Architectural hardware represents only 2% of an average infrastructure project’s budget. Yet it’s responsible for a disproportionate number of change orders, schedule delays, and post-occupancy issues.
Door openings involve far more than knobs and hinges—they’re integrated systems that must satisfy fire marshals, energy and accessibility auditors, security teams, IT departments, and facility managers simultaneously.
If you overlook architectural hardware in the design phase, you’ll pay for it many times over during implementation, highlighting just how important it is to project success.
This guide explores what architectural hardware involves, why it demands specialized expertise, and when to engage consultants to keep your project on track.
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Infrastructure projects, ranging from commercial complexes and government buildings to healthcare facilities and educational institutions, need support from a consultant to select and implement architectural hardware that aligns with project objectives.
To start, let’s define architectural hardware and the role of the consultant.
Architectural hardware, also referred to as door hardware, encompasses all the components of openings, including but not limited to hinges, knobs and levers, locks, door closers and automatic door operators, door stops, weatherstrip and gasketing, thresholds, and other related components.
Architectural hardware is designed to function within a building’s overall design, balancing form and function with aesthetics to meet accessibility, fire and life safety codes along with security and access control requirements. It is often built to high-performance standards, designed for durability, and suited to high-use and abuse-prone facilities.
An architectural hardware consultant is an expert in all facets of commercial and institutional openings, ensuring compliance with user needs, project requirements, and regulatory standards. They often collaborate with architects, trades, security professionals, clients, and end-users to define, plan, and implement architectural hardware for infrastructure projects.
Typically, architectural hardware consultants are involved throughout the project lifecycle—from design development to tender to project closeout—to keep all stakeholders aligned on door specifications and ensure they function to meet the client’s needs.
Their scope also considers how doors and frames integrate with wall assemblies when electrical and security cables need to connect with the opening.
When choosing an architectural hardware consultant for your infrastructure project, look for a professional with experience working in architecture, construction, and engineering environments. Given that many modern openings integrate technology, such as access control or smart building systems, familiarity with these components is also an asset.
However, it’s equally important to select a consultant who is product-agnostic and able to recommend the best hardware for your project’s security, accessibility, sustainability, and structural requirements.
Some consultants are employed by suppliers or manufacturers, which may limit their recommendations to certain brands, while others operate independently or within larger firms that offer complementary services, such as security and smart technologies consulting. This allows them to recommend a broader range of solutions to meet your needs without bias to specific brands.
As we’ve established, architectural hardware is an important contributor to project success. Its performance is influenced by:
The choice of architectural hardware—such as locks, levers, door pulls, automatic operators, thresholds, and frames—is shaped by a project’s accessibility and sustainability requirements.
For example, in support of sustainability objectives, project leaders can leverage PoE (Power over Ethernet) locks to reduce wiring and energy consumption by using a single low-voltage cable for both power and data. Choosing doors with insulated cores can improve an opening’s R-value, helping to reduce heat transfer. Door frames can also be insulated in different ways to improve thermal performance.
Accessibility also impacts architectural hardware selection. For instance, thresholds should generally be no higher than ½ inch (12mm) to meet current standards and door widths must meet clear opening requirements of 34” (860mm). In past versions of the Ontario Building Code (OBC), a 36” (915mm) door width was sufficient to meet accessibility requirements, but now, to meet current OBC opening width requirements, the door width must be 38” (965mm). These requirements, while necessary for accessibility, may conflict with security needs—all of which impact your choice of architectural hardware.
By involving an architectural hardware consultant early, you can access solutions that help you comply with accessibility, sustainability, and security requirements without compromising the needs of your end-users.
Architectural hardware and physical security are inextricably linked and must be in alignment pre- and post-tender to minimize project delays and ensure the project is finished on time and within budget.
For example, in high-security areas, entry may be controlled by credentials, such as access cards or mobile apps. The hardware and access control system must work together to revoke expired or unauthorized credentials, log entry and exit activity, and flag failed access attempts.
In the event of a power failure or security breach, openings should be designed to allow people to exit safely and prevent unauthorized access to secure areas. Because of this relationship, architectural hardware consultants and security professionals should work in close coordination to ensure that hardware specifications align with the facility’s security strategy.
With these requirements in mind, it’s critical to involve an architectural hardware consultant as early as possible in the project lifecycle so that they may integrate your accessibility, sustainability, and security needs into the design process.
Knowing when to involve an architectural hardware consultant in the project lifecycle can help you drive better results and avoid unnecessary risks.
The earlier you involve an architectural hardware consultant in the project lifecycle, the more opportunities there are for cost savings, efficiencies, and an improved end-user experience.
Waiting until the design phase is well underway limits a consultant’s ability to recommend the most cost-effective hardware solutions, and ensure the surrounding architectural, structural, and security elements are properly coordinated. This often results in more RFIs and change orders.
In successful infrastructure projects, architectural hardware is rarely an afterthought—it plays a significant role in the functionality, security, and experience of a space, particularly in high-traffic environments. Openings should be intuitive to navigate and function seamlessly, which is why it’s important to collaborate with an architectural hardware consultant throughout the process.
When you involve an architectural hardware consultant too late in the project lifecycle, you run the risk of mismatched products, installation errors, and costly retrofits. For example, installing incompatible door closers can compromise fire safety, while poor lock selection may result in security vulnerabilities.
This is because, despite its name, architectural hardware involves more than just physical hardware.
The hardware specification process should involve the client (owner), designers, architects, engineers, and various trades—including electricians, carpenters, locksmiths, and glass and metal technicians. Last-minute changes to openings will affect multiple work streams, making it difficult to keep the project on budget and on track, while potentially affecting the functionality of the opening. It may also be difficult to procure the required hardware if lead times are short, necessitating workarounds that may impact security, accessibility, and sustainability compliance.
As buildings become smarter and security requirements more complex, the role of architectural hardware consultants grows more critical.
Tiree’s expertise in architectural hardware consulting is embedded within our comprehensive Security & Smart Technologies services. We consider every facet of openings—from security and technology to functionality and design. Our approach to architectural hardware selection and installation:
This integrated approach extends through every stage of delivery. Acting as a client advocate, we anticipate challenges and implement solutions before they impact project timelines. Our team guides you through the entire hardware lifecycle—from initial selection and specification to procurement oversight and installation supervision—mitigating risks and optimizing project outcomes.
With dedicated in-house Advisory, Project Management, and Security & Smart Technologies services, we coordinate every aspect of your openings, fully integrating them with your accessibility, fire and life safety, IT, sustainability, and security requirements.
In addition, our product-agnostic approach means that we only recommend the hardware best suited to your needs, rather than being restricted to a single brand or manufacturer. This ensures that your openings are always functional, efficient, and compliant, giving your end-users a seamless experience navigating your building.
Tiree’s expertise spans both traditional hardware and emerging technologies—from access control integration to IoT-enabled building systems—ensuring your infrastructure is built for today’s standards and tomorrow’s innovations.