Frequently asked questions

It usually starts with a conversation about the site and what the work is meant to do there. From that comes a concept, then a developed design with materials and rough costs, and only then fabrication and install. Most public commissions run in clear stages so the client can sign off at each one before money is committed.

It depends on scale and consenting. A modest piece might be a few months from brief to install, while a large civic work sited in a reserve or streetscape can take a year or more once you allow for design approval, engineering and council sign-off. It is best to talk early, because the site work often sets the timeline more than the sculpture itself.

Concrete, stone and steel are common because they hold up to weather, sun and public handling, and they age honestly rather than looking tired. The right choice comes down to the site, the budget and how the work is meant to feel underfoot and up close. A good maker will talk through the trade-offs before locking anything in.

For anything installed in a public space there is usually structural engineering and a council process involved. The artist normally works alongside an engineer and the commissioning body so the work is safe and compliant, and the responsibilities are set out in writing at the start. Ask how this is handled before you commit.

Yes, and site-specific work is often the point. The form, materials and placement are drawn from the ground it sits in, the way people move past it and the light through the day. A work made for its site tends to settle in and feel like it belongs rather than being dropped in.

A commission is usually quoted as a whole, covering design, materials, fabrication, engineering, transport and install, rather than an hourly rate. Larger works are often staged so you pay against milestones. It is fair to ask for the quote to be broken down so you can see where the budget goes.

Durable outdoor work needs very little, but most makers will give you simple care notes and are happy to advise if anything is needed years down the track. Concrete, stone and steel are chosen partly because they weather well and ask little of the people looking after them.

Both happen. Some clients want a genuinely one-off piece for their site, others are happy to adapt an existing approach to a new setting, which can be quicker and more affordable. The honest answer depends on your budget and how particular the site is, so it is worth raising at the first meeting.