Bring us in early. The work is better for it.
We work alongside design teams from RIBA Stage 2 onwards — providing structural input, early budget pricing, and fabrication coordination so the staircase strengthens the architecture, rather than adapting to it later.
Earlier in the programme means more design freedom.
The visual lightness of a contemporary steel staircase depends on structural decisions that need to be made before walls are closed and concrete is poured. The later those conversations happen, the narrower the design options become.
We can give early budget guidance and flag structural implications at the concept stage — useful for keeping the staircase ambition realistic and properly funded from the outset, without needing resolved drawings.
This is where early fabricator input makes the most difference to design. We can advise on what's structurally achievable, identify the coordination requirements that need resolving before the building fabric is closed, and provide indicative pricing so the staircase budget is grounded before Stage 4 — without requiring a commitment from either side.
Once appointed, we produce fabrication drawings, 3D models, and NBS specification content, and coordinate load and fixing details with the structural engineer. This is the primary technical working stage — the thoroughness of the output here is what allows the staircase to be built as designed.
We carry out a site survey, fabricate to tight tolerances in our East Sussex workshop, and manage installation with our own team. Some flexibility remains at this stage, but structural options are more constrained and late changes carry programme and cost implications.
Early-stage input — budget guidance, structural feasibility advice, indicative pricing — is provided on a no-commitment basis. Full technical output (fabrication drawings, 3D models, SE coordination, NBS specification content) is produced once a contract is in place at Stage 4.
What your project team gets from us
We keep design, fabrication and installation under one roof. That integration means fewer handoff gaps, faster resolution of technical problems, and metalwork that arrives on site fully resolved.
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Early structural input
Advice on anchor point placement, load transfer, and wall build-up requirements before the structure is closed — the decisions that determine what's possible later.
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Budget pricing at concept stage
We can provide indicative pricing from a sketch or early GA drawing — enough to test feasibility and inform client conversations before the design is fixed.
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3D modelling & fabrication drawings
We model every staircase in Rhino 3D before fabrication. Drawings are issued in a format compatible with your structural engineer and can be shared as DWG, SKP or PDF.
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NBS specification support
We can provide specification clauses and product data for inclusion in your NBS documents — saving time at technical design stage and reducing back-and-forth during tender.
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On-site survey — never from plan alone
Every staircase is surveyed by us before fabrication. We work to tolerances that drawings rarely capture, and we pick up building quirks that would otherwise become on-site problems.
"Who'd have thought, circulation space which is normally so dull… what you've done is made the staircase into a work of art. A sculpture in the middle of the building."
Kevin McCloud — Grand Designs, Channel 4How a typical project unfolds
From an initial conversation to a completed installation, most projects follow this sequence — though we adapt to how your team works.
A brief call or email exchange is usually enough to assess feasibility, flag structural considerations, and provide indicative pricing. Basic GAs or planning drawings helpful but not essential.
Stage 2–3Once contracted, we work with your drawings or sketch intent to develop the staircase geometry, balustrade detail, and material specification — providing loading information for your SE's adoption.
Stage 3–4We carry out our own survey of the finished structure. Every staircase is built to actual site dimensions — never from plan alone — so we pick up any built tolerances or quirks before fabrication begins.
Stage 5We issue a Rhino model and/or fabrication drawings for your review and SE sign-off. Revisions are resolved before anything is cut.
Stage 5Components are laser-cut for millimetre precision, then assembled and finished in our East Sussex workshop. Quality checks are carried out at each stage before the piece leaves the shop.
Stage 5Our own team installs on site. We coordinate closely with the main contractor and remain available post-handover for any snagging.
Stage 5–6What to allow for at design stage
A guide for early programme and structural coordination. Specific requirements vary by project — contact us to discuss yours.
We're happy to attend design team meetings at Stage 3 or to review developing drawings and flag structural requirements before they become constraints.
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