From Concept to Completion: Working with Joshua James on Your Steel Door Project
Introduction
Creating a bespoke steel internal door is about far more than choosing a design; it’s about crafting a piece of architecture that defines how spaces connect, flow, and feel. At Joshua James, every door is built to the exact specification of the project, shaped by a process that blends precision engineering, aesthetic sensitivity, and hands-on collaboration.
From the first enquiry to final installation, we oversee every step in-house, ensuring that each door not only looks exceptional but performs flawlessly for years to come. We have an extensive process. Here’s how it all comes together.
The Enquiry Stage: Understanding Your Vision
Most clients discover us online and often mention how informative and beautifully presented our website is, a reflection of the care we bring to every part of our process. Others reach out through architects, interior designers or direct referrals from past projects.
At this stage, we focus on understanding your vision. To prepare an accurate initial quote, we typically ask for:
The project location
The configuration(s) required (single, double, sliding, fixed screen & room dividers)
Dimensions or aperture sizes
Any drawings, sketches or inspiration images
Whether a fire-rated system is required
Once we have this information, our team provides a detailed initial quotation. This quote remains valid and honoured for 14 days, provided the configuration, dimensions, and system type remain unchanged, giving clients confidence in pricing and scope.
For those ready to proceed, we move quickly to schedule a survey. Our experienced survey team will visit to take precise measurements, assess the aperture, check floor and upright levels, opening makeup and discuss any technical considerations on-site.
Because of their extensive hands-on experience, our surveyors can also assist with design and technical queries, helping refine layouts and confirming feasibility long before fabrication begins.
“The team were very professional, dedicated to achieving the right outcome, and responsive throughout. I wouldn’t hesitate to work with them again.”
— Client Review, 2025
The Design Stage: Collaboration & Creativity
If a survey isn’t required, which would be the case on most supply-only orders, clients can provide all necessary details via our Supply-Only Order Form, including dimensions, configurations, and finish preferences.
Once we have the confirmed measurements, our in-house design team begins work. Every single project, no matter how small or complex, receives a full set of detailed design drawings, showing exactly how the door(s) will look and function.
We offer unlimited revisions, ensuring that every client is completely happy with the final design before fabrication begins.
Designs are usually produced within 2–3 working days of receiving the measurements. Some projects reach approval in the same week; others take longer, depending on the number of revisions required.
Our design process is deeply collaborative. While architects and interior designers often supply drawings or sketches, we frequently develop ideas from scratch, particularly for homeowners who rely on our expertise to bring their vision to life. Some clients like to get inspiration from our designs page.
“Our lead designer studied interior architecture and often introduces concepts clients hadn’t considered, subtle details that make a huge difference in balance, proportion, and flow.”
Because every element is bespoke, clients can customise:
Bar layouts (horizontal, vertical, or arched)
Handle types and positions
Glazing styles & glass types (clear, reeded, frosted, tinted or mirror)
Finishes, from standard RAL colours to premium living metallic finishes such as bronze or brass
We’ve even fabricated fully arched doors, as well as completely bespoke steel frames to meet unique architectural requirements. Working with steel allows us to weld, refine, and shape every detail, creating doors that are as individual as the homes they’re made for.
Fabrication: Where Design Becomes Craft
Once the drawings are signed off, the real craft begins. Each door is fabricated by skilled welders and finishers using raw box sections or specialised profiles of steel. They are cut, welded and refined by hand.
Every weld is ground and buffed smooth to create seamless, uninterrupted lines. The result is a level of precision that modular or clip-together aluminium systems simply cannot achieve.
To ensure absolute quality, we perform multiple quality control checks throughout fabrication:
After the profiles are cut
After welding and alignment
After grinding and buffing (pre-finish), additional operation check also carried out
After powder coating or finishing
Before protective wrapping and dispatch
This ensures every door operates perfectly before leaving the workshop. The finish, whether powder-coated, metallic, or living brass, is always applied with the same care and attention to detail.
Our typical lead time is 6–9 weeks for non-fire-rated projects. Fire-rated systems, such as our InoCross20FR (E30) and InoCross50FR (E30-EI120), may take slightly longer, though we’ve often delivered within the same timeframe when schedules are tight.
“We’re constantly pushing the boundaries of design and functionality, ensuring that every project reflects the same level of craftsmanship, whether it’s a single door or a complete glazed structure.”
Delivery & Installation: Nationwide Precision
We offer delivery, installation or collection, depending on client preference.
For most projects, delivery is handled directly by our in-house team, ensuring every door arrives in perfect condition. Each unit is fully wrapped, protected and transported securely to avoid any movement or scratches during transit.
For installation projects, our experienced fitting team manages every detail on-site, ensuring alignment, functionality and finishing meet our exacting standards.
If the project is supply-only, we can provide guidance for third-party installers and remain available for technical support throughout.
“Good product, accurate survey and perfect fit. From manufacture to installation, we’ve been very pleased with the result. Excellent team of fitters — courteous, pleasant and skilled.”
— Client Review, 2025
Collaboration & Communication
Throughout the project, each client works with a dedicated project manager. This ensures a single point of contact and consistent updates at every stage, from design progress to delivery scheduling.
We understand how important communication is, especially for architects and designers coordinating multiple trades. Our project managers provide timely updates, resolve technical questions quickly and work flexibly to suit your build timeline.
For design professionals, we can work from agreed dimensions even before the aperture is fully built, allowing fabrication to proceed early and reducing downtime on site. This adaptability is one reason many architects return to Joshua James for subsequent projects.
What Makes the Joshua James Process Different
What sets us apart is not just the quality of our doors, but the integrity of our process. Every step, from design consultation to delivery, is handled by specialists with the same goal: to exceed expectations.
Clients consistently highlight:
Responsiveness — swift communication and updates
Attention to detail — from drawings to welds
Design expertise — helping clients refine layouts and finishes
Shorter project turnaround compared to industry averages
“Joshua James stood out amongst other companies. Their products were exactly what I was looking for, at a competitive price. The experience with the team has been rewarding — their customer service is first-rate. I’ve since ordered more doors for my dining and living rooms.” — Client Review, 2025
From Vision to Reality
A bespoke steel door is more than a product; it’s a collaboration. Every client, architect and designer we work with brings a new perspective and we tailor each project to match it perfectly.
At Joshua James, precision and passion meet practicality. Whether you’re specifying for a full renovation, a new build or a single feature door, our process ensures a seamless journey from concept to completion.
Get your project started today:
Enquire today to discuss your next project:
Submit an enquiry or call our team for a tailored consultation.
Let’s Talk
Whether you're renovating a home, specifying for a new build, or delivering a luxury interior for a client — we’re here to help.
At Joshua James, we work with architects, interior designers, homeowners and contractors across the UK to design and supply bespoke steel internal doors. Every door is crafted to exacting standards, tailored to suit each project’s vision, and built to stand the test of time.
If you're ready to elevate your next project with precision-made steel framed doors, let’s talk.
