Conrad Schmitt Studios, Inc.

WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO AT CONRAD SCHMITT STUDIOS

Written by Conrad Schmitt Studios

Conrad Schmitt Studios, Inc. is an award-winning company specializing in the decorative arts. Our family-owned and operated firm is one of the oldest and largest art glass and liturgical decoration studios in the United States, servicing clients all over the nation. We are celebrating our 136^th anniversary in 2025 at our studio in New Berlin, Wisconsin. Conrad Schmitt, Jr., the son of German immigrants, originally established the studio in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1889. Conrad passed the business on to his three sons, Edward, Rupert, and Alphonse. In 1951, studio artist Bernard O. Gruenke purchased the studio and ran the business with his son Bernard E. Gruenke. Today, B. Gunar Gruenke and Heidi Gruenke Emery are the third generation of the Gruenke family to lead the studio. The next generation of Gruenke leadership, Jake, Maddie, and Abi work alongside Gunar and Heidi, continuing a longstanding legacy of excellence in artistry.

At CSS, we design, create, restore, and conserve artwork for both public and private buildings. Our team works with clients and architects for new constructions to propose and implement decorative schemes. Often, our work includes projects for large spaces, both inside and out. Religious spaces, such as basilicas, churches, cathedrals, and synagogues require careful attention to guidelines for the liturgical arts. Civic spaces and community centers, such as theaters, hotels, courthouses, train stations, state capitols, and government buildings have unique histories to both maintain and update. Our mission is to not only preserve the past through the restoration and conservation of built environments but also support clients with best practices in design and decoration.  

Our team works to preserve the integrity of every space through careful analysis of the existing architecture and decorative scheme. Regional project managers work individually with clients, serving as a primary point of contact and company liaison. Our Studios in New Berlin, Wisconsin serve as a hub for every department to collaborate and communicate in-person, resulting in a unified artistic vision. The CSS team includes full-time, dedicated professionals in Design, Decorative Painting, Stained Glass, and Historic Preservation.

Digital design services include conceptual development, interior design renderings, and fundraising tools. Additional decorative arts services encompass gilding, glazing, graining, marbleizing, stenciling, ornamental plastering, trompe l’oeil, and scagliola work. Stained glass services include design, fabrication, installation, and restoration.