William Frank
Artist
,
Liturgical Design Consultant
Liturgical consultant, designer, and artist. Works through prayerful discernment and collaboration to create sacred spaces and artwork that glorify God and strengthen the Church�s liturgical life.
William Frank is Owner and Principal of Studio Totus, where he leads the firm�s consulting and design work for church renovations, new construction, and artistic commissions. He brings together experience liturgical design, architecture, and the arts to create sacred spaces that are beautiful, theologically grounded, and responsive to the needs of each community. He is equally comfortable working with parish committees and diocesan offices, collaborating with craftsmen and artists in the studio, and coordinating with trades on the construction site.
APPROACH
Principal
PHILOSOPHY
Studio Totus approaches work through five principles:
PURPOSE � Good design is integral to the spiritual life of the Church and her members. The character and quality of our churches express a community�s faith, support worship and prayer, and give glory to God. We understand shaping the spiritual environment as a vocation, not merely a transaction.
TRADITION � Tradition is not a style. The Church speaks of a living tradition in which each generation inherits, stewards, and transmits the faith anew. Through thoughtful design, we honor what has been handed down while shaping it for the present age.
FORMATION � Good design is formative. Furnishings, symbols, and artwork compose a silent catechism, nurturing faith, shaping our disposition toward God, and affirming the dignity of worship.
MEANING � Good design makes a statement of belief. Architecture and art unite practicality and ornament, function and purpose, to give tangible expression to what is good, true, and beautiful. Through materials, light, proportion, and ornament, design gives visible form to theology and reveals truths about God and the human person.
DIALOGUE � Good design is a product of conversation. Our work begins with listening�to the community, the site, and tradition. Every project is a dialogue between the community�s needs and aspirations and the enduring principles of sacred design, informed by the Church�s teachings and the practices of ritual and prayer.
TRADITIONS SERVED
Experience working across multiple Christian traditions with expertise in Roman Catholic.
EDUCATION
MFA, Washington University in St. Louis
BA, University of Dallas
Graduate Certificate in Liturgical Art and Architecture, Saint John�s University
SERVICES
From new construction and renovation to the commissioning of new furnishings and works of art, Studio Totus serves as your consultant and designer, accompanying you from the earliest stages through dedication to ensure a unified theological and artistic vision.
CONSULTING � We engage before the design process begins, providing formation, identifying needs, and building stakeholder consensus. Through this process, we shape a unified artistic vision that provides the foundation and direction for design.
DESIGN � We partner with you throughout the design process, developing the artistic vision into detailed designs. Our liturgical design services often grow from our consulting work, but we also develop designs for projects with an established scope.
ARTISTIC COMMISSIONS � We develop original artwork and architectural elements for sacred spaces, working from concept through fabrication and installation. Our work includes furnishings, architectural ornament, devotional art, and other site-specific elements.
PROJECT COORDINATION � As an owner�s consultant, we guide clients through projects of all sizes, from concept to completion. We represent you during construction, advocating for design integrity and ensuring that the theological and artistic intent are faithfully realized.
SPECIALIZATION
Liturgical Consulting and Planning
Liturgical Furnishings
Mosaic
Sacred Art Programming
Stained Glass
