Walk into a boutique hotel, a tech office or a premier sports venue in the Austin area, and the art on the walls may seem like a simple design touch. Yet behind a large-scale commercial installation lies a massive logistical undertaking requiring precision printing, custom framing, freight shipping, specialized crating and white-glove installation.
At its South Bell Boulevard headquarters in Cedar Park, Art Direct has built the infrastructure needed to manage those demands behind the scenes.
While many residents know Art Direct as a neighborhood destination for custom framing, artist services and heirloom preservation, the company has quietly expanded to become a commercial production partner. Today, interior designers, corporate facilities and major regional brands rely on the team for end-to-end art execution.
How did Art Direct grow to take on larger projects?
Art Direct’s expansion into commercial projects was not driven by traditional advertising. Instead, the business grew through word-of-mouth recommendations within Austin’s creative community.
“We built our reputation by working with so many local artists,” Founder and CEO George Prichard said. “That artist works with an interior designer, that designer tells a business owner and it spreads organically.”
As recommendations grew, so did the scope of work. Individual framing projects evolved into larger commercial installations, prompting the shop to build a start-to-finish process for business clients.
Today, Art Direct handles every stage of a commercial project in-house, from artwork guidance and fine art printing to custom fabrication, delivery and professional mounting. Clients work with a single team from concept through installation, even on high-volume or oversized orders.
What can art add to a commercial space?
For visitors and employees, the logistics matter less than how the finished space feels. Art can give a startup identity, connect a restaurant to local culture or make a hotel lobby feel welcoming.
Whether the team is framing one memory or producing hundreds of pieces for a corporate renovation, the underlying purpose remains the same.
“Art is just such an emotional thing,” the team said. “It becomes part of a space because it connects with people in a way that goes beyond simply filling a wall.”
That philosophy has shaped Art Direct's projects associated with The Moody Center, The University of Texas, local Nike running stores, the Austin Gamblers and downtown hotels.
How does Art Direct handle commercial projects?
Handling high-volume corporate projects without sacrificing quality requires production capacity and scale. Art Direct built that foundation through its e-commerce operations.
Shipping tens of thousands of framed pieces nationally gave the company two key advantages: bulk buying power on raw materials and an experienced production workforce. That e-commerce engine provided the operational capacity needed to expand into physical retail, open its gallery and execute corporate contracts efficiently.
Today, 12 large-format printers, dedicated framing production lines and in-house crating allow Art Direct to manage bulk freight shipments for major developments.
Despite its growth, the company maintains its personalized approach.
“Every client is treated like family when they walk through the door,” Prichard said. “Whether someone is coming in with one special piece or trusting us with an entire commercial project, we want them to feel that same level of care and attention.”
What goes into a commercial art project?
A commercial art project involves more than selecting frames. Depending on the scope, Art Direct assists with artwork guidance, fine art printing, canvas stretching, oversized fabrication, custom framing, delivery and installation.
This comprehensive approach allows the team to adapt to projects of any size. Rather than coordinating multiple vendors, clients work with Art Direct throughout the process.
That flexibility allows the company to scale services around each project's needs while maintaining the attention to detail given to individual retail clients.
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you are designing a commercial space or framing a cherished memory, Art Direct invites you to visit the studio, consult with framers and tour the facility.
Address: 720 S. Bell Blvd., Building 9A, Cedar Park
Website: artdirect.com
Phone: 512-243-7211
Email: [email protected]
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The above story was produced by Multi-Platform Journalist Chloe Chapel, with Community Impact's Storytelling team, using information solely provided by the local business as part of its sponsored content.
What is Art Direct?
Art Direct is a Cedar Park, Texas-based custom print and frame shop, fine art gallery and commercial art manufacturing facility. Founded in 1998, the company offers custom picture framing, large-format fine art printing, artwork curation, delivery and installation services.
Does Art Direct offer custom framing and printing online?
Yes. In addition to its Cedar Park showroom, Art Direct operates an e-commerce platform where customers can upload digital images, select custom wood frames and substrates (such as canvas, metal or archival paper) and have finished pieces shipped directly to their door.
What services does Art Direct provide for commercial and corporate clients?
Art Direct provides end-to-end commercial art services, artwork guidance, high-volume fine art printing, custom framing, freight crating, nationwide shipping, storage and professional on-site mounting for offices, hotels, restaurants and sports venues.
Do I need an appointment to visit the Cedar Park studio?
No appointment is necessary. Visitors can walk into the Cedar Park showroom during business hours—Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.—to consult with a framing specialist or view the local artist gallery.
