What gives us purpose?
What defines us and makes us proud?
What are we meant to give back to the world?
These are the questions that are at the core of my career and what inspires me to do what I love.
It hasn’t always come easily amidst the doubt and distraction, all the hard work and the failures.
However, I am a builder, its what I was meant to do.
I do it honourably, with pride and 20 years of accumulated skills.
To characterise myself as either an artist or a tradesman exclusively is challenging as I love to explore both worlds.
The word ‘artifex’ is a Latin word meaning artist, craftsman, creator, contriver and perfectly encompasses my
traits while at the same time conjuring a different era when the arts and the trades were entwined.
About Us
History
Being raised on a farm and acquiring the work ethic and skills that are naturally handed down in that environment influenced the trajectory of my adult life. From working in harsh industrial settings in Alberta to boutique production craft companies in BC, managing dynamic teams in stressful environments and countless hours alone tinkering in the studio, all of these experiences contributed to my skill set and the inevitability of running my own business.
My broad aesthetic and style is a result of my travels and explorations which also influences my sense of design. Living in Bordeaux, France, as a young man, I sold my art on the streets.
At Kootenay School of the arts, I studied blacksmithing, welding and casting, printmaking, colour theory and mixed media.
In San Miguel D’Allende, Mexico, I had the honour of studying silversmithing with the great Billy King, learning various jewellery techniques, stone setting and silver soldering.
My time in South America and Mexico inspire my leatherworking, reflecting the durability and quality of those countries craftsman.
Our Mission
I intend to offer my skills and experience, everything I have accumulated, to create enduring, beautiful and functional designs and spaces to my clients and community.
The mission of Artifex Design house is to ensure the clients’ vision for the design is fulfilled, perfected and executed to the highest possible standards.
It is as much about the emotional satisfaction of the client as it is about the material constructs of the design. If the client does not love what has been created, we have not fulfilled our goal and will not rest until that satisfaction is met.
Our Promise
If you do not love what we created, we have not fulfilled our goal and we will not rest until that satisfaction is met.
What our customers have said about us
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Learning silversmithing from Thomas was a really wonderful experience.
His teaching style focuses on attention to detail & making sure his students understand the basics & fundamentals of the art form methodically & with awareness.
These lessons have transferred over to my other art forms over the years, remembering to be present & focused on the details, with precision & mindfulness.
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In the film industry, creating movie magic relies on building a believable world.
Custom fabricated artisan designed props can make all the difference in how your audience responds to your project.We came to Thomas with a tall order in a short amount of time. Armor, weapons, accessories and some back ground stage material.
Not only did he deliver, but his hand built artwork helped elevate and inspire on set.
Both the crew and actors felt more connected to the project, and the performances showed.Artifex Design House is our first choice and we will write Thomas’s work into our projects as long as we continue making them.
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We had a number of issues that needed fixing in our home and Thomas was able to do them all.
He replaced the fan above our stove, put in a new kitchen tap, caulked our shower and repaired some drywall – eliminating our “to do” list in a few hours.
He was friendly, efficient and did excellent work.
We would highly recommend Thomas to anyone.
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Thomas provided us with an exceptional experience.
We had a number of new-business racks and window/door grates that needed doing, and within a few days of talking over our ideas, he had sketches.
Within less than a week of us giving the thumbs up, the racks were built and delivered, and exceeded our expectations, functionally and aesthetically.His work is top notch, he is incredible with communication, and his efficiency we have never seen the likes of before.
He is friendly, professional and very accommodating.We would never hesitate to recommend him for any of your creations or renovation concepts.
He really is one in a billion.