We are often told that, 'first impressions count,'. In buildings, whether residential or professional, the stairway frequently is what can make or break that first impression. A well designed stairway offers the potential to turn an uninteresting entryway into a major architectural feature. But with so much potential to create a stunning entrance also exists the prospect of getting it just as wrong, if you fall into some of these common stairway design mistakes.


Select your shape

One of the first decisions you need to make about your stairway, curved staircase, custom stairs project is what shape you want the stairs to be. Spiral staircases look great and are also useful where space is limited. Straight and curved staircases are equally sound options but whatever your choice it's important that the connections to the rest of the building are seamless and the staircase fits in both stylistically and proportionally.

Design discord

Figuring out what works for your building whether stairway, curved staircase, custom stairs is one of the first decisions you need to make. What combination of materials do you want to use? What will your balustrades look like? How many spindles do you want and what finish should the railings have? These decisions require you to think about the overall design of your building and how the stairway can complement that. If your stairway design clashes with the rest of the entrance area, you can end up with a design disaster, not a style statement. Working with a professional designer, who specializes in custom metalwork from the beginning of your project, can help you avoid this common pitfall. 

Form over function

With any design project, it can be all too easy to get carried away with the appearance, and forget about the practicalities. First you have the code requirements to think about, such as distance between spindles, stair widths and headroom - these are non negotiables which you simply must adhere to.  Then there are the other practical considerations, such as loading on the staircase.  The more complex the staircase, the greater the technical expertise you need in designing the stairway.  A professional designer will be able to keep your project specification in line with building codes and advise you about how to use the materials you want.  

Redesigning or building a unique office, commercial building, or other space can be greatly facilitated if you instruct your space planners, architects and builders to consider custom elements as part of the mix.

Indoors or out, stairways and railings can transcend functionality to blend beautifully with their surrounding or make a unique statement. But crafting the perfect stainless steel railing requires a specialized approach – one that unites artistry with engineering.

Metal railings require as much thought and careful choosing as any other design element. If your space doesn’t seem to look its best, consider how your railings might be affecting aesthetics and function.

The term metal railings sounds a bit dull, doesn't it?  When it comes to designing stairways, balconies, and other architectural elements that require metal railings, custom designs are often a far better choice than pre-packaged railing systems.  Why limit your options and even those of your client when there are other more unique, distinct options available?

Whether for an executive business center, hospital, museum, college, airport, or even private residence, custom metal railings make it possible to achieve far better results in terms of design, style, and appeal.  Of course railings are used for a purpose (usually for safety), but they certainly don't have to have a utilitarian look.

What are the pros and cons of custom metal railings versus those systems that are pre-packaged?

by Lian Chikako Chang / July 13, 2012

In September 2010, the BSA Atlantic Wharf Designer Selection Panel began meeting to determine what type of process should be used in selecting an architect for what would become the new BSA headquarters. Various ideas were debated, but, ultimately, the panel members agreed on a two-stage design competition.

COMSTOCK PARK — “There are a lot of local people who really don’t know what we are all about here,” said Tim Couturier, one of the principals of family-owned Couturier Iron Craft Inc., located on West River Drive for 40 years.