From Executive Chef to Stained Glass Artist: My Story

Quick answer: I'm Steve Downing, the stained glass artist behind The Glass Master, a custom studio just north of Denver in Thornton. Before glass, I worked as Executive Chef at one of Denver's largest catering companies. Seeing original Tiffany windows in Washington, D.C. changed my direction, and I founded The Glass Master in 1989. Every piece I make is custom and designed together with the homeowner.

Why I'm Writing This

People who call the studio usually want to know two things: can I build what they're picturing, and who exactly will be doing the work. The answer to the second question is me. So as we start a new year on the blog, I figured it was time to tell you a little about how a chef ended up spending his days cutting glass.

A Career That Started in the Kitchen

Long before I ever held a glass cutter, I was running kitchens. I was Executive Chef at one of the largest catering companies in Denver. That job taught me things I still use every day.

Planning Everything Before You Start

Catering is all about preparation. You don't wait until the guests arrive to figure out the menu. Stained glass works the same way. By the time I cut the first piece, the design, the glass and the layout are all settled.

Presentation Matters

In a kitchen, people eat with their eyes first. In a home, a stained glass window is often the first thing a guest notices. Color, balance and detail aren't extras. They're the whole point.

The Client Is Part of the Process

A good chef listens. The best events I worked on came from really understanding what the host wanted. That's exactly how I approach design now. I don't hand you a catalog page. We build the idea together.

The Windows That Changed Everything

The turning point came in Washington, D.C., where I saw original works by Tiffany in person. I'd seen pictures of stained glass before, but standing in front of the real thing is different. The way the light moved through the glass, the depth of the color, the detail that looked almost painted: it stuck with me.

I came home wanting to learn how that kind of work was made, and I never really stopped. In 1989 I founded The Glass Master, and I've been building custom stained glass for Colorado homes ever since.

What I Do Today as a Stained Glass Artist in Denver

My Signature Technique

Most stained glass is built one of two ways: with lead came or with copper foil. I combine both. The copper foil lets me work with smaller pieces and finer lines, and the leaded glass gives the window strength and structure. Put together, a finished window can look like it was painted with light.

Every Piece Is Custom

I don't sell one-size-fits-all designs. Full glass door conversions, pantry and cabinet inserts, windows, transoms, sidelights, fireplace screens, wine room doors: each one is designed for one opening in one home.

You're Part of the Design

I believe one of the most important parts of any piece is the client taking part in the design. You know your home, your style and how you live in the space. I know glass, light and how to make a design hold together for the long haul. When we put those together, you end up with something that feels like it belongs.

A Studio Just North of Denver

The studio sits in Thornton, which makes it easy to work with homeowners in Northglenn, Westminster, Broomfield, Brighton, Arvada and all over Denver. I've also built pieces for clients outside Colorado. A lot of my work comes from repeat clients who come back for another piece, and that means more to me than anything I could say about myself.

What I Care About Most

If you ask me what matters most in this business, it's simple: quality work, being transparent about the process, and treating people well. I'd rather spend an extra few minutes explaining your options than have you guess. Stained glass is personal. It should feel that way from the first phone call to the day it's installed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who designs and builds the stained glass at The Glass Master?

I do. I'm Steve Downing, and I work with each client on the design and build the piece in my studio in Thornton.

When was The Glass Master founded?

I founded The Glass Master in 1989, after a career as an executive chef in Denver.

What kind of stained glass projects do you take on?

All custom work: door conversions, window and door glass, sidelights, transoms, cabinet and pantry inserts, fireplace screens and special projects.

Do I need a finished design before I call?

No. Many clients start with a photo, a color, or just a feeling they want in a room. We shape the design together.

Let's Talk About Your Project

If you're looking for a stained glass artist in Denver or the north metro, I'd love to hear what you have in mind. Call me at (303) 457-1886, 7am to 5pm daily, or send a message through the contact page. You can also read more about me or browse the stained glass gallery.