PROCESS
Great projects
start here
Whether we’ve collaborated before or you’re new here, welcome! Consider this your Fibrous roadmap from inquiry all the way to install — a framework to proceed with confidence at every turn.
These steps focus primarily on commercial projects, but residential customs follow a similar path.
On average, this process takes 2-5 months, which means the ideal time to reach out is roughly 6-10 months before you need it.
Questions? hello@fibrous.co
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Please note: Production begins only after the deposit and contract are both finalized. Lead times must be confirmed before setting scheduling expectations with end clients.
01. project Inquiry
Start by submitting your project details via email or the contact form. This includes site specs, design goals, timeline, and budget. Feel free to include any drawings, reference images, or fire safety requirements so I can understand the framework of your project needs.
02. Discovery & Full brief
We'll dive deeper into your project details and how the scope will integrate with existing elements. We'll clarify any structural requirements, material preferences, environmental specifications, and site readiness timeline to ensure a seamless installation. This is where we establish clear communication and make sure everyone's on the same page.
03. Sourcing, Estimate & Proposal
After gathering your project details, Ellen will provide a detailed estimate covering lead time, materials, labor, fire treatment, and travel, where applicable. Estimates typically have a 30 day expiration window for your review and client communication. If you need more time, feel free to specify in our correspondence.
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Travel costs are typically applied for installations outside the 15-mile radius of Austin, and are designed to cover any of the following:
Transportation for mileage, airfare, or rental car
Accommodation for overnight installations
Per diem for meals and incidentals
Travel time compensation
Applicable travel costs are noted as a separate line item during the initial proposal phase and confirmed during contract execution.
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Yes, depending on project scope and timeline. The standard expiration window works well for most projects, but we understand that larger installations or certain clients may require more time for internal approvals and budget coordination.
For larger projects, we can extend the hold up to 60 days, with material cost provisions to protect both parties from market fluctuations.
If you need additional time to review an estimate, just let us know your timeline and we'll work with you to find a solution.
04. approval & deposit
Once the estimate is approved, a 50% deposit secures the work and moves us into production. Milestone payments are also available at the client’s request. Contract execution typically happens within the same week to formalize all project terms.
05. Contract
We'll execute either our in-house Artist Services Agreement or a client-provided contract covering (but not limited to) scope, deliverables, change procedures, mobilization, and liability terms specific to our project. For commercial work, this includes site access coordination and final acceptance criteria.
06. Material Samples
The fun part! Here, we submit up to two rounds of material and technique sampling (where applicable) to ensure we're aligned on design intent before full production begins. Samples reflect the approved materials in your estimate. Upon review, if you prefer a higher-cost option, price adjustments will be communicated for approval before proceeding. These samples give you (and your clients) a tangible sense of texture, scale, and finish quality.
07. Design Finalization
With samples approved, we finalize all the design specs around your chosen materials. This phase confirms dimensions, quantities, visual intent, and installation requirements. In this phase, we’ll also coordinate with your team on any technical documentation or structural details needed prior to installation.
08. Material Procurement
Raw materials are sourced and delivered to my Austin studio, generally with 2-6 week lead times. This can vary by customization, availability, and quantity. All materials undergo quality inspection before production begins, considering factors like design, sample continuity, and structural integrity.
09. Fire Treatment
When required for commercial projects, ropes can be treated to meet NFPA 701 fire regulations. This treatment and drying process adds 2-4 weeks to Material Procurement. When completed, you will receive all treatment documentation and certificates to meet building code compliance and insurance requirements.
10. Offsite Production
This stage varies per project, but you will always be informed of the timeline before it begins and as it progresses. Offsite production includes all made-to-order pieces, custom dyeing, frame construction, and installation prep - like making cuts or tying knots before arriving on site.
11. Scheduling
As offsite production approaches completion, we’ll coordinate delivery or installation dates to align with the project schedule and site readiness - aka “when the dust settles.” FIBROUS typically gets classified as FFE, so we usually install right before the plants :)
12. Delivery & Installation
We offer flexible installation options for every project.
→ Smaller made-to-order pieces ship with full insurance and basic instructions for self-installation, or we can provide onsite installation services for a fee.
→ For larger site-specific works, 1-3 qualified installers will travel from Austin to your site to deliver a turnkey professional installation. This includes coordination with your general contractors and facility management to ensure a seamless experience that keeps everything on schedule.
13. Project Completion & Final Payment
Once the work is done, You'll receive final documentation including any care instructions, fire treatment certificates, and my contact info for any further questions or custom project needs. The remaining balance is invoiced upon shipment or installation, and is due within 30 days. We look forward to next time!
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We believe in clear, honest pricing that reflects the unique value of custom art. This pricing structure is built on three core components:
Design & Expertise
Your investment includes comprehensive design development, material research, and technical planning. This covers initial consultations, concept sketches, material sampling, structural advising, and detailed project planning. You're not just paying for rope and fiber, you're investing in a decade of experience that ensures your installation is both beautiful and built to last.
Materials & Sourcing
Project materials have a small, industry-standard markup to cover our expertise in sourcing fibers and hardware down to the smallest differences in detail that only we can know from time in the trade. This markup reflects the research, experience, and risk involved in selecting the perfect materials for your specific project needs, environment, and aesthetic goals.
Craftsmanship & Installation
Our labor rates reflect the specialized skills required for fiber art installation: all the way from proper tension to precision knotting, intricately wrapped ends, and finishing work. Each piece is handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring your installation meets both artistic and structural standards.
What This Means for You:
No Hidden Costs: Every aspect of pricing is detailed upfront before you commit to anything. No hidden fees, no surprise charges halfway through the project (without an approved change order).
Value-Based Investment: You pay for expertise, not just time and materials.
Quality Assurance: We take the time necessary to create installations that meet both artistic and structural standards. This means your piece will look great and stay safe over time.
Transparent Process: Every estimate breaks down services, materials, and labor so you know exactly where your money is going. No mysterious line items or vague "miscellaneous charges."
Project pricing varies based on size, complexity, materials, and timeline. We provide detailed estimates after our discovery call and full briefing, as stated above in Step 03.
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Timelines may be affected by global circumstances, custom materials, supply chain issues, fire treatment, or site coordination — but you’ll be informed at every step to ensure we’re always on the same page.