Professional Membership

Why Professional Membership Matters

Professional Members are recognized by peers, clients, architects, and preservation partners as leaders in the stained glass field. Membership at this level communicates that your studio or practice has met rigorous, peer-reviewed standards of technical skill, ethics, and professionalism.

Benefits of Professional Membership include:

• Use of the SGAA Professional logo and certificate
• Full Sourcebook directory profile
• Voting rights on membership and technical documents
• Eligibility to serve on SGAA Committees and the Board of Directors
• Opportunities for bids and calls for professional projects
• Recognition in SGAA publications and exhibitions

Download Application (opens new window)

Pathway to Professional Membership

To apply for Professional Membership, applicants must first be an Affiliate Member for at least one year.

This requirement ensures that Professional Members are not only excellent in their craft, but also invested in the SGAA community. This step isn’t a barrier—it’s a launchpad. Affiliate membership gives new applicants the chance to:

• Participate in events, affinity calls, and networking opportunities
• Learn about SGAA’s standards, guidelines, and resources
• Build connections with mentors and peers
• Demonstrate active engagement with the SGAA community

After a year of Affiliate membership, applicants may submit a Professional application with their portfolio, documentation, and letters of recommendation.

Who Should Apply?

Professional Membership is open to:

• Studios & Artisans – Businesses creating stained glass art, commissions, restoration, or repairs
• Retailers – Businesses selling stained glass supplies, tools, materials, or finished products
• Teachers – Artisan educators offering classes, workshops, or training programs
• Galleries – Galleries representing, exhibiting, or promoting stained glass

Applicants should have a minimum of three (3) years’ professional practice in the stained glass field.

The Application Process

Step 1: Affiliate Membership
Join SGAA as an Affiliate Member (opens new window) and engage actively for one year.

Step 2: Prepare Your Application
Gather required documentation, including:

• Proof of business registration, liability insurance, and safety practices
• Resume/CV and sample studio contract
• Portfolio of recent work (maximum 10 pages)
• Letters of recommendation (2 clients, 1 Professional Member, 1 Accredited Member)

Step 3: Submit Application
Send your completed Professional Membership Application (with $100 application fee) and all documentation to membership@stainedglass.org↗

Step 4: Panel Interview
Finalists will complete a panel interview with SGAA Accredited & Professional Members, either at a conference or via Zoom.

Step 5: Certification
Upon approval, applicants receive their Professional Member certificate and recognition within the SGAA community.

👉 Download the Professional Membership Application (PDF) (opens new window) ↗

Application Fee

There is a separate $100 application fee for each professional classification for which the studio wants to receive. Each Application for Professional Membership must be submitted independently for each classification.

Annual Professional Membership Dues
With Sourcebook Profile    $775
Without Sourcebook Profile    $225