In 1989, an architecture student at the University of Texas had no idea he would start a prefabricated metal building company one day.

But his background foretold it.

Years of working for his family's Austin-based Sailboat Shop (which they no longer own) fueled Jay Hargrave's need to work with his hands. And he also needed the extra cash.

In 1995, Hargrave started the architecture and steel building design firm Cottam Hargrave, with architect Janell Cottam.

Steel fabrication remains a large part of the firm's repertoire and allows Hargrave to feed that desire to get his hands dirty, while still indulging his analytical side with metal building design.

Beth Engelland began working at Cottam Hargrave four years ago as a welder and fabricator in the firm's on-site shop in South Austin, Tex.

Engelland studied alternative metal building methods in New Mexico after graduating from Arizona State University, and her role has expanded to include working with Hargrave and his team on larger metal building projects.

Below are excerpts from their interview with the Austin American-Statesman:

What led you to your craft? How did you learn how to do it?

Hargrave: I grew up rigging boats and doing construction in a family boat business. I went to architecture school. There was a financial and a metaphysical need to make stuff. Of course, I wanted to make buildings and that opportunity grew.

Engelland: I started pretty early with my pop. I was lucky not to have brothers, so I got to do a lot of stuff around the house, such as building a fireplace. So, I got comfortable working with my hands.

What types of architectural elements do you create in a steel frame building?

Hargrave: Decorative columns, stairs, guardrails, steel walls, front doors, cabinets, screens and furniture pieces that involve wood, steel, stone, concrete.

What tools and steel building materials do you use?

Hargrave: They all have names. Edward is an iron working punch shearer (and) he punches holes and shears metal and steel. Baileigh is a metal-cutting band saw. Midge is a wire feed for welding. We use other saws and things that make holes and cut up wood, such as a table saw, planer and band saw. And we have hand tools for out in the field.

How would you describe the evolution of your work from your first projects to the present day?

Hargrave: Our stuff is pretty raw. I wouldn't call it high-tech, but I do think technology has helped us refine what we do. We'll design knowing we can have complex parts made (elsewhere). Our things have gotten a little more somber.

Engelland: We are more efficient. Earlier projects were more whimsical.