About Us

The J. T. COOPER STUDIO is comprised of an evolving team of people responsible for producing these high quality and unique designs in metal.  Each of these team members is an artist in the their own life, bringing their individual skills to our studio projects.

JOE COOPER, is the artistic director and is involved in all aspects of the studio work, particularly design, welding  and metal fabrication.  He collaborates with our clients to ensure that the highest level of quality is achieved for each installation .

MAUREEN MCMANUS had the original vision to form this studio in 1993.  She has a natural gift for aesthetics and for inspiring and caring for people.  She is skilled in applying the textured bronze and in developing our aged patinas.

BILL RATTERREE is responsible for all aspects of our metal processes and is also an accomplished machinist.  He builds the stainless steel components and supports and is adept at installing the intricate electrical wiring used in the custom lighting fixtures.   Bill drives and maintains a 1928 Ford Model A.

PATTI PEAKE brings 10 years experience with ornamental iron fabrication.   She is devoted to doing quality work and is currently welding the structural components used in our lighting fixtures.  Patti also sings and plays the accordian and piano.

GEORGE ANDREWS, P.E., is our consulting electrical engineer.  He has taught engineering at the university level and is an inventor with many electrical patents.

MELISSA THOMPSON has been coordinating the studio's web site and graphic design since 2001.  She is a documentary film maker and social activist.  Over the last 10 years, her work has been shown in many film exhibitions.

SPECIAL THANKS:  SUSAN COOK  had the original concept for our web site and set up the overall design.   She is also a journalist and musician is now back in her native New Zealand as a owner/chef of a wilderness experience lodge on the Mokihinui River, West Coast of the South Island.   www.roughand tumble.co.nz