PAD Contracts: Architectural Metalwork Specialists
Based in Waltham Abbey, just half a mile from the M25, PAD Contracts has established itself as a leading provider of architectural metalwork services over the past three decades. We’ve built our reputation on delivering a unique combination of quality craftsmanship and cost-effectiveness, earning the trust of professionals throughout the construction industry.
Our Expertise
Specialising in fabrication and installation services, we’re known for our technical proficiency and attention to detail. Our 18,000 sq ft facility includes 10-tonne overhead cranes and a purpose-built shot blasting and high-quality paint spraying facility. This enables us to handle large-scale and complex projects efficiently.
Our services include:
- Staircases: Design, fabrication, and installation of interior and exterior staircases.
- Balustrades: Custom design and installation for various applications.
- Handrails: Fabrication and installation of handrails for different projects.
- General metalwork: Broad range of metalwork solutions for various architectural needs.
- Balconies: Design and installation of balcony structures.
- Bridge decking: Specialised metalwork for bridge projects.
- Architectural features: Creation of bespoke metalwork elements for unique design requirements.
- Gates: Fabrication and installation, including automated gates.
- Security screens: Custom-made security solutions.
- Canopies: Design and manufacture of architectural canopies.
- Railings: Production of various types of railings, including roof railings and courtyard railings.
- Sculptural artwork: Creation of bespoke metalwork art pieces
Our team comprises highly skilled professionals, each holding a minimum CSCS qualification. Our site managers are CITB SMSTS certified, ensuring the highest standards of project management and site safety. With in-house design capabilities and dedicated project management teams, we’re well-positioned to meet the exacting requirements of our discerning clients.
Our Approach
We recognise the critical nature of timelines in construction projects. Our integrated approach, involving close collaboration between our Health & Safety, Environmental, and Quality managers and our project teams, ensures that we deliver on time without compromising on quality or safety.
We often prefabricate components in our workshop to optimise efficiency, reducing on-site installation time and minimising disruption to other trades. This approach was particularly effective in our work on the 70 St Mary Axe project, where we pre-assembled gantries and walkways off-site.
Notable Projects
PAD Contracts has contributed to numerous prestigious projects across London, showcasing our versatility and expertise:
- 70 St Mary Axe (“Can of Ham”): We designed and installed bespoke architectural metalwork, including staircase balustrading, glazed balustrades, and roof gantry platforms1.
- One Bank Street, Canary Wharf: This project demonstrates our ability to work on high-profile commercial developments.
- HMS Belfast: Our work on this historic warship highlights our expertise in combining modern metalwork with heritage structures.
- London Bridge Station: This project showcases our capability to deliver large-scale public infrastructure projects.
- Fenchurch Street: Our involvement in this City of London project further cements our reputation for working in busy urban environments.
Value Engineering
In today’s competitive market, we understand the importance of optimising costs without sacrificing design integrity. We welcome open discussions with architects and clients to explore value engineering opportunities and find ways to reduce costs while preserving the core aesthetic and functional elements of a design. For instance, at 70 St Mary Axe, we developed a tailored design for balustrade panels that reduced installation time while maintaining the architect’s vision.
Our Leadership Team
- Colin Ayres, Managing Director: With 32 years in the industry, Colin brings extensive experience in managing complex projects and finding innovative solutions.
- Robert Day, Design Director: Robert’s 43-year career in architectural metalwork has seen him lead projects since 1980.
- David Rawles, Works Manager: David’s 21-year journey with PAD Contracts, from site fitting to his current role, exemplifies our commitment to developing talent.
- Ray Attewell, Senior Site Manager: With 36 years of experience, Ray’s expertise is invaluable for technically demanding projects.
Our Commitment
At PAD Contracts, we’re dedicated to delivering architectural metalwork that meets the highest standards of quality, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. Whether you’re an architect envisioning a striking design feature, a developer planning a large-scale installation, or an engineer seeking precise technical solutions, we have the expertise and resources to bring your concepts to life.
From simple and functional to spectacular and creative, PAD Contracts has the resources, skill set, and ability to meet the most challenging projects in a timely, safe, and cost-effective way. Our portfolio of work over many years contains some of the most well-known modern buildings on the London skyline.
We invite you to explore our project portfolio and discuss how we can contribute to the success of your next architectural metalwork project.
Meet the team!
Colin Ayres, Managing Director
Colin has 32 years’ architectural and general metalwork experience, managing and finding solutions for complex projects. His experience and background lie in technical design and drawings.
Notable projects:
One Bank Street, 2 Redman Place, Mark Lane, S5 Stratford, Chiswick Park B6 & B7, Guys Hospital, London Bridge, Lister School, Bellmouth Passage, Hanover Square, London Aquatic Centre, Audi West London, Adelaide Wharf
Robert Day, Design Director
Robert has 43 years of architectural and metalwork experience, leading projects since 1980. His experience is in technical design and drawing.
Notable projects:
IQL Pavilion, 70 St Mary Axe, TVC White City, Evelyn Grace Academy, Vere Street, New Court, IWM WW1 Gallery, Triton Street, HMS Belfast, Finsbury Circus, Sainsbury Laboratory, Central St Giles, Unilever House, British Museum
David Rawles, Works Manager
David has 21 years of architectural and metalwork experience, having started on site fitting, technical design and drawing. He progressed to Works Manager in 2005 and is responsible for in-house weld inspection.
Ray Attewell, Senior Site Manager
Ray’s 36 years of architectural and metalwork experience began in his role of site fitter. He gained experience and a range of qualifications over the years that followed. His expertise is now invaluable for the most technically demanding projects, drawing on his knowledge that he shares with the site team.
