Design Consultation for Custom Glass and Metal Projects

What a design consultation covers

A consultation is a focused conversation about your project, not a sales pitch. We look at your concept drawings or photos, the function of each element and how it meets the building. Typical topics include structural loads, glass thickness, the way a railing or partition is anchored, and how different materials will age side by side.

Bring whatever you already have, even rough sketches. The earlier a fabricator sees the design, the more options remain open.

Preparing your brief

A clear brief saves time on both sides. Include the location of the element, the intended use, the finish you have in mind and any reference images. If the piece touches a building element such as a slab edge or a window frame, note its material and dimensions.

• Plans, elevations and details in scale
• Material preferences: steel, stainless, aluminum, glass
• Finish and colour references
• Site photos and access constraints

Choosing materials and finishes together

Glass and metal behave differently under sun, weather and touch. Steel needs a protective finish such as hot-dip galvanizing or powder coating, and the finish affects tolerances and how parts can be joined. Stainless steel suits exposed handrails and fixings, while aluminum suits lighter frames.

In the consultation we walk through these trade-offs with your design intent in mind, so the material choice supports the look rather than fighting it.

Detailing connections and tolerances

Most problems in custom work hide in the connections: how a glass pane sits in a channel, how a post is fixed to a slab, how a joint is hidden. We discuss these details early, because a clean drawing can become an awkward site problem if the fixing method was not considered.

For railings and guarding, exact dimensions and loads should be verified against the Israeli standard SI 1142 and checked with the structural engineer on your project.

From consultation to specification

After the session, you receive a written summary of decisions and open questions. This becomes the basis for a drawing and specification that you can share with your engineer and the client. Nothing moves to production until you approve the drawing.

• Written notes of agreed details
• Drawing for your review and approval
• Specification ready for tender or building committee use

Why work with a workshop early

Our factory at 37 Rival Street in Tel Aviv has been making custom iron, aluminum, glass and stainless steel work since 1945. Involving the people who will build the piece during design means fewer surprises on site and a result that matches your drawings. Architects and interior designers often bring us in while the scheme is still developing.

Early input on what is practical to fabricate and install can save design time and keep the project on track.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a finished design before a consultation?

No. Rough sketches, photos and a clear description of the purpose are enough to start. The consultation helps shape the design before it is final.

Can you work from my own drawings?

Yes. We review your drawings, point out buildability issues and suggest adjustments where needed, while keeping your design intent.

Is a site visit part of the process?

Where the element depends on existing conditions, we measure on site before drawing and production. This is part of the standard work process.

Who approves the final drawing?

You do, as the designer or architect, and your client or engineer where relevant. Production starts only after written approval.

Common mistakes to avoid

Leaving fabrication details until the end is the most common error, and it often forces redesign. Choosing a finish without checking how it interacts with adjacent materials can also cause problems later.

Our recommendation

Bring your fabricator into the design phase while there is still room to adjust profiles, connections and finishes. A short early consultation usually saves more time than it costs.

Summary

A design consultation connects your glass and metal concept to what can be built well, durably and on site. Starting early gives you a clearer specification and fewer changes later.

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