Occasionally we have the opportunity to collaborate on some very intriguing projects. A long time collaborator of ours, Pat McClane, McClane + Smith Architects of Richmond, VA, came to us with an unusual request. His clients are avid supporters of The University of Richmond athletics program and he felt it would be a great nod to that interest to include the school mascot, a spider, on their new dwelling's exterior. We worked with Mr. McClane to design a hand wrought iron spider that had a realistic air to it. The frame was made of lead, the spider was mechanically attached and all parts were then finished with a faux bronze patina.