Investing in the Future of Architectural Hardware

AMID A developing landscape of regulation, digital innovation and heightened expectations around competence, how can the industry support the next generation of architectural ironmongery professionals? GAI Fellow Award 2026 Winner, David Gray of Consort Architectural Hardware, discusses.

There was a time when architectural ironmongery might have been viewed as humble brassware, hinges and fittings only. That perception could not be further from the reality of the sector today, however. Door hardware, fire safety products and intuitive access control systems are central to the design, performance, accessibility and compliance of our homes, community spaces and commercial environments.

Against a backdrop of regulatory change and increasingly demanding end user requirements, there’ s no doubt that the complexity of construction projects continues to grow. The drive towards smarter, more connected buildings is expanding the scope of integrated hardware solutions,

and when you add in the progressive digital processes that are now shaping modern project design and delivery, it’ s clear to see how the role of the architectural ironmongery professional is evolving.

Investment in the next generation is critical then. Importantly, the skills challenge facing our sector goes beyond talent acquisition alone- in fact, ongoing professional development has a vital role to play in maintaining standards, encouraging innovation and building the industry expertise required for the years ahead.

Preparing for better outcomes Like many specialist areas of construction, architectural ironmongery relies heavily on experience and technical knowhow. Traditionally, much of that knowledge has been developed through practical collaboration and hands on experience. Today, however, formal education, structured training and continuing professional development now sit at the heart of the occupation.

Over recent years, the sector has experienced significant developments in building and fire safety legislation and regulatory requirements, including the Building Safety Act 2022 and amendments to the Regulatory Reform( Fire Safety) Order 2005. These developments have placed greater emphasis on competence across the built environment sector. BS 8670- 1:2024 also provides a core competence framework covering the skills, knowledge, experience and behaviours required for individuals working on buildings.

For architectural ironmongery specifically, these principles are central to the specification and delivery of products that can have a direct impact on safety, accessibility and security, such as fire door closers, panic exit hardware and escape locks. In short, a lack of knowledge on the hardware installed throughout our buildings

Sources: https:// www. legislation. gov. uk / ukpga / 2022 / 30 / contents, https:// www. legislation. gov. uk / uksi / 2005 / 1541 / contents

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Autumn 2026 Door Industry Journal