Our Story

We are Theodore Ellison Designs, a nationally-renowned custom mosaic and leaded glass studio based in Oakland California. With more than 20 years of experience and a keen attention to detail, we work collaboratively with homeowners, architects and designers to deliver one-of-a-kind pieces. Every project honors the artistic integrity of classic styles and most projects incorporate glass made specifically for our studio.

Our work starts with a sketch, based on the client’s desires and the needs of the site. From there, our team, a tight-knit group of artisans and craftspeople, use tools, techniques and materials from the 800 year old trade, to create custom and sometimes wholly original pieces for our clients.

At a time when so much of our built environment is mass produced, an original work gives the space true character. We never make replicas, though we seek to infuse our deep knowledge of 20th century design traditions into everything we do. The result is a new take on an ancient artform.

Our Process

The process for commissioning custom work is straightforward and enjoyable. Whether you are interested in configuring one of our existing patterns or creating something completely new from scratch, we will work with you to determine how best to bring your vision to life.

Request Quote

Press + Publications

“Ellison’s seven-person team uses traditional techniques and simple tools to make bespoke pieces that are inspired by history but possess a modern spirit.”

Luxe Interior, Fall 2021

“Minimalism and clarity of design gives Ellison’s work a unique and identifiable look.”

Curbed, Fall 2018

Old House Interiors, Winter 2013

SF Magazine, September 2008

Preservation, Winter 2013

Style 1900, Summer 2008

“Despite his early training in contemporary glassmaking techniques, Ted Ellison is old-school in his approach to the leaded glass windows, entryways, cabinet and laylight panels he creates in his Oakland, California studio.”

Old House Interiors, Winter 2013

“I try to create something that will be in concert with furnishings and achieve a balance between color, texture and the degree of light transmission.”

American Bungalow, 2003

“Ellison’s seven-person team uses traditional techniques and simple tools to make bespoke pieces that are inspired by history but possess a modern spirit.”

Luxe Interior, Fall 2021

“Minimalism and clarity of design gives Ellison’s work a unique and identifiable look.”

Curbed, Fall 2018

Old House Interiors, Winter 2013

SF Magazine, September 2008

Preservation, Winter 2013

Style 1900, Summer 2008

“Despite his early training in contemporary glassmaking techniques, Ted Ellison is old-school in his approach to the leaded glass windows, entryways, cabinet and laylight panels he creates in his Oakland, California studio.”

Old House Interiors, Winter 2013

“I try to create something that will be in concert with furnishings and achieve a balance between color, texture and the degree of light transmission.”

American Bungalow, 2003

FAQ

Thank you for your interest in our work! From initial inquiry to final delivery, we have an established system that keeps you up to date at every step of the process

All of our work is site-specific and made to order, with degrees of customization. Our Collections comprise existing leaded glass and mosaic designs with variable color arrays and materials. We also create one-of-a-kind original designs; examples of past work can be found on our Bespoke page.

You can Request a Quote by clicking on the link at the top right of each page. In this form you can input information about your project and preferences so we will know how best to serve you.

 

After submission of your Request a Quote form, we can provide a price range for your project. If you decide to move forward a 10% deposit will hold your place on our schedule.

Once you are an active client, we will schedule a consultation by phone/internet, onsite, or in our studio. We will walk you through the process and ensure that every detail is addressed. Design possibilities, technical considerations, and dimensions will be discussed so that we can provide a more concrete estimate for you. Lead time and shipping and crating estimates (where applicable) are given at this time as well.

Pricing for our work is based on the amount of time to develop the design, for fabrication in the studio, and the cost of materials. Since this can vary widely from project to project, square footage is not the best indicator of price, except in relation to material costs. A large, simple design may cost less than a smaller, complex design. For this reason we cannot offer estimates based on size or design alone.

Our small shop setting enables us to give each client and their project individual attention. While this can mean a longer lead time, the dedicated time spent on each project allows us to provide handmade, individually crafted art glass unlike any available.

Lead time for fabrication is typically 12-16 weeks from receipt of deposit and approval of design. However, with current uncertainties in manufacturing nationwide, lead times may be impacted. We will keep you updated on our timing throughout the process and aim to accommodate any agreed upon completion date.

We crate and ship our work to locations all over the country. We have ample experience with designing and building crates and working with logistics companies to ensure that your piece is well protected in transit. Each shipment is fully insured.

We install our own work, and also offer installation services for projects nationwide. Please contact us for rates and availability. If you are installing one of our windows on your own, we are happy to provide instructions free of charge.

Please check with your local municipality to learn more about the regulations concerning leaded glass. There are typically allowances for installation of leaded glass within certain safety guidelines. Contact us for more information.

We generally recommend replacing the original pane of glass, or insulated unit, with the leaded panel in order to fully appreciate the quality of the materials and craftsmanship from interior and exterior. This allows the leaded glass to provide the aesthetic and practical function it has for hundreds of years.* However, it is possible to install the leaded glass to the interior of the existing glass. For a more in depth discussion of this topic please contact us for our Installation Guide.

*Please note that these are our opinions and you should follow the local building codes in your area.

This is a question we get asked a lot. Damage has on occasion occurred, however, it is usually from the interior of the home! And in our 20+ years in business we have never known of a burglary occurring through one of our windows, so we still recommend installing without exterior glazing for the aesthetic reasons listed above.

It depends on the bathroom and where the window is situated. A window installed far from the shower in a large bathroom with an efficient ventilation system shouldn’t have any issues.  For safety and maintenance reasons we don’t recommend installing leaded glass windows in or near a shower area where there will be lots of steam and potential for spraying. Please contact us for our Installation Guide with a more in depth exploration of this topic.

We are happy to make repairs on our windows, however, in general you are liable for breakage that occurs due to error on your part. Please contact us as soon as the breakage has occurred so we can advise on stabilization and next steps.

No. The current trend of encasing glass within an insulated unit is something we will not do for aesthetic and structural reasons. Encasing the leaded glass minimizes the textural qualities of the work and can present a major headache if the insulated seals are compromised, since the window will fog internally and potentially deteriorate the leaded panel. Despite manufacturers’ claims, insulated glass units are prone to failure, leading to a window life shorter than a stand-alone leaded glass panel.