The writer, John M. Corbett, is president of Corbett Research Group, Inc., developers of online directories and websites for the master artisans, exclusively, since 1999. For 25 years previous to that, John owned and managed Landmark Rigging, Inc., steeplejacks, riggers and general contractors, and performed a wide range of building restoration services throughout the east coast of the US. These published magazine articles all draw on his thirty year experience as a building tradesman. As a long time "steeplejack" of many trades, he knows a little bit about a lot. These articles are a continuation of his ongoing lifelong interaction with Master Artisans much more accomplished than he. Check out his web development blog.

KEEPING COSTS DOWN IN HIGH PLACES - THE STEEPLEJACK OPTION
…And the Secret Hands on Method for Making Sure That the Work Gets Done Right.
First appeared in the "Building Arts Notebook" of the November/December 2003 Traditional Building Magazine.

A MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST AND RESEARCH ARCHIVE FOR TOWER BELLS
About maintaining, upgrading and researching historic tower bells, featuring the bellhangers of Church Specialties, Inc.
As seen in Traditional Building Magazine.

BRINGING LIFE TO ARCHITECTURE THROUGH THE CLASSICAL ART OF HAND CARVED WOOD ORNAMENT.
To American eyes the classical architectural tradition has its roots in an ancient Europe that is somehow apart from the natural world. The work and teaching of master wood carver Dimitrios Klitsas reconnects us to the natural origin of the classical orders.
As seen in Winter 2001 Period Homes Magazine.

HIDING AMERICA'S GROWING GARAGE
Designs for Custom Garage Doors. A Camouflaged Entrance to the Neo-Mega-Mudroom.
Published in the "Building Arts Notebook" in the Spring 2003 Period Homes Magazine.

THE CALAMINE CURE FOR TROUBLED WINDOWS
Evolving Roles for ("Kalamein") Windows Clad in Sheet Metal.
Published in the "Building Arts Notebook" in the March/April 2003 Traditional Building Magazine.

BUILDING AN OLD HOUSE AT A NEW SITE
Dismantled historic buildings for relocation. Dismantled Materials Reek of Period Atmosphere. Find an Artisan Who Can Stand the Smell.
Published in the "Building Arts Notebook" in the winter 2002 Period Homes Magazine.

THE BUILDER'S REPUTATION IS SAFE INSIDE VERMONT'S MARBLE MOUNTAIN
New Underground Fabrication Works Assures Continued Production of an Indispensable American Building Stone.
Published in the "Building Arts Notebook" in the Jan/Feb 2003 Traditional Building Magazine.

WHEN BUILDING WITH STONE VENEER, DON'T BOTHER WITH THE DETAILS
It's Easier to Just Make the Project Team Make Them Work
First appeared in the "Building Arts Notebook" of the July/August 2003 Traditional Building Magazine.

THE TWILIGHT OF DURABLE ORNAMENTAL IRON?
True Historic Wrought Iron is Not What You Think.
Published in the "Building Arts Notebook" in the May/June 2003 Traditional Building Magazine.

SPIRAL STAIR LAYOUT WITHOUT REGRETS
Just Beam Me Up: Vertical Access in Limited Space. Requiring only about half the floor area required for conventional staircases, spiral stairs sometimes furnish the only legal means of access to upper levels, roofs and lofts in areas where space is limited. Additionally, these prefabricated, freestanding assemblies add a dynamic design element, save labor and relieve project schedules.
From the Autumn 2002 "Building Arts Notebook" section of Period Homes Magazine.

EXPERIENCE KEEPS STONE PROJECTS ROLLING
From Design Through Installation, Consultation with the Stone Fabricator can Prevent Delays. Projects can incur delays and cost overruns due to a chronic shortage of designers and installers with long experience in this traditional material.
Article published in "Building Arts Notebook" in Traditional Building Magazine.

SET IN STONE: FAILURE OR FOREVER?
Historic Buildings Show the Way to Build Durable Stone Facades for New Construction. Due to the cost of veneer stone and its reputation for durability, expectations for its performance are high. Failures in new construction in stone are embarrassing for the project team and baffling to the customer.
Article published in "Building Arts Notebook" in Traditional Building Magazine. With Gothic Stone Restoration.

A NEW SOURCE FOR DATING AND IDENTIFYING PERIOD WOOD MOLDINGS
In March of 2002, Hull Historical Millwork published the "Historical Moldings Catalog", a catalog which not only makes available 650 of the most popular moldings in the Victorian, Arts and Crafts and Period Revival styles, but which is in itself a research tool for the field, enabling designers, builders and preservationists to identify moldings and properly place them in their historical and stylistic context.
As published in Summer 2002 Period Homes Magazine.

READING HISTORIC ROOF FLASHING DETAILS
Historic roof flashing details can sometimes appear naïve and ineffective by modern standards. The original artisans were, like us, only mortal but, unlike us, they lacked the gift of hindsight. With this hindsight, we can read the record of their work and use what we learn to more effectively protect today's historic fabric.
Published May/June 2002 Period Homes Magazine.

OLD GROWTH LUMBER SCARCITY DRIVES CHOICES FOR CUSTOM WOOD TURNINGS A new look at materials and procedures can help to keep turned ornament cost effective.

Published in an Period Homes Magazine.

LIGHTING IS THE WORD IN LIGHTING RESTORATION Lighting technologies create new issues for the historic project.
Published in Traditional Building Magazine.

A LAST LOOK AT HISTORIC WOOD WINDOWS. But not the last word. With contributions from Marlowe Restorations, Caroline Sly, Weston Millwork.
As seen in November/December 2001 Traditional Building Magazine.

ANTICIPATE THE RISK FACTOR WHEN PURCHASING HISTORIC ROOF SLATE AND TILE.
As seen in Autumn 2001 Period Homes Magazine.