Chris then seized an opportunity in Houston to work on conservation of tin ceilings in historic buildings. Architectural metals became a focal material in his art, as he incorporated stamped metal ceiling panels in his painting as a means to ground his painting style with textural forms that embodied the archetypal shapes and imagery of this quintessential American architectural tradition. His metal art extended to restoration work on historic architecture that incorporated ornamental metal. This work led directly to his founding of Valley Tin Works, a business dedicated to the restoration and installation of tin ceilings—as Valley Tin Works’ slogan puts it, “blending an admiration for antiquity with a modern artistic style”.

Within the kitchen and bath design industry, Chris is recognized as an expert for his knowledge of the historical context and period appropriateness of patterns and shapes used in architectural metalwork and architecture/design in general. He has been a leader in the field, inventing new finishes and new ways to use traditional and exotic materials to achieve effect. Chris’s work has drawn the attention of architects and interior designers. His design/restoration work includes collaboration with famous designer Vicente Wolf on the recreation of an Art Deco metal cabinet, and regular installations in decorator Robert Schwartz’s kitchens. At the same time, he has developed his conceptual art to new levels that go far beyond the merely decorative and functional. This dual role of art and architecture continues in Chris’s work, in contradistinction to architects and architecture that holds art to be subordinate to structure.