A new episode of The Building Texas Show podcast, part of The Cavallini Legacy series, offers an inside look at the meticulous process behind Cavallini & Co.'s handcrafted stained glass windows. Hosted by Justin McKenzie, the episode published May 27, 2026, examines why authentic commissions can take up to 18 months to complete, emphasizing the irreplaceable value of artisan craftsmanship in an era of rapid technological advancement.
The discussion features insights from the Cavallini family and studio team, covering the development of themes through dialogue with parishioners, often tracing narratives from the Old Testament to the New Testament. The episode also delves into the hidden structural engineering within each panel, including rebars that transfer weight to the frame, preventing the glass and lead from bowing.
A central focus is the restoration and repurposing of Munich-style windows originally from St. Mary's Catholic Church in Port Arthur, which were salvaged after Hurricane Rita. Cavallini & Co. purchased the windows 18 years ago from the Diocese of Beaumont and stored them until they found a fitting home at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary in Houston, which is rebuilding after a natural gas explosion. Adrian Cavallini sent photographs of the windows to a committee member, who, according to the elder Cavallini, "just fell in love with them." The studio is now creating the Luminous Mysteries to complement the existing set, completing a cycle that began with Hurricane Rita.
Reflecting on the modern pace of design, McKenzie expressed concern about patience in the workforce, noting that employees work on projects that require meticulous detail and time, unlike AI-generated designs. The episode underscores the value of traditional craftsmanship in sacred art, a hallmark of Cavallini & Co., which has been designing and installing architect-grade stained glass for over 70 years.
The Cavallini Legacy series, part of The Building Texas Show, profiles founders and craftspeople shaping Texas industry. Episode 2 is available now wherever podcasts are heard.
