While each project is unique, every project undergoes a similar railing design process. During the quoting process, you helped us understand the general scope of the project. Once we start the design process, we get into the fine details.
What We Will Need From You: Job Details
- Desired style of railing or stairs: You may have selected from one of our standard railing styles or you may have some ideas of your own. Customers will send us a photo of a similar inspiration project they have seen online or they might have a hand-sketched idea that needs developing. Turning your ideas into reality is one of the strong points of our stair and railing design process.
- Dimensions of the project: Both commercial and residential projects come with detailed s architectural drawings, and we also work with hand sketches. We can work with what you have and help you gather the information we need to bring your vision to life.
On larger projects, we can perform a site visit/laser scan of the site to ensure the final product is a perfect fit. A 3D site scan involves using a laser scanner to capture a detailed 3-dimensional map of the physical location of all the elements on the site. It measures the site and creates a dense cloud of measurement points. Thus, forming a 3D model with accurate measurements. Completing a laser scan provides Keuka Studios with precise measurements enabling us to accurately design the stairs and railings to fit the space. Take a look at this fly-through to see the final results of the laser scan! Example of a Laser Scan
- Job site photos: Photos can help us understand the job site. Photos help us see tricky situations that need some creative thinking to resolve. You can e-mail photos or text them to us.
The 3D Modeling Process:
Once we have all the measurements, we build a 3D CAD model of the project. The 3D CAD model is a central point in our stair and railing design process. It accurately depicts the stair or railing on your site. We can modify the design quickly based on your input. From this 3D model, we can create realistic renderings. We can perform structural analysis and make detailed two-dimensional (2D) shop drawings. The 2D drawings are completely associative to the 3D model, so any design changes made in the model will update in the drawings.
Collaboration With The Client:
Once the initial renderings of your railing project are complete, we find it is helpful to do what we call a “Fly Through” or “Screen Share.” This will increase everyone’s understanding of the project’s fine details. We send you an e-mail with a link, you select the link and with one click you will be looking at our computer screen in your web browser. Together, we can fly around the 3D model of your railing or stair project. This is a great opportunity to make design changes which we do right in front of your eyes.
Documentation Phase:
Now that all the design details are complete, we need to make shop drawings to document the railing design and to communicate it to our shop so they can build it. These drawings also contain key information to aid you in the installation of the railings. We will submit the drawings to you or your contractor for review. If everything looks OK, we collect the fabrication deposit and we are off to the fabrication stage.
Follow Up:
Once the railing is completed and shipped, we can have a follow-up “Fly Through” with your installer. This can help them understand how everything goes together to ensure a beautiful result. We think our railing design process is unique and with our skill and techniques, you can be assured that your project will come out better than you imagined.
