A Consortium Approach
Executing monumental public art requires a synthesis of highly specialized disciplines. Our studio operates as a consortium, bringing together master-level expertise in heavy timber logistics, fine art detailing, and executive project management. This structure ensures that every phase of a large-scale architectural commission is executed with precision, safety, and uncompromising quality.
Frank Dunn | Managing Partner & Co-Lead Sculptor
Our studio is intentionally structured to manage and execute massive, multi-ton installations. By combining corporate project management with a curated network of regional master craftsmen, we provide a seamless pipeline from conceptual design to structural installation.
Frank Dunn | President & Project Director With a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and extensive executive management experience, Frank is the architect of the studio’s operational pipeline. An active woodcarver with a deep understanding of local Appalachian woods, he bridges the gap between artistic vision and commercial reality. Frank oversees RFP compliance, budget allocation, engineering coordination, and logistical planning. As the primary liaison for general contractors and selection committees, he ensures flawless execution within active commercial construction zones.
Our Network of Master Artisans Monumental art requires specialized expertise at every phase. Rather than relying on a single aesthetic, our studio collaborates with a curated network of elite regional talent. From Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) heritage specialists who ground our work in deep cultural narrative, to heavy-timber logistics experts who manage massive log blocking, we assemble the precise master-level talent required for each unique architectural commission.
Our Commission Methodology
Bridging fine art with architectural project management.
Executing monumental public art requires more than a creative vision—it demands rigorous project management, structural foresight, and seamless integration with commercial construction schedules. Our studio approaches large-scale commissions through a highly structured, executive framework designed to mitigate risk and guarantee delivery on time and on budget.
Sustainable Heritage: The Helene Recovery Timber Monumental art should reflect the character and resilience of its environment. Following the recent devastation of Hurricane Helene, our studio actively secured and stored a massive inventory of salvaged timber directly from the Great Smoky Mountains. By repurposing these fallen giants, our monumental commissions do not simply occupy architectural spaces—they are physically forged from the living history, enduring strength, and natural heritage of our local landscape. This commitment to sustainable, hyper-local material sourcing is central to our architectural ethos.
Dedicated Studio Capacity & Executive Focus Monumental commissions cannot be executed in the margins of a part-time schedule. Our consortium operates with fully dedicated, uncompromised bandwidth. Unlike studios constrained by academic calendars or secondary commitments, our core team devotes full-time focus to large-scale execution. Backed by corporate administrative infrastructure, we guarantee that the hours, energy, and personnel required for monumental architecture are permanently secured for the lifecycle of the project.
1. Architectural Alignment & Pre-Construction Every major commission begins with a comprehensive structural alignment phase. We conduct rigorous kickoff meetings to integrate our sculptural timeline with the master schedules of general contractors and site architects. This phase ensures that load-bearing limits, site safety, and spatial flow are permanently baked into the conceptual design. By strategically designing ground-supported primary structures, we effectively bypass overhead weight restrictions, ensuring that any suspended kinetic elements strictly adhere to commercial ceiling rigging limits.
2. Consortium Pipeline Management To handle the complexities of monumental scale, the studio utilizes a specialized production pipeline managed by Frank Dunn. Rather than a single artist attempting to manage heavy logistics and fine detailing simultaneously, the work is strictly sequenced. Massive stock reduction and heavy-timber structural blocking are executed first, followed by the master-level fine detailing. This executive oversight ensures that each phase is handled by the discipline’s dedicated master, maximizing efficiency and structural safety.
3. Milestone Transparency We believe commercial clients and public committees should never be left in the dark during the carving and refinement process. Our project management framework includes scheduled milestone check-ins, allowing stakeholders to review the physical progression from raw timber to the final, high-fidelity architectural installation.