Thoughtful Installations
Through the last few year I have been working with wallpaper, there have been some major learning experiences. Having started installing under the guidance of Martin Wolf (wolfwallpapering.com), he taught me everything I needed to know to get started on my own career. Understanding how much adhesive, how to get the adhesive smooth on the back of the wallpaper, how to hand trim traditional wallpaper, choosing starting points, how to measure and use a plumb bob. Old school methods on high end materials. From there I broke out on my own in Arizona and went on to install for track homes, first time homeowners and builders. It was quick that referrals started coming in and designers, with expensive taste, started utilizing me as their trusted installer.
The art of the install was still foreign to me at this time. Clients appreciated my pricing, professionalism and on par workmanship. I thought that as long as the material got on the wall, that my job was done. It was in my second year of installing on my own that I met Henry Johnson (papoir.com). He introduced me to new concepts such as primer, balancing grasscloth, and the various applications of different kinds of adhesive.
From here I explored a new level of attention to detail. I am nothing if not competitive. Attempting to elevate every wallpaper installation to a point that it could not be performed better. This is when I developed the motto of “Installing to be forgotten” I don’t strive to be a contractor that gets the check and runs. I want my installs to look flawless to the point that people forget that it’s there, a timeless compliment to your space. Non-woven materials, such as those from Wall Blush, Wallism, A-Street Prints and Schumacher were testing my abilities and my patience for what clients should expect. A basic and standard material that I was driven to elevate. It was here that I began experimenting with adhesives to use on non-woven wallpapers for the ultimate in seamless installs. I won’t tell you my secrets but I’m not aware of better finish on non-woven materials.
At this time I began attending the Wallcovering Installers Association events (WIA). As a proud member of the WIA I began networking with many installers across the globe. From France to San Diego. I have had the pleasure of working with and learning from some of the best in the business. My new mentors have taught me resilience and a path for problem solving that I believe makes good installers, great.
Every install that I do is a part of my legacy. As a craftsman installer in Scottsdale, Arizona I expect some of my installs to outlive me. My installs will exist in living spaces that evolve through generations of design. This is my approach to wallpaper, grasscloth, wall coverings, and the trades that parallel my work to make for timeless and lasting beauty.