Matt Coffey Design specializes in commercial installations using traditional hand-forging techniques. Commercial installations demand a different scale of thinking than residential work. When a restaurant serves 200 covers per night, bar foot rails must withstand relentless impact. When a brewery host... Browse 7 portfolio pieces below.
Commercial Installations
Architectural metalwork for restaurants, breweries, and retail spaces
What is Commercial Installations?
Commercial installations demand a different scale of thinking than residential work. When a restaurant serves 200 covers per night, bar foot rails must withstand relentless impact. When a brewery hosts thousands of visitors weekly, custom metalwork must project permanence while surviving constant use. My commercial portfolio spans Traverse City, Petoskey, and throughout Northern Michigan, including full-scale renovations for Silver Spruce Brewing, Riverwalk Grill, Gypsy Farms, Union Cantina, High-Five Spirits, and Bonobo Winery.
The scope of commercial work extends far beyond single pieces to encompass complete interior transformations. This includes structural bar builds with integrated foot rails and glass racks, heavy-duty signage that withstands lake-effect winters, restaurant dividers that create intimate spaces within open floor plans, and ADA-compliant railings that don't compromise aesthetic vision. Every installation includes direct collaboration with architects, interior designers, and general contractors to ensure metalwork integrates seamlessly with the broader build-out.
Why Commercial Installations Matters
Commercial spaces require materials and finishes that balance aesthetics with extreme durability. While a residential railing might see occasional use, a brewery's bar structure faces constant impact from stools, kegs, and cleaning equipment. I specify heavier gauge materials (3/16-inch minimum for high-traffic surfaces), reinforced joinery, and commercial-grade powder coatings rated for 10+ years of heavy use.
Code compliance for commercial spaces is significantly more stringent than residential. All commercial installations meet ADA requirements, IBC structural standards, and local fire codes. I provide stamped engineering drawings for load-bearing elements and coordinate with licensed structural engineers when required for permit approval.
Timeline coordination makes or breaks commercial projects. A restaurant can't delay opening because metalwork isn't installed. I work backward from your hard deadlines, fabricating components off-site while construction progresses, then executing final installation during the final week before opening. This parallel-track approach has helped numerous Northern Michigan establishments open on schedule.
Materials & Finishes
Material selection depends on environment, aesthetic goals, and budget. Outdoor pieces require weather-resistant materials like Cor-Ten or stainless steel. Indoor work offers more flexibility with bronze, copper, and raw steel finishes.
Typical Use Cases
- Full bar builds with integrated structure
- Commercial foot rails and glass racks
- Heavy-duty blade signs and exterior signage
- Restaurant booth dividers and partitions
- Brewery taproom installations
- Wine display systems
- ADA-compliant commercial railings
- Host stands and service stations
Commercial Installations Portfolio
7 hand-forged pieces • Click any piece to view full details
Commercial Installations FAQs
Do you install commercial pieces or just fabricate?
I handle both fabrication and installation for all commercial spaces in Northern Michigan. For projects outside the region, I can fabricate crated components with detailed installation packets for your local contractors.
Can you work with our existing design team?
Absolutely. I regularly collaborate with architects, interior designers, and general contractors. I can work from CAD drawings, napkin sketches, or purely conceptual direction. The earlier I'm involved in the design process, the more value I can add regarding material selection and structural feasibility.
How do you handle tight commercial timelines?
Commercial projects run on parallel tracks—metalwork fabrication happens simultaneously with other construction phases. For a typical restaurant build, I begin fabrication once designs are approved, then execute final installation during the last week before opening.
Do commercial installations require special permits?
Most commercial metalwork requires building permits and inspections. I provide stamped engineering drawings for all load-bearing elements and coordinate with structural engineers when code requires. Permit assistance is included in commercial project management.
Can you match our brand aesthetic?
Yes. From sleek modern minimalism to rustic farmhouse charm to industrial grit, I adapt materials, finishes, and design vocabulary to align with your brand identity. Portfolio examples range from ultra-modern winery installations to heritage-style brewery builds.
Ready to start your commercial installations project?
Every piece in the gallery above started as a conversation. Bring your dimensions, sketches, or simply an idea of what you need. I'll help engineer the solution and forge it at the anvil in Traverse City.