Custom-Built: How Collaboration Shapes Every Detail to Create a Truly Custom Home
From floor plans to finishes, Urbis excels in designing and building truly custom homes. But truly custom doesn’t happen in isolation.
It’s built through relationships—people who understand the level of care required, who are willing to push beyond standard solutions, and who take just as much pride in the finished product as we do.
“Our relationship with Urbis began in the earliest days of Iron Elements when the shop was still my garage, and every project felt both exciting and intimidating at the same time. I was just beginning to carve out a place in architectural metal, focused on doing honest work, paying attention to detail, and learning through every build.
Rick Arndt and the Urbis team saw something in that. They recognized the care behind the craftsmanship and were willing to take a chance on a young company still finding its footing. I won’t forget how nervous I was, wanting to prove that their trust was well placed.
In those early projects, not every design detail was fully resolved on paper. We worked through ideas together, refining concepts, design solutions, and collaborating closely to create something truly custom for their clients. That process shaped us. It pushed us to elevate our standards and think beyond fabrication and to think architecturally.
Urbis didn’t just hire us; they helped build the foundation of Iron Elements. Their trust allowed us to grow with confidence, refine our craft, and establish the principles that define our work today. We’re genuinely grateful they believed in us from the beginning and that shared commitment to quality and collaboration continues to drive our partnership forward.” — Bruce Porter, Owner and Craftsman at Iron Elements Inc.
A shared history (and shared standard) like this is what makes it possible to execute the beautiful homes you see today.
Join us as we highlight a selection of past projects that reflect Urbis’ custom craftsmanship, brought to life by partners we trust.
Vanity Mirrors in Glenora 139
The incorporation of natural light was central to the design intent for Glenora 139’s floating vanity mirrors.
For this project, we worked closely with Iron Elements Inc. and YEG Closets and Glass to create custom pieces that feel architectural rather than simply decorative.
“The mirrors appear to hover within the daylight, creating depth while still allowing light to move freely through the space. Achieving that clean, weightless look required concealed structural support, tight tolerances, and precise alignment within the millwork and lighting layout,” says Bruce Porter, Owner and Craftsman at Iron Elements Inc.
“We love collaborating with Iron Elements; they have the same attention to detail that we do… It’s one smooth process from design to install. We thrive on these ‘outside of the box’ designs that Urbis creates,” adds Brandi Kozlowski, Design and Sales at YEG Closets and Glass.
Trim and Crown Moulding in Summit Drive
With our Summit Drive project, custom millwork is a defining feature, capturing a classic and carefully curated traditional design.
As Kevin Metcalfe, Owner/Operator at Taurus Woodwork, shares:
“Millwork is one of the best ways to add real character to a home, and this project was a great example of that. The Urbis team is great to collaborate with—clear plans, quick decisions, and a shared focus on getting every detail right.”
Kevin elaborates on the process behind this build:
“We always start with a site measure and lean on our experience with more detailed custom trim work. Traditional millwork was a big part of our early years, so projects like this are always exciting for us.
The pillars and wall panelling don’t just look beautiful—they also hide the double pocket doors, which is one of those subtle details that makes a big impact. We focused on tying everything together so the trim and crown moulding in the living, family, and dining areas felt seamless and intentional.”
Kitchen Cabinetry in Summit Drive
Another defining feature of Summit Drive is the floor-to-ceiling glass cabinetry wall that separates the kitchen from the hallway.
“Executing custom woodwork at this highly precise, detailed level is only possible when there is a solid working relationship between contractors,” says Selene Yuen, Principal of Selenium Interiors. “We deeply appreciate Urbis’ open and collaborative communication and see it as a key factor in the success of this project.”
Selene breaks down the careful planning and precision that brought this cabinetry feature to life:
“The floor-to-ceiling wall of cabinetry was a fun challenge, simultaneously adding privacy while enhancing personality. Glass doors on both front and back meant that we had to find a way to maintain structural integrity, and integrating the stacked, fluted crown halfway onto the ceiling beam required a strategy that was precise yet flexible enough to allow for the variances of the beam itself.
To get the subtleties right, we used our digital modelling and CNC technology to register the width and placement of the flutes, ensuring that each flute is whole (rather than getting partially cut off at the end).”
Hardwood Tray Ceilings in Riverside Drive
Using classic materials in unexpected ways can make a space feel beautifully unique—something demonstrated in the ceiling details in Riverside Drive.
“Urbis’ creativity consistently challenges us to execute details that are both innovative and timeless,” says Sherylynn Laurinat, Account Manager at Paramount Flooring.
“In Riverside Drive, the tray ceiling introduces warmth and architectural dimension. By carrying the hardwood from the floor downstairs onto the bedroom ceiling pane, we created a seamless, cohesive statement that adds depth and texture. It’s a refined focal point made possible through careful material selection and precise craftsmanship.”
Hidden Storage and Fluted Wood Detailing in Crestwood 146
Crestwood 146 is another great example of a project with exquisitely custom detailing and design.
“Projects like this work so well because Urbis gives us the space to collaborate and contribute ideas, all with the goal of delivering something exceptional for the homeowner,” says Kevin Metcalfe, Owner/Operator at Taurus Woodwork.
“The walk-in closet and basement bar were definite highlights on this build. The hidden storage in the closet and the grain-matched doors made the space feel cohesive and custom from every angle.
Downstairs, the slatted wood wall at the bar adds texture and warmth while, still keeping that clean, modern look. We milled the solid wood slats in-house to make sure everything was just right, and we partnered with Eberhard's Manufacturing for the grain-matched panels—they’re true experts in custom veneer.”
Pantry Door in Crestwood 144
In Crestwood 144, even the smallest of details are thoughtfully considered, as demonstrated by the pantry door designed by Iron Elements Inc. and YEG Closets and Glass.
“Using a non-standard style of pocket door for this pantry was both unique and functional. Our team worked closely with Iron Elements for our scope, adding a patterned glass to their system to add a fun edge while also creating privacy,” comments Brandi Kozlowski, Design & Sales at YEG Closets and Glass.
Custom Stairwell Design in Summit Drive
Returning to Summit Drive, one more element stands out: the staircase.
“The interior railing at Summit Drive was a truly custom package and the first time we created this specific design and finishing process. It was selected with a decorative steel top rail and spindles mounted directly into the treads using custom collars for a seamless transition,” says Bruce Porter, Owner and Craftsman at Iron Elements Inc.
“The wall-mounted handrail features handmade support brackets, while the newel posts incorporate hand-curved steel detailing elements that required a high level of craftsmanship and coordination.”
Collaborating early in the design process with a shared focus on intricate details elevated the final product.
“This project also marked our first use of onsite electrostatic painting to finish the fabricated steel in place, allowing the railing system to feel completely integrated and purposely built for this home. The result is a railing package that is entirely uniquely fabricated and finished specifically for Summit Drive,” Bruce adds.
The Through Line for Truly Custom Design
Across every one of these projects, the common thread isn’t just the level of detail, but how that detail is brought to life. Every element is carefully considered, tested, refined, and executed by people who truly care about the outcome.
An Urbis home reflects more than just high-end design. It reflects the relationships behind it—the shared standards, the collaboration, and the collective commitment to getting it right. That’s what makes a home truly custom.
Connect with us to start designing and building your new home in Edmonton today.
