Specialty & Architectural Metalwork
Custom architectural metalwork beyond standard fence and gate components.
What We Do
- Architectural railings and guards
- Custom hardware and brackets
- Decorative screens and panels
- Signage supports and frames
- Equipment enclosures
- Prototype fabrication
Best Fit For
- Architects with custom metal specifications
- Projects requiring integrated metalwork
- One-off and prototype fabrication
- Specialty hardware requirements
- Custom enclosures and screens
How We Deliver
- Design consultation and feasibility review
- Shop drawing development
- Material selection for application
- Fabrication with appropriate finishes
- Delivery or coordination with installation
Standards & Compliance
- Building code requirements for railings/guards
- Structural requirements as specified
- Finish specifications
- Project-specific requirements
Beyond Fences and Gates
A fabrication shop capable of building quality gates can build many other things. The same equipment, skills, and quality standards that produce our gate work apply to architectural metalwork, custom hardware, and specialty fabrication.
We take on projects that fit our capabilities,work that requires skilled welding, precise fabrication, and durable finishes. If it is metal and can be built in our shop, we consider it. Not everything fits, but many things do.
This service exists because customers asked for it. Property owners who saw our gates wanted matching railings. Architects designing with metal needed a fabricator who understood their specifications. General contractors needed specialty items built right. We responded to the demand.
Architectural Railings and Guards
Railings serve safety and design purposes. Building codes specify requirements for guardrails, handrails, and protective barriers. Beyond code minimums, railings contribute to architectural character. We fabricate railings that meet codes and match design intent.
Material options include steel, aluminum, and stainless steel. Each has advantages for specific applications. Steel takes paint and powder coat well. Aluminum resists corrosion without coating. Stainless steel provides maximum durability and distinctive appearance.
Code compliance is non-negotiable. Rail height, baluster spacing, graspability, and structural requirements are specified by building codes. We verify requirements and fabricate accordingly. Drawings show code compliance details for permit review.
- Guardrails meeting IBC/IRC requirements
- Handrails for stairs and ramps
- Decorative railings with custom designs
- ADA-compliant handrails when specified
- Stainless steel cable railing systems
Decorative Screens and Panels
Metal screens provide privacy, sun control, and visual interest. Perforated patterns, laser-cut designs, or woven mesh create varied effects. Screens serve as fence alternatives, building cladding, or interior partitions.
Design possibilities are extensive. Geometric patterns, organic forms, custom artwork, or branded graphics can be rendered in metal. We work from architect drawings, artist renderings, or client concepts to produce panels that realize the design vision.
Mounting and framing require attention. Large panels need structural support. Panels exposed to wind need engineering. Expansion and contraction must be accommodated. We consider these factors during design and fabrication.
Custom Hardware and Brackets
Sometimes a project needs a part that does not exist. Custom brackets, mounting hardware, specialty fasteners, or unique connectors fill specific needs that off-the-shelf products cannot meet.
Custom hardware starts with understanding the requirement. What load must it carry? What must it connect to? What constraints apply? From the requirement, we develop a design that works. Prototypes verify function before final production.
Finish matters for exposed hardware. Visible brackets and hardware receive the same finish attention as primary elements. Hidden hardware gets functional protection. We match hardware finish to its visibility and environment.
Equipment Enclosures
HVAC equipment, electrical panels, utility meters, and mechanical systems often need enclosures for protection, screening, or security. Metal enclosures protect equipment while allowing necessary access and ventilation.
Enclosure design balances multiple requirements. Equipment needs airflow. Service technicians need access. Aesthetics may require screening equipment from view. Security may require locks and robust construction. We design enclosures that address all applicable requirements.
Louvers, perforated panels, and removable sections accommodate airflow and access. Locks and hinges allow controlled entry. Finishes coordinate with surrounding architecture. Each enclosure is designed for its specific application.
Signage Supports and Frames
Signs need structure. Monument signs, directional signs, and wayfinding systems require metal frames, posts, and supports. We fabricate the structural elements that hold signs in place.
Sign structures must resist wind and other loads. We calculate loading and size structure accordingly. Foundations connect structure to ground. Attachment methods hold sign panels securely. The structure is engineered for its environment.
Appearance matters for visible sign structures. Posts, frames, and brackets may be decorative elements themselves. Finish and detail complement sign design. We coordinate with sign fabricators to ensure structural and visual integration.
Prototype and One-Off Fabrication
Not everything we build goes into production. Prototypes test concepts before commitment. One-off pieces serve unique requirements. Art pieces express individual vision. We approach these projects with the same care as production work.
Prototyping benefits from fabrication experience. We can often identify design issues before building. Suggestions may improve function, reduce cost, or simplify construction. The goal is a prototype that truly tests the concept.
One-off pieces require full attention despite their singularity. A piece built once must be built right the first time. We take measurements, verify details, and confirm specifications before fabrication. Mistakes in one-off work cannot be corrected by building another.
Working With Architects and Designers
Architectural metalwork often involves collaboration with architects and designers. We understand this relationship and work effectively within it. Shop drawings translate design intent into fabrication instructions. Submittals document proposed materials and methods.
Design development may involve iteration. Initial concepts become detailed drawings through rounds of review and revision. We participate constructively, offering fabrication insights while respecting design intent. The goal is built work that realizes the design.
Specifications guide our work. Architectural specifications define materials, finishes, and quality standards. We read specifications carefully and fabricate accordingly. Questions or concerns are raised during bidding or submittal, not during fabrication.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do you take on small specialty projects or only large jobs?
- We handle projects of all sizes. A single custom bracket, a set of railings, or a large architectural screen installation,all are welcome. Minimum charges may apply to very small jobs, but we do not turn away work based solely on size.
- Can you fabricate from architect drawings or do you develop your own?
- Both approaches work. If architect drawings include sufficient fabrication detail, we can build directly from them. More commonly, we develop shop drawings from design drawings, adding fabrication details for architect approval before proceeding.
- What finishes are available for architectural metalwork?
- Powder coating in any color is standard. Hot-dip galvanizing provides maximum corrosion protection. Stainless steel can be finished in various textures from brushed to mirror polish. Paint systems are available for specific requirements. We match finish to application and specification.
- Do you provide installation for specialty metalwork?
- It depends on the project. Simple installations we can handle. Complex installations requiring specialized skills (curtain wall, structural steel erection) may be better served by specialty installers. We coordinate with installation trades as needed and can recommend installers for work outside our scope.
Related Services
Custom metal fabrication for gates, fencing, and related components.
In-house powder coating with quality control for durable, long-lasting finishes.
Architectural-grade ornamental fencing combining aesthetics with security for commercial properties, residential estates, pool enclosures, and public spaces.
Code compliance and permitting information.
Ready to Get Started?
Request a quote for your commercial, industrial, or residential project.
