For decades I’ve designed custom Spanish wrought iron balconies, gates, and railing designs that look like one-of-a-kind art pieces. Except for my clients, few knew I was designing these projects with a catalog of components at my side. Pre-fabricated, handmade parts purchased at a fraction of the cost a local foundry would charge to make them.
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“Hey guys, I thought I would share some thoughts that were going through my mind when I was filming this Artisan welding a Spanish wrought iron balcony in Santa Barbara. It was kind of a culmination of many, many months of planning and designing a major renovation.
I’ll share the link to the full project story, down below. But this Juliet balcony was designed in a sketch that I did for the developer- the person that was flipping the property. And, he had met with a local Santa Barbara wrought iron fabricator. And they used my sketch of the entire house, but they kind of went over a catalog of parts that you can buy- some of which you can actually even buy on Amazon today.
But, the major supplier (King Architectural Metals) fabricates wrought iron pieces that they ship in from overseas. And they put it in huge warehouses throughout the country. One’s in Los Angeles (Buena Park, CA), one’s in Dallas… I think one’s in Atlanta, I’m not sure (Lawrenceville, GA).
But as a designer, I have that inch and a half thick catalog, and for since 2003- I’ve been designing elements from pedestrian gates to balconies like this, and I can provide my clients suggestions on taking prebuilt pieces of iron, and fabricating them in a certain configuration to make a balcony or a railing, or a gate.
And, it’s just a way, you know… when these components are built over overseas, they’re still handmade… but are made for less money. And then the local fabricators, particularly here in Santa Barbara and Montecito can use those prefabbed handmade parts, and compile them into new creations.
It’s just a little design secret that I have held close to my vest, but I’m retired now… so why not share. Please feel free to snoop around on the website. I say that almost every time, but I am randomly uploading stuff that I had fun shooting, and projects that I’ve designed. And it’s just really fun to share, and dig out old pictures that I think you might enjoy. So… have a nice day”—Jeff Doubet, September 9, 2025
Welding a Custom Spanish Wrought Iron Balcony in Santa Barbara
Talented artisans working for overseas companies hand forge individual pieces which are then sold and shipped to the US. A good local designer picks from these available components, and lays out a mix and match composition for the thing they are designing for their client.
Quality Spanish wrought iron balconies in Santa Barbara can also incorporate decorative Spanish tiles. Looking up at the balcony design can be a place to add more Old World charm (with tiles).
There is a whole process that takes place, including collaborating with a local structural engineer. They specify the variables to make the project safe and pass inspection.
Local artisan fabricators and welders are handed those formal plans, and away they go. Finding talent (like the local artisan welder, above) is equally important.
A team is formed, from concept design to completion. Literally thousands of dollars can be saved using this design build strategy.