2026 Top Job Contest - CATEGORY A

Category A
Gates, Driveway - Nonforged

Instructions: Review the entries in this category and make your decision on which entries in this category have your vote for first place (gold), second place (silver) and third place (bronze) awards. Make a note of your choices so that you have them to reference when you are ready to vote. Once you have chosen your three winners in each category (there are a total of 10 categories), you can place your votes online by submitting a Top Job e-Ballot. Only one member per company is allowed to submit a ballot. Questions or problems? Contact us.

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A-0001

GATES OF EDEN

Is this a joint venture: No
Category: Gates, Driveway - nonforged
Designed by: Fabricator/Architect Jointly
Total Labor Hours: 4615
Finish Type: Various Patinas
Materials Used: Bronze

General Description: Inspired by the beauty and freedom of tropical wildlife, this sculptural bronze gate transforms metal into art. Herons, flamingos, pelicans, and an iguana emerge among palm fronds and reeds, each element entirely handmade through ancestral metalworking techniques. The figures were first sculpted in clay, refined in plaster, and cast in bronze using the traditional sand-casting method. The surrounding foliage was shaped by repoussé, hammered, and raised by hand, while the frame and various anchoring pieces were made and textured by hand-forging. Drawing from both Art Deco and Art Nouveau, the design balances geometry with organic movement, blending order, rhythm, and grace. Finished with different tones and colored patinas, every detail reveals the artisan’s touch. Set against opalized glass and framed by vines, the gate embodies the ideals of classical craftsmanship: mastery of the material, respect for tradition, and the union of art and utility, a timeless dialogue between nature, design, artisanship, and metal.





A-0002

EURPEAN GATE ENTRANCE

Is this a joint venture: Yes
Category: Gates, Driveway - nonforged
Designed by: Fabricator
Total Labor Hours: 1350
Finish Type: Powder coated finish with gold paint highlighting
Materials Used: Aluminum

General Description: This project was no joke when it comes to details, slope changes, and curves! The gate design originated from England, but we created it in today's’ aluminum. These 20 ft wide, 12 feet tall driveway gates had custom everything: cast finials, quatrefoils, and custom twisted baskets; even the 10” hinge posts required custom shoulder, neck and ball details. There was even gold highlighting throughout. Not one design element was overlooked! These gates also had the same design elements in the 72 feet of fence that was built to fit within the masonry pillars, and up and down the hills. There was over 20 feet of elevation change in this project that was less than 100 feet long. Not only were there challenges in the elevation changes and designs elements, but also in radiuses and angle changes for the fence line. Great project, but not without its challenges!

 


A-0003

TOPOGRAPHIC PRIVACY GATE

Is this a joint venture: No
Category: Gates, Driveway - nonforged
Designed by: Fabricator/Architect (Jointly)
Total Labor Hours: 160
Finish Type: Powder Coated
Materials Used: Steel Frame, Aluminum Panels, 3/8" Bronze Emblem

General Description: This ornamental driveway gate features a durable steel frame with aluminum decorative panels and a 3/8" bronze emblem centerpiece, combining strength, precision, and artistry. The gate’s design was developed to showcase intricate detail while maintaining structural integrity and smooth operation. Fabrication involved water jet cutting for the decorative aluminum components and both MIG and TIG welding techniques to ensure precise, clean joints. Installation required assembling and mechanically fastening three main components on-site for perfect alignment and stability. The greatest challenge of the project was managing the design complexity and ensuring that all elements fit together seamlessly without compromising aesthetics or function. The finished gate received a high-quality powder coat finish to ensure long-term durability and a refined appearance. The project required approximately 160 labor hours from start to completion, reflecting the craftsmanship, precision, and attention to detail invested throughout the process.

 

 


A-0004

PALM LEAVES DRIVEWAY

Is this a joint venture: No
Category: Gates, Driveway - nonforged
Designed by: Fabricator
Total Labor Hours: 250 hours approximately
Finish Type: Satin black
Materials Used: Aluminum

General Description: This is a single swing driveway gate. All the palm leaves are made from angle material. The main branch is made from 1 1/4" schedule 40 pipe. There is an orchid arbor that was me for the project also. There are two custom tree frogs that were airbrushed in color.





A-0005

GRAND ENTRY

Is this a joint venture: No
Category: Gates, Driveway - nonforged
Designed by: Fabricator
Total Labor Hours: 120
Finish Type: Steel was left to rust naturally, and lights and gates were powder coated textured rust bucket
Materials Used: Steel and aluminum

General Description: Client got the inspiration for the columns while visiting Arizona and came across a water treatment facility with wire mesh walls filled with stone. Frames are 3" steel angle for the corners and steel wire mesh to hold back the stone infill. Column lights were made out of aluminum with frosted glass. Gates were all aluminum tube and 1/8 sheet.

 


A-0006

FLETCHER'S GATE

Is this a joint venture: No
Category: Gates, Driveway - nonforged
Designed by: Fabricator
Total Labor Hours: 197 Shop, 114 Field
Finish Type: Painted Steel and Polished Copper
Materials Used: Copper and Steel

General Description: Design, fabricate, and install copper and steel driveway gate featuring a robust steel frame with intricate copper accents.


 


A-0007

DRIVEWAY GATE

Is this a joint venture: No
Category: Gates, Driveway - nonforged
Designed by: Architect
Total Labor Hours:1000
Finish Type: Urethane Paint, High Gloss
Materials Used: Cast and Fabricated Aluminum

General Description: Large aluminum driveway gates and fence. Residential. Made from extremely larger rectangular sections and some custom castings, these 10' tall by 18' wide overall opening were a tricky build. There was attendant 150 LF of fence and a pedestrian gate to match. The frame consists of 6x6, 4x4, 2x10 and other shapes. all welds are concealed.