Barry Phipps, Manager
Barry Phipps became obsessed with crafting wood at age 7 when he discovered a pair of wooden skis with tips lacking enough curl to glide through the thick snow of Truckee, California. Soaking the skis in the family bath tub got him is some serious hot water with Mom, but his passion for crafting never waned. In 1958 he entered the Millmans Apprenticeship Program, and he's been gathering expertise since.
As manager, Barry Phipps oversees all Artéfice projects.
- During design development, he prepares estimates and budgeting alternatives, and provides technical and creative input. His greatest strength is in identifying the resources that meet our clients' vision and result in a quality product.
- During production, Barry oversees scheduling and quality control.
- He also plays a key role in coordinating installation. He works closely with job project managers to efficiently sequence millwork delivery.
Best thing about Artéfice:
"Our clients bring in really diverse projects, which keep us on our toes."
Troy McEachen, Plant Foreman
Troy McEachen grew up in a family whose favorite pastime was remodeling their home. If Troy wasn't assisting with the latest project, he would find what he needed from the family wood pile to build forts and ramps. Because Troy is always ready to help with a building project, he carries a tape measure and a pencil with him at all times. "I'm like a structural timber. You might not see me, but I'm always there, and you can count on me."
As Plant Foreman, Troy does the following:
- He organizes and oversees manufacturing production.
- He orchestrates field installation.
- He is responsible for quality control and safety.
Best thing about Artéfice:
"We get to build projects that most people only can dream about building."
Gary Zahigian, Detailer
Gary Zahigian became a millman because he was inspired by the fine things his grandfather crafted in the trade. If Ziggy could be a piece of furniture, he'd be a work bench because "that's where everything gets done." In his 33 years as a craftsman, he has moved from a shop work bench to a drafting work bench.
As detailer, Ziggy provides working shop drawings so the Artéfice craftsmen can machine and assemble with clarity.
He reviews architectural or interior design drawings and gathers direction from the project manager before creating accurate shop drawings.
- He creates stock bills for the shop.
- He creates material, hardware and buy-out lists.
- He provides technical support to the craftsmen using his drawings.
Best thing about Artéfice:
"I work with craftsmen who take pride in all they do no matter how small the job."
Dinn Cosart, Estimator/Project Manager
Dinn Cosart grew up in a home filled with fine furniture his father made, which inspired his work ethic. "A craftsman thinks like a mechanic, designs like an engineer, draws like an artist, builds like a clockmaker, has the patience of Job, and lives for the joy of seeing his work valued by others." Dinn crafted his first masterpiece at age 8, a soap box derby car. He started his professional career 33 years ago, beginning as a craftsman and working his way up to project leader.
As estimator/project manager at Artéfice, Dinn does the following:
- He creates accurate, inclusive job estimates and offers alternatives.
- He formulates contracts.
- He leads the development of construction schedules.
- He direct the resolution of project issues, prepare and administers payments, oversee quality control and oversee project documentation.
- He is a liaison between the client, the designer and Artéfice.
Best thing about Artéfice:
"Artéfice has a great collection of tools, and our craftsmen are absolutely committed to producing the finest quality possible."
Dean Whellams, Client Services Director
Dean identifies client needs and the Artéfice's resources that will best satisfy those needs. To develop business relations, he coordinates with designers, owners, sub-contractors, suppliers and others at Artéfice. He maintains client communication and follows up with clients to ensure satisfaction. As a former fly fishing guide, Dean has the patience and finesse to guide clients in identifying the construction delivery system that best suits their needs.
Best thing about Artéfice:
"The craftsmen in our facility have a desire to create a product that cannot be found anywhere else."
Maria Murray, Office Manager
Maria Murray has been building things for as long as her mom can remember. She started with Lincoln Logs. Today she focuses on keeping the Artéfice office running smoothly so others can craft. "The people working in our plant epitomize for me the meaning of craftsmen. You can see the pride they have in the quality of their work. I enjoy being a part of the process."
As Office Manager, Maria does the following:
She takes care of such accounting functions as financial statements, inventory control, accounts receivable, accounts payable and job costing
- She helps set up projects and manage contracts.
- She controls project documentation, such as submittals, transmittals and communication.
- And she assists with estimates, quotes and proposals as requested.
Best thing about Artéfice:
"I like the down-to-earth realism of the people I work with and the beauty of what they create."
Norman Dianda, Owner
In high school shop class, Norm Dianda crafted a coffee table that pleased him so much that he went home and told his dad he was done mowing lawns and on to building cabinets. He began working nights at Sargent Showcases and Fixture Company. After graduation, Norm developed a passion for building bigger things and became a general contractor in 1964. But he never forgot his roots as a cabinetmaker. He launched the Artéfice millwork manufacturing facility in 1979 to ensure the finest finishes for his construction projects.
As Owner of Artéfice, Norm does the following:
- He makes certain Artéfice has the right people and the right equipment to build the finest quality millwork in the world.
- He stands behind his promise of delivering premium quality on time and within budget.
Best thing about Artéfice:
"Even with all of our modern equipment, we still turn out millwork with the integrity of hand-crafted work. We can be competitive and meet tough schedules, yet still achieve our craftsmanship goals".