Our Integrated Approach to Metal Design and Fabrication

When it comes to impeccably built and installed projects, we are a bit obsessive. That means we go above and beyond metalworking to plan and coordinate every element of the finished result.

In the case of assignments that are purely metal fabrication, it’s relatively straightforward (not necessarily simple) to control the process in-house from initial design to final fabrication and installation. And, yes, we are one of the few metal fabrication companies that also manage the installation. Did we mention that we’re a bit obsessive?

But metal fabrication isn’t always the whole story. Often we work with intricate designs that incorporate more than one component, such as the metal, wood, and glass elements in this beautiful offset floating stair. Typically, other metalworking companies work separately from their fellow fabrication subcontractors, each using their own drawings depicting just their part of the finished project. The hope is that, once these individual elements are independently fabricated, it will all come together at installation. It’s a little like having some pieces of the puzzle and guessing at the rest. All too often, this compartmentalized process instead results in unexpected issues that are only discovered after fabrication, triggering unanticipated delays and additional costs.

We believe in having all pieces of the puzzle in place before any fabrication even begins. At Modern Metal Solutions, this means we coordinate closely with our suppliers and the fabricators of each component from the very beginning to ensure everything will come together seamlessly at installation. In the case of our recent floating stair project, before any component was fabricated by us or any of the other contractors on the project, our drafting team produced a 3D model of the entire project to make a scaled prototype. This gave us critical insight into every aspect of the finished stairway, helping us to identify any potential issues upfront. By making any needed adjustments or modifications before materials were produced we could avoid costly missteps.

We’ve found it isn’t just about the design, but the details of how materials are fabricated that can make a crucial difference in the function and appearance of the finished project. Taking the time to fully evaluate not just the entire design, but how each element will work is a very worthwhile step. For example, with the floating stairway project, Chris coordinated on the fine details with all involved parties, including the architect, the builder, the millworker, and the glass supplier. By bringing everyone together, we were able to ensure all potential issues were addressed and every element worked out from start to finish.

Excellence in design and fabrication are only two legs of the project triangle. Without great attention and care in the installation process, function and design are inevitably sacrificed. To ensure this doesn’t happen, we bring our own professional team of installers to the site to manage the final installation. Not only are they highly skilled, they are acquainted with every detail and nuance of the project, its elements, and the site. This eliminates any potential roadblocks or confusion to ensure flawless execution.

By taking the lead on our design projects and adopting a cohesive teamwork approach, we can greatly reduce the unknowns and maximize functionality and quality to consistently ensure a seamless and beautiful result.