From UB to the Workshop: Three UB Alumni Power Industrial Arts Studio

When Wheeler was working on his master’s thesis at UB, he centered his inquiry around the question: “How can contemporary craftspeople organize their way of life to promote value in their work?” His exploration of that philosophical question and the journey of all three alumni have helped build this collaborative network of artists, designers, and tradespeople, all working with integrity and passion.

Wheeler had started out studying engineering, but something in him knew it wasn’t the right path for him. Gleaning inspiration from his eighth-grade yearbook—which declared that he wanted to be an architect—he changed his focus. But having grown up around tradespeople, he never imagined himself working for a traditional architecture firm. Through his thesis work, he wanted to explore the inherent value of the work of artists, designers, and tradespeople beyond simply financial gain. 

Koczka’s path shifted in a similar way. He initially considered engineering, but at a UB event for high school students, his intrigue in architecture was sparked by the question, “Are you artsy?”

Garrison, meanwhile, credits his high school “intro to architecture” teacher for inspiring him. She recognized not only his potential but, more importantly, his passion for the work, and she encouraged him to pursue it as a career.

At UB, they found a shared source of inspiration in the Fabrication Workshop, a space that embodies the School’s commitment to their think-through-making curriculum. As someone who learns best by doing, Wheeler feels these resources are the main reason he stuck with the program and enjoyed it so much. Koczka agrees: “When you’re thinking through making, you’re thinking through your hands, and you gain an understanding of how the world works. It makes you a better designer.”

UB’s broad curriculum exposed them to the many paths their education could take—material culture, inclusive design, situated technologies, ecological practices, and urban design— through the five graduate research groups offered to third-year Master of Architecture students. Koczka still recalls the impact of the single urban planning course he chose as an elective.  “Because of that one class, I’m way more in tune with what’s going on in the world,” he reflected. “It changed my understanding of the city and how space affects people.”

Through his thesis project, UB also gave Wheeler the freedom to explore new ideas—freedom that ultimately helped to shape the philosophy under which Industrial Arts Studio operates. “It was so valuable to take the time to focus on figuring out the core fundamental thing that makes me want to do the things I do,” he said. “And I found my own aesthetic style and a direction for my future. It helped me start my career as a self-employed designer and tradesperson.”

Their paths intersected again after graduation while working at The Assembly House. Envisioned by artist and designer Dennis Maher, clinical assistant professor in the Department of Architecture and Director of Building Arts, The Assembly House is an experimental work of art and architecture that transforms a historic former church in Buffalo, NY into a 'dreamworld for the building arts.'

There, they had the opportunity to hone their craft as makers and instructors, learn from seasoned professionals, and build connections with notable figures such as John Hulley, who led the restoration of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Darwin Martin House. Koczka remembers a workshop led by Hulley where they learned to disassemble tools and change the bearings—an essential skill when running your own shop.

At The Assembly House, Maher gave them the space and freedom to experiment, test ideas, and grow as makers. "It’s incredibly rewarding to see a new generation of makers and thinkers step out and cultivate their own enterprises,” Maher scared. “That spirit of initiative and independence is exactly what I hoped would grow out of The Assembly House, a culture of skilled builders confident enough to create their own ways of working in the world."

It was also during this time that the three solidified their friendship and realized just how closely their interests aligned—sharing a passion for both art and design as well as building and making. Dreaming of a space of their own, they worked out of two small unheated workshops before securing their current Hertel Avenue studio in 2023.

Today, the space is large enough to house everything they need—an industrial sander, band saws of different sizes, even a spray booth that they acquired from an old auto garage that can be used to do water-based finishes. This growth has had a direct impact on the scale of work that they’re able to achieve. Over the past year, they’ve completed the millwork for the new Chandler Street Breweries, tackled several unique residential renovations, and acquired a giant new lathe that Koczka used to create large porch columns. Koczka also crafted a historic reproduction of a Duncan Phyfe colonial writing desk for the Buffalo Maritime Center’s bicentennial celebration of the Erie Canal.

That piece resonated so deeply with a woman from Albany that she wrote to tell him how moved she was. Garrison and Wheeler couldn’t help but acknowledge how rare that was. “We live in a very visual world, but it’s not necessarily a design-focused world where laypeople are stopping and saying, ‘wow, I can tell that was made with intention,’” Garrison reflected. Garrison and Koczka also both have pieces currently on display at the Burchfield Penney Art Center’s Sylvia L. Rosen Craft Art Biennial through March 29.

Balancing passion projects with work that keeps the lights on is always part of the job—but no matter the project, craftsmanship stays at the center. “Our focus is really on making the highest quality thing,” Garrison shared. “We’re interested in history. We’re interested in the social or cultural aspects of making. And we always want to take our design and the execution to the next level.”

On February 28, 2026 from 5:00-9:00 p.m., Industrial Arts Studio will host an open house, welcoming the public to explore the space at 718 Hertel Avenue to meet the designers and makers, view their work, and connect with other like-minded creative folks. “We’re really interested in growing our community and meeting new people who are also interested in design-forward work,” Garrison shared. “And there will be wine and cheese,” he said with a grin.

Many would say these three alumni are fortunate to have built careers doing what they love, but it’s also clear that hard work, reflection, and a commitment to their craft have brought them here. Reflecting on how their individual journeys have led to this point each offers guidance for students on finding their own direction.

In addition to stressing the importance of making connections with faculty and other students while at UB, Koczka encourages students to find a niche and realize how advantageous that can be—your hobbies can be your strongest assets. Wheeler stresses the value of exploring alternative routes, noting that the design and critical-thinking skills learned in architecture school can translate powerfully in the trades. And Garrison urges students to stay curious and engage with the people doing compelling work around them. This is the time to experiment and discover what truly resonates.