Capital One Vault Entry

No Room For Error

The project presented significant logistical challenges from the outset. The stair's unusual geometry required highly customized fabrication, and the working environment allowed only three to four workers at a time—dramatically slowing installation and demanding careful coordination. With no dedicated staging area, every component had to be sequenced precisely as it arrived. The integrated lighting added further complexity: field measurements had to be taken mid-installation and turned around quickly enough for fixtures to be fabricated and delivered on schedule.

Steely Design

The stair's unconventional shape generated complex structural forces that required elevated engineering rigor through the shop drawing and calculation stages. The Shickel project management team played a critical role in navigating these demands, maintaining clear communication and close oversight throughout. Sourcing raw, unpainted steel with a consistent mill finish—essential to both the aesthetic and structural integrity of the assembly—required careful procurement and quality control. Every technical decision contributed to the successful realization of a structurally demanding, visually distinctive final product.

Built To Be Seen

From start to finish, the project posed significant logistical and physical challenges. The stair’s unusual geometry, driven by the layout of the surrounding space, required highly customized fabrication and installation processes. Compounding this complexity was the extremely tight working environment: at most, only three to four workers could access the area simultaneously. This restriction dramatically slowed installation and required careful coordination to maintain productivity without compromising safety or quality.

With no dedicated staging area for storing or pre‑assembling materials, every component had to be sequenced precisely as it arrived and installed with little spatial flexibility. The integrated lighting added further difficulty; field measurements had to be taken during the slow‑moving installation process and relayed quickly enough for the light fixtures to be fabricated and delivered on time. Ensuring compatibility, performance, and visual alignment within these constraints demanded unwavering focus and adaptability from the entire team.

Structure as Sculpture

Technically, the stair’s design generated unique and complex structural forces due to its unconventional shape. Managing these forces required an elevated level of engineering rigor, especially during the shop drawing and calculation stages. The design and coordination process became more challenging than typical stair assemblies, requiring close oversight and clear communication to ensure accuracy.

The project management team at Shickel played a critical role in navigating these complexities, demonstrating strong leadership throughout planning, detailing, and execution. Working with raw, unpainted steel introduced additional challenges: procuring material with a consistent finish—essential for the aesthetic and functional unity of the stair—required careful sourcing and quality control. Every technical decision and adjustment contributed to the successful realization of a sophisticated, structurally demanding, and visually impactful final product.