Michael Herold

What budgets do you typically work within?

Projects vary based on scale, materials, and site complexity.

Typical ranges include:

• Focused installations and smaller commissions: $25,000–$150,000

• Architectural focal works: $150,000–$500,000

• Large-scale landmark sculptures: $500,000–$2,000,000+

The appropriate size, scope, and budget are aligned with the site, architectural context, and desired impact.

Do you accept smaller or more focused commissions?

Yes. Projects range from focused installations and smaller-scale works to large-scale, site-integrated sculptures.

Each project is approached with the same level of design consideration, structural intent, and material quality, regardless of size.

Smaller works are often developed as architectural accents, focal pieces, or collector-driven installations.

What determines the size and scope of a project?

Project scope is guided by:

• Site conditions and available space

• Visibility and viewing distance

• Architectural context and integration

• Intended experience and use

Scale is developed to ensure the work is proportionate, intentional, and visually effective within its environment.

Can engineering, fabrication, and installation be handled?

Yes. Projects are developed in coordination with professional fabrication and engineering teams experienced in large-scale structural work.

This includes:

• Structural planning and engineering coordination

• Material selection and fabrication oversight

• Logistics and transport coordination

• Installation planning and execution

How are feasibility and structural considerations addressed?

Feasibility is evaluated during early project phases through coordination with fabrication and engineering teams.

Structural approach, materials, and installation requirements are reviewed to ensure the project is buildable, durable, and site-appropriate.

Where are projects fabricated?

Fabrication is carried out through established metal fabrication partners with capabilities for large-scale architectural and sculptural work.

Facilities are selected based on project requirements, scale, and location.

Do you work with architects and project teams?

Yes. Projects are developed collaboratively with:

• Architects

• Landscape architects

• Developers and project managers

• Engineering and fabrication teams

This ensures alignment with the broader project vision and technical requirements.

Can existing architectural plans be integrated?

Yes. Existing plans, drawings, and site documentation are incorporated into the design process.

Projects are developed in coordination with architectural layouts, structural constraints, and site conditions to ensure seamless integration.

Do you provide site-specific renderings?

Yes. Projects may include site-integrated renderings and visualizations to illustrate scale, placement, and relationship to the surrounding environment.

These support concept alignment and approval processes.

Do you work on projects outside your region?

Yes. Projects can be developed nationally and internationally, with coordination for fabrication, transport, and installation handled as part of the project scope.

How does a project begin?

Projects begin with an initial discussion to define:

• Site and location

• Scale and intent

• Budget range

• Overall project objectives

This establishes alignment before concept development begins.

What is the typical project timeline?

Timelines vary based on scale and complexity.

Typical phases include:

• Concept & alignment: 2–6 weeks

• Technical development & coordination: 4–10 weeks

• Fabrication & installation: 8–20+ weeks

Each project is scheduled based on scope and site requirements.

Do you provide documentation for approvals?

Yes. Projects can include:

• Concept renderings and visualizations

• Technical coordination materials

• Presentation-ready documentation

These are used for stakeholder review, permitting, and approval processes.

When does concept development begin?

Concept development begins following project alignment and is typically initiated under a design phase agreement or letter of intent.

This ensures that project direction, scope, and expectations are clearly established before design work proceeds.

How are projects contracted and structured?

Projects move through clearly defined phases to ensure transparency and precision:

• Phase I: Concept & Design Development

• Phase II: Technical Coordination & Engineering

• Phase III: Fabrication & Installation

A formal agreement outlines the specific deliverables, timeline, and responsibilities for each phase prior to commencement.

What types of projects do you take on?

Projects include:

• Site-integrated architectural sculptures

• Entry features and public-facing installations

• Corporate and campus environments

• Waterfront and destination-based works

• Private estates and collector-driven installations

What is the typical scale of your work?

Projects range from smaller focal installations to monumental sculptures exceeding 30 feet in height and multiple tons in weight.

Scale is developed in response to the site and intended impact.

Can sculptures be customized to a specific site or vision?

Yes. All projects are site-specific and developed in response to the architecture, environment, and intended experience.

Each work is designed to integrate with its surroundings.

What materials are used?

Primary materials include steel and architectural metals, selected for durability, structural performance, and long-term outdoor exposure.

Material and finish are determined based on the project’s environment and design intent.

Are works one-of-a-kind or editioned?

Most commissioned works are one-of-a-kind, site-specific pieces.

Editioned works may be available depending on the project.

Do you design large-scale sculptural residences?

Yes. Projects may include large-scale sculptural residences and fully integrated architectural environments developed in collaboration with experienced teams.

These projects are approached in coordination with:

• Architects and architectural designers

• Structural and specialty engineers

• Fabrication and construction teams

Concepts are developed with consideration for structure, livability, constructability, and integration with the surrounding environment.

Can sculptural residences at this scale be engineered and built?

Yes. Large-scale sculptural residences are developed through coordination with qualified architectural, engineering, and construction professionals.

Designs are aligned with:

• Structural requirements

• Construction methods and sequencing

• Site conditions and environmental factors

This ensures the work is feasible, durable, and appropriate for long-term use.

Do you offer smaller sculptural pavilions or ADU-scale structures?

Yes. Projects may include smaller sculptural pavilions and ADU-scale environments designed for more focused use.

These may function as:

• Guest spaces or retreats

• Garden or landscape-integrated structures

• Architectural focal points within a property

Each is developed with the same emphasis on form, structure, and integration, adapted to a smaller footprint.

Are pavilion and ADU-scale projects built to the same standards?

Yes. These projects are developed in coordination with engineering and construction professionals appropriate to their scale.

Designs consider:

• Structural integrity

• Site conditions

• Intended use and longevity

This ensures smaller structures maintain the same level of design intent and build quality as larger works.

How is durability and maintenance handled?

Sculptures are designed with long-term durability in mind, including structural integrity, weather resistance, and appropriate finishes.

Maintenance considerations are addressed during the design phase.

Who owns the design and intellectual property?

Project terms, including intellectual property and usage rights, are defined within the commission agreement and vary by project.

What happens after installation?

Post-installation support may include:

• Final walkthrough and review

• Documentation and project records

• Guidance on care and maintenance

• All works are engineered for structural compliance and include comprehensive documentation for insurance and public safety requirements.