Our Process
Consulting & Spec Writing
We help guide your project towards the most efficient method of construction and installation without compromising your desired aesthetics and functionality. We gain insight from every project that passes through our shop: learning through our mistakes and building on our strengths. Every project has its challenges, whether it is schedule, budget, constructability, or all these things. Finding solutions that meet the schedule and stay within budget with as little design compromise as possible is our ultimate goal. We strive to identify all pitfalls upfront to avoid potential change orders, delays, mistakes, and compromises. When given the opportunity to get involved early, we give real time advice on cost drivers and constructability allowing us to quickly take concepts to buildable designs in one or two sessions as opposed to weeks or months of redesign. We have mechanical & structural engineers and architecture graduates in-house to assist in design consultation and spec writing. We love challenges and problem-solving. This is a process we truly enjoy.
Sales & Estimating
Our Sales & Estimation departments seek to understand your specific needs and use that information to build highly detailed quotations. We do not offer bottom-line, lump sum pricing. Every item has a thorough description of scope, materials, and approach with its own line item for fabrication and installation. We automatically offer alternatives if we see an opportunity. We seldom wait for the VE round to suggest better or cheaper options. If any information is missing from plans or specifications, we engage the architect, visit the job site, or utilize our experience to present options suited to your budget and design intent. We approach every bid as if we are going to be awarded the project. We submit very few change orders on projects, and our quotations are reliable from the budgeting stage to project award.
Drafting & Engineering
Our Drafting & Engineering team creates everything from simple submittal drawings to fully engineered, technical fabrication drawings. We are adept at problem-solving. Difficult designs such as kinetic structures and automated gizmos are part of our core skillset. Our drafters primarily work in SolidWorks to produce 3D models and shop drawings for the overall concept all the way down to the smallest parts and fasteners. If the situation necessitates it, we are likewise proficient in AutoCAD, Tekla, Rhino, Revit, SketchUp, and Adobe suite. Our clients have found such value in our drafting department, that we also offer customized, turnkey drafting packages, independent from our fabrication services.
Project Management
The principle advocates for your project’s success are our teams of Project Managers and Project Engineers. Every project is assigned a PM ensuring you have a single point of contact as your project progresses. Each PM is assigned a PE, and they collaborate to meet your project’s requirements, budget, & timeline while sourcing materials & vendors. Effective communication is our PM/PE teams’ core competency: We never hesitate to pick up the phone. Our project managers solve problems all day, every day. In an industry where putting out fires is standard, our PM/PE teams are adept at predicting problems before they arise and adapting to change. The backbone of our project management culture is honesty: we communicate clearly & often, learn from our mistakes, and strive for perfection. These teams are problem-solvers by trade and are active participants in ensuring your project’s success.
Fabrication
A unique intersection of industrial trades, art, and craftsmanship: Fabrication is the backbone of our company. AE draws fabricators that seek out challenging and unpredictable work. Our group of fabricators are curious and driven as well as technically excellent at their trade. This crew can manipulate any metal or alloy, wood, glass, and more. We are also skilled at many types of finishes including patination. We have exceptional in-house capabilities as well as a vetted network of specialty contractors.
Installation
Safety is our absolute priority. We come up with many creative solutions, but we will never compromise on the safety of our teams and those we work with. Our installation teams are regularly doing the impossible. We built a massive, 6,000-pound, feature staircase; cut it up into little pieces; fit it into a freight elevator; and installed it on the 17th floor of a skyscraper. We do this a few times per month. This is just what we do, and we love it. Every successful install starts with a good survey. We take responsibility for the quality and success of our installed products. We are qualified for union or non-union installs anywhere in the United States.
Design Engineering + Product Development
As a full-service fabrication shop, Architectural Elements also offers Design Engineering & Product Development services. We are able to execute designs from any stage in your project’s process. From a rough sketch to a full plan set, our in-house design team can ensure your project looks and functions just as intended. We can prepare shop drawings for any project, even if the fabrication is completed elsewhere. We add value as necessary to every project by advising on alternative materials, finishes, construction methods, and installation feasibility to fit your needs and budget. From imagination through installation, we take pride in your project.
