the Building Arts,” highlights the artisans who dedicate their lives to preserving the soul of traditional buildings—those whose hands shape history, one detail at a time.
The conversation revolved around metalworking, an art that has defined civilizations, from the intricate repoussé of ancient doors to the grand ironwork of cathedrals. I was asked to speak as an expert in this trade, which has long complemented traditional architecture, lending both strength and ornamentation to the built environment.
It is a subject close to my heart. Metal is not just a material—it is a living element, one that carries the weight of history and the promise of endurance. To shape it is to engage in a dialogue with fire, force, and time. It demands skill, patience, and an understanding that goes beyond technique; it requires vision.
The interview explored the challenges of keeping this craft alive in an era dominated by mass production, where the human touch is often undervalued. We discussed the irreplaceable nature of true craftsmanship, the knowledge passed from master to apprentice, and the ways in which artisans continue to push the boundaries of what metal can become.
I invite you to seek out this special issue of TRADITIONAL BUILDING when it is released. It is a testament to those who refuse to let these trades fade into obscurity, to those who believe that beauty is a luxury and an essential part of our built world. In these pages, you will find the stories of those who shape, carve, forge, and restore—not just materials but legacies.
