Site Visits & Measuring
We visit your property, take precise measurements, and photograph the space so the design fits the reality of the site.
Service · Design Consultation
Where Ideas Become Working Drawings
Most projects start with a rough idea — a photo, a sketch, or a feeling about how a space should work. Our design consultation service turns that idea into measured drawings, material samples, and a plan you can approve with confidence before any metal is cut.
What Design Consultation Covers
Design consultation is a structured service — not just a conversation. By the end, you have everything you need to make an informed decision about scope, materials, and budget.
Concept Sketches
Hand-drawn concepts to explore direction quickly — often two or three variants for you to react to.
CAD Drawings
Once a direction is chosen, we produce scaled CAD drawings for fabrication and any permits required.
Material & Finish Selection
Physical samples of steel, finishes, and coatings brought to you, so you can see and touch the real thing.
Budget Planning
We help you understand cost drivers and phase the project if needed, so the design stays within reach.
Coordination
If you're working with an architect, designer, or engineer, we coordinate directly to keep everyone aligned.
Why Start With Design
It's tempting to skip design and jump straight to fabrication — but design is where good projects are saved from expensive mistakes. Here's what our design consultation actually delivers.
-
You See It Before It's Built
Nothing is fabricated until you approve drawings. This eliminates the awkward "that's not what I pictured" moment that kills budgets and timelines.
-
Fewer Change Orders
Every design decision made up front is a change order you don't pay for later. Projects that go through our design process see dramatically fewer mid-build changes.
-
Better Material Choices
Handling a physical sample of powder coat or patina tells you more than any photo can. We bring real materials to the consultation.
-
Aligned Budget and Scope
We price as we design, so you know the cost of every option before you commit to it. No surprise numbers after the drawings are done.
-
Ready for Permits
For work that requires a permit, our drawings are produced in a format your building department and structural engineer can use.
-
Confidence to Proceed
By the end of design consultation, you either have a project you're excited to build, or you have a clear reason not to build it. Both are good outcomes.
What You Get at Each Stage
Design consultation is delivered in three stages. You can stop at any stage — there's no obligation to continue.
Stage 1 · Discovery
Free consultation, site visit, and requirements gathering. We measure, photograph, and discuss your goals, timeline, and rough budget.
Deliverable: Written project brief
Stage 2 · Concept
Two to three concept sketches exploring different directions. Ideal for choosing a style, layout, or scale before committing to details.
Deliverable: Concept sketches & initial budget range
Stage 3 · Design Development
Chosen concept refined into scaled CAD drawings with material specifications, finish selections, and a fixed fabrication quote.
Deliverable: CAD drawings, samples, and fixed-price proposal
Site Measuring
Precise measurements taken on-site for anything that must fit an existing opening, wall, or slab. Templates when needed for complex shapes.
Included in: All stages where fabrication will occur
Material Library
Access to our physical sample library — steel finishes, powder-coat colors, patinas, and hardware options for reference.
Included in: Stage 2 and Stage 3
3D Visuals (Optional)
For larger architectural scopes, we offer optional 3D renderings showing how the finished piece will look in place.
Add-on: Quoted per view
How Design Consultation Works
-
01
Book a Consultation
Book online or call our shop. We schedule a 30–60 minute initial consultation, usually within one week of your request.
-
02
Discovery Visit
We meet at your site (or our shop) to understand the project, take measurements, and gather any reference materials you have — photos, plans, or inspiration.
-
03
Concept Development
Within 3–5 business days, we deliver concept sketches and a preliminary budget range for each direction. You pick one to develop further.
-
04
Design Refinement
We refine your chosen concept through revisions — typically 2–3 rounds included. Material samples and finishes are provided for review.
-
05
Final Drawings & Quote
You receive scaled drawings, full specifications, and a fixed written quote for fabrication and installation. No surprises.
-
06
Move to Fabrication
If you approve, we schedule your project and begin. If you don't, there's no obligation — you keep the drawings and the knowledge that came with them.
Design Consultation Pricing
Design work is priced to make it easy to say yes to a good idea. Discovery is free. Concept and Design Development are modestly priced and credited back if you proceed.
Stage
Fee
Turnaround
Stage 1 · Discovery (site visit, brief)
Free (within 30 mi)
3–7 days
Stage 2 · Concept (2–3 sketches, budget range)
$300 – $750
3–5 days
Stage 3 · Design Development (CAD, specs, quote)
$600 – $2,500
5–10 days
Full design package (Stages 1–3)
Credited back on project
2–3 weeks
Optional 3D renderings (per view)
$250 – $800
5–8 days
Structural engineering coordination
Quoted per project
1–3 weeks
Stage 2 and Stage 3 fees are fully credited against your fabrication invoice if you proceed with the project. If you decide not to build, you keep all drawings and specifications. No refunds on design work already delivered.
Design Consultation FAQ
Is the first consultation really free?
Yes — Discovery (Stage 1) is free for projects within 30 miles of Portland. It includes the site visit, measurements, and a written project brief. Nothing is charged until you decide to continue to concept work.
Do I have to use you for fabrication after the design?
No. Design consultation is a standalone service. If you choose to fabricate with another shop, that's your call — we won't hold your drawings hostage. That said, most clients proceed with us because the design is already integrated with our fabrication capabilities.
Can you work with my architect or designer?
Absolutely. We coordinate with architects, interior designers, landscape architects, and structural engineers regularly. If you have drawings already, we'll work from those and provide fabrication-specific input.
How many revisions are included?
Concept work includes 2–3 rounds of revision. Design development includes 2 rounds. Additional revisions beyond that are billed hourly at $110/hour.
Do you provide 3D renderings?
Yes, as an optional add-on for larger architectural scopes. Renderings typically cost $250–$800 per view depending on complexity. For most projects, scaled 2D drawings and material samples are enough.
What if I don't know what I want yet?
That's exactly the right time to book a consultation. Bring photos, sketches, or just a description of how you want the space to feel — we'll work from there.
How is design work billed?
Stage 2 and Stage 3 fees are invoiced at the start of each stage. If you proceed to fabrication with us, both fees are credited against your fabrication invoice. If you don't proceed, no credit is issued.
Start With a Conversation
Book a free Discovery consultation and let's talk through your project. No pressure, no obligation — just honest advice from people who build metalwork for a living.
Shop Hours
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Sunday: Closed