With a simple Google search for the definition of ‘Artisan’ you will find something like this… “A worker in a skilled trade, especially one that involves making things by hand.” That definition seems to cover ALOT. But it seems like we have been seeing the word ‘artisan’ pop up more and it always seems to be describing a type of work that goes beyond just someone ‘skilled’. It seems like we see the term used most often at craft vender events, or to describe the food of a specialty hipster shop. (Is hipster still a thing?) In either context, it usually seems to describe a product or experience that is unique to that creator. It is a way of saying that the person making it is going beyond just what is needed to be ‘in business’ and puts in the extra effort needed to add something personal to what they’re making. Simply put, they are not just making bread or soap, but in their specific methods and processes, they’re are adding a level of art. To really understand what this means for the consumer we would probably need to deep dive into what art even is… and THAT could take some time.

So this term ‘artisan’ has value to differentiate between handmade ‘quality’ goods and the mass produced, assembly line made products that we have all gotten accustom to, and encounter everyday. But where the word ‘artisan’ gets a little tricky and complicated again, is in the world of construction.

If we go back to that Google definition, it seems like the word ‘artisan’ could describe almost every person in the construction trades. But does it? In construction, there are plenty of ‘master craftsmen’. But are all skilled tradesmen “artists”? Again, to really answer that, I suppose we would need to define art… but that’s a whole other thing.

Just like everything else, construction is an industry. And within that industry there are differing levels of artistry, and manufactured products and systems needed to keep that industry moving at the speed it needs. Even though much of construction is done by skilled tradesmen, on-site in real time, it still seems that the “art” of it is left out… and for good reason. To have every project be a unique work of art is not all that efficient. The most efficient way to make and produce things is usually to do them the same way over and over. Even just from a design perspective, there is an ease in designing something and knowing exactly what it will be no matter who does the work. So we train our skilled craftsmen and tradesmen to work in the industry in a replicable, almost machine like way. And again, that’s not wrong, its just the way it is. But this has lead to what I like to call a, “Catalog” way of designing and building. Most people are use to choosing what they will get out of a “catalog” (or website these days). Whether its tile, wallpaper, flooring, or cabinets… people want to be able to open a catalog, see the exact product, order, and then know that they have their choice of 3-4 different installers who will all install that product according to the manufacturers specifications, and everyone knows exactly what they are getting. Its a very efficient way to design and build and most importantly, it takes out alot of the guess work and and saves alot of time.

But sometimes a project needs something else. People are tired of mass produced products and buildings that feel like they were made by a machine. People want real textures back in their spaces. They want want REAL materials that are unique and inviting. They want the artisanal strokes and imperfections that let you know and feel that this was a space done by hand. That in some small or large way, there is a piece of the artist in it. This can only be done by understanding the difference between an artisan and a tradesmen. When you work with an artisan, what you are going to get is going to be unique to that person as an artist. What you get wont be out of a catalog, but out of a conversation. You might not be getting an "industry standard” way of doing something, but a unique artistic expression and connection with the space being built.

All that artistic value and connection is not for everyone. Its an entirely different process and can take more time than the catalog design method. But if you are wanting spaces that feel unique and full of personality… you might need to build up your own catalog of artisans.

So with all this said… I guess what an artisan is, is a craftsman that is also an artist. Both can exist independent from each other, but when they are together… that’s an artisan.