Business Details
50 Years
experience
Custom Art Framing in San Diego
Since 1976, The Frame Maker has been Southern California's premier destination for custom art framing solutions. Founded by Steven Atlas in National City and relocated to Mission Hills in 1999, our family-owned business has cultivated decades of expertise through partnerships with top artisans, manufacturers, and design professionals. With over 60 combined years of industry experience among our staff, we offer personalized consultations and access to one of the most comprehensive framing material showrooms in San Diego.Our museum-quality standards protect artwork from environmental damage while our custom shadowbox solutions preserve unique heirlooms. As active members of the American Society of Interior Designers, we serve both individual collectors and art professionals with volume projects, delivering precision craftsmanship on time and on budget. Our legacy of excellence is reflected in client testimonials praising our creative guidance, transparent pricing, and exceptional customer service.
Services
Custom Picture Framing
Museum Quality Framing
Shadowbox Picture Frames
Framing to the Trade
Custom Framed Mirrors
Details
- Year established: 1976
Highlights and features
- 44 years of specialized art framing expertise
- Access to 60+ years combined staff experience
- Museum-quality conservation standards for artwork protection
- Family-owned business with personalized service
- Largest selection of framing materials in San Diego
What people say
Excellent workmanship
Knowledgeable staff
Timely delivery
Creative guidance
Reasonable prices
Services
Custom Picture Framing
Our custom picture framing service creates tailored solutions for artwork preservation. Using archival materials and conservation-grade glass, we protect valuable pieces from environmental damage while enhancing their visual impact. Clients receive personalized design consultations to match frames with artwork aesthetics and display environments. With over 40 years of experience, our craftsmen execute complex custom designs that maintain structural integrity and artistic intent.
Museum Quality Framing
Museum-quality framing employs specialized techniques to preserve artwork longevity. We use acid-free mats, UV-protective glazing, and reversible mounting methods that meet institutional standards. Our staff's decades of experience ensures proper material selection for different media types. This service protects against light exposure, humidity, and physical damage while maintaining the artwork's original condition for future generations.
Shadowbox Picture Frames
Shadowbox frames protect three-dimensional objects and delicate items requiring extra depth. We construct custom shadowboxes for heirlooms, textiles, and memorabilia using archival materials and protective glazing. Our designers create functional display solutions that balance preservation needs with aesthetic presentation. Each shadowbox incorporates specialized mounting techniques to securely showcase unique items while preventing environmental damage.
Framing to the Trade
Our trade services cater to interior designers and art professionals with volume projects. We offer competitive pricing structures, dedicated project management, and access to exclusive materials. The team's 94 combined years of industry experience ensures efficient execution of large-scale framing requirements. Clients benefit from our established relationships with manufacturers and ability to meet tight deadlines without compromising quality standards.
Custom Framed Mirrors
Custom mirror framing combines decorative elements with functional design. We offer various molding options and finish choices for clear, antiqued, or colored mirrors. Our craftsmen create frames that complement existing decor while ensuring structural integrity. Services include beveled edge treatments and custom sizing to fit unique spaces, with design consultations available to match specific aesthetic requirements.
People
Samantha Atlas
Owner
Third-generation framing expert with 16 years of operational experience. Graduated from San Diego State University in 2008, managing daily operations since 2016. Active ASID member, continuing family legacy of quality craftsmanship since 1976.
Greg Strange
Lead Designer
Design authority with 43 years of experience in San Diego's art community. Specializes in creating frame solutions that enhance artwork presentation while maintaining conservation standards. Provides expert guidance to both private and professional clients.
Jason Sherry
Lead Art Preparator
Fine arts graduate with 22 years of framing expertise. Combines artistic perspective with technical knowledge to prepare artwork for display. Exhibits personal work in local galleries while overseeing complex framing projects at the shop.
Jenna Refuerzo
Production Picture Framer
Studio art specialist with 15 years of production framing experience. Applies art history knowledge to ensure proper presentation techniques for diverse artwork types. Maintains quality standards across high-volume projects.
Kenneth Little
Custom Picture Framer
Skilled craftsman executing intricate custom framing projects. Translates design concepts into precise physical frames using traditional woodworking techniques. Ensures dimensional accuracy and material compatibility for long-term preservation.
Questions
What makes your framing 'museum quality'?
We use acid-free materials, UV-protective glass, and reversible mounting techniques that meet institutional preservation standards to protect artwork longevity.
Do you offer services for design professionals?
Yes, our trade services provide volume pricing, dedicated project management, and exclusive material access for interior designers and art consultants.
Can you frame unusual objects?
Our custom shadowbox solutions accommodate three-dimensional items like garments, memorabilia, and fragile artifacts using specialized mounting techniques.
How long have you been in business?
We've served San Diego since 1976, with our current team maintaining over 60 combined years of framing expertise.
What mirror framing options exist?
We offer various molding styles with options for beveled edges, antiqued finishes, and custom sizing to complement any decor.
Do you provide art installation help?
While we don't install artwork directly, we maintain relationships with trusted local professionals who specialize in art handling and display solutions.
Reviews (4)
Emily Serna
Oct 30, 2021
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We brought a piece created by my husbands great grandfather that holds a lot of sentimental value. The piece was in an old broken frame and needed an update. The folks at the frame maker helped me to choose some good options for updating the frame. They also made sure to preserve the original label from a retrospective found on the back of the artwork. We were really happy with the results! We highly recommend this place for high quality framing.
Tara C.
Sep 17, 2020
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Our family has used The Frame Maker now for 6 different pieces and all have turned out great! Twice we met with Sam, once virtually and once in person. She was very patient and helpful during the decision process. Met with Greg once in person and he made the decision process effortless and pulled some color choices we might not have otherwise gone with. Overall we would highly recommend the shop for all your framing needs!
S. L.
Jan 21, 2020
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Long overdue review! Tom was a massive help to us when we began bringing in a variety of art for framing/care. A wonderful man with a wonderful eye...he helped us narrow down our choices and the results are beautiful. Would recommend the Frame Maker and Tom in a heartbeat.
Barry Demchak
Nov 30, 2019
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Very impressive store and people. Talked to Tom today about a framing question from a job they did for me in 1990. Great knowledge and answered all questions ... gave great advice. These guys are the bomb!
