Our Approach
Kensington Glass Arts is unique, both in our approach and in our configuration. We are first and foremost specialty glaziers; we install glass in interiors of office buildings. We also fabricate 90% of what we install. This means that we start with raw sheet glass that we cut to size, apply edgework and other fabrication processes and make this raw material into safety glass, ready to install. In addition, we manufacture glass doors using our substantial inventory of Dorma glass door hardware. We also specialize in manufacturing specialty glass products such as laminated, beveled, sandblasted, specialty patterned glass and custom CNC shape work.
None of our installation competition fabricates their own glass and manufacturers their own glass doors. None of our fabrication competition installs their own work. We are experts in these facets of our industry. We know what it takes to get these projects done and we know how to do it. To excel in this field, two things are required; the ability to control the supply chain of product and the expertise to schedule, coordinate staff and manage the installation. By controlling the work from beginning to end, we can: Control the quality of the fabricated product; Control the schedule of glass fabrication; Control the schedule of the glass installation and: Control the cost of the finished product. Together, this increased level of control works to further advance the project goals and exceed our customer’s expectations.
The broad range of our abilities makes KGa a valuable resource for the Architect/Designer. Knowing that the project will be properly handled from concept to completion allows unprecedented freedom. Our ability to work with design teams and find solutions to design problems is unmatched. Instead of being forced to work with multiple specialty glass suppliers, some laminated, some etched, and some patterned glass; these problems can now be solved with a single vendor, not just through fabrication, but all the way through installation. An ongoing education outreach program helps our customers understand how we can help them and what options exist for glass products and installation detailing.
As our fabrication group grows, we are constantly adding new processes, new resources for specialty glass and new capacities. We have the largest range of patterned glass in the DC area as well as the most advanced fabrication equipment. We specialize in the fabrication and tempering of “heavy” glass, which is glass over 3/8” thick. Average tempering plants avoid this type of product because it’s more challenging to handle and work with. They prefer to temper thinner glass and make insulating glass units. Most of the glass that we install is “heavy” glass, so we geared our facility to that specialty. Many of our fabrication only customers are shower door installers and specialty millworkers who rely on our high quality products and advantageous lead times.
With over thirty years in business behind us, we are poised to redefine how glass is specified, used and installed in office interiors. As we continue to expand, we constantly improve our systems and controls with the unwavering commitment to improving customer satisfaction. Please enjoy your visit to our website and please contact us if we can be of further assistance in any way.
Our History
Victorian Glassworks was started in 1976 by two schoolteachers returning from temporary overseas assignments in Australia where they learned stained glass technique. They came to Washington and opened a glass studio in the Antique Underground in Landover, MD. Soon after, they moved to the Antique Village area in Kensington, MD. The work consisted of custom designed stained glass windows for commercial and residential applications.
In 1981, David Stone first met Kurt Pritchard, the remaining original partner, who assisted in making an etched glass mirror. A friendship began and evolved into a job offer, making David the first employee of Victorian Glassworks. In 1985, Kurt left to start an antique furniture business. David managed the glass operation and subsequently started to expand the business. Within two years, the staff grew to six employees and David had bought Kurt out. The business was incorporated and the name was changed to Kensington Glass Arts Inc. (KGa). The work grew to include etched and carved glass as well as stained glass. By 1990, the staff had grown to fifteen.
With the residential recession of the early 1990’s the business plan was modified to pursue more commercial work, specifically interior tenant work. Simply stated, this is the glass portion of construction for new tenants moving into office space. Glass doors, partition walls, glass wall surfaces and furniture are the most common products that they furnish and install. The company’s artistic background has served it well since many of these projects also require specialty product. Today, Kensington Glass Arts only works on commercial projects and has won numerous craftsmanship awards for the consistently high quality of their work. By 2002, the company had grown to 26 employees.
To further support our commercial clients; in 2003 the new Fabrication Division was formed in Ijamsville, MD. This factory fabricates most of the glass that is installed by KGa as well as provides glass products to other customers. Not only is it one of the largest fabrication facilities in the Mid-Atlantic area, it also has the only full size glass tempering oven in the state of Maryland. The capacity to manufacture and install all types of specialty and architectural glass products has truly moved Kensington Glass Arts into a class of its own. Currently the company employs over 70 employees and has worked on thousands of projects.
