The project began with a request from a historic parish church undergoing sensitive renovations to its entrance. The new glass doors were chosen to bring light and modern transparency while preserving a sense of reverence. However, the church needed bespoke handles that would honor its spiritual heritage and complement both the contemporary glass and the building’s rich architectural character.

Standard commercial door hardware felt out of place—too modern, too generic, or too industrial. The client wanted something that would feel symbolic, handcrafted, and substantial. The handles needed to:

  • Be compatible with frameless glass doors
  • Reflect traditional ecclesiastical motifs
  • Be elegant yet durable, suitable for daily use
  • Meet high standards of finish and craftsmanship

Our design team worked closely with the parish to conceptualize a handle inspired by the shepherd’s crook—a nod to the pastoral roots of the church and its symbolic meaning of care and guidance. Using hand-sketched drawings and 3D modelling, we developed a design that echoed the elegant curve of a traditional crook while adapting the proportions to function as a practical pull handle. The shape had to feel comfortable in the hand while appearing sculptural from a distance. Each handle was cast in solid brass using the lost-wax method for sharp detailing, then meticulously hand-finished and polished to achieve a warm, satin sheen that will patina beautifully with time.

To suit frameless glass doors, we engineered custom through-glass fixings with low-profile backplates on the interior side, ensuring strength without compromising the visual clarity of the glass.

Special attention was paid to:

  • Load-bearing support
  • Glass integrity (all fixtures were padded to prevent stress fractures)
  • Alignment and symmetry, ensuring perfect vertical orientation

The final installation blends seamlessly into the architectural fabric of the church—modern in form, deeply symbolic in meaning, and grounded in craft. The shepherd’s crook handles serve as both a tactile experience and a visual metaphor, offering a warm welcome to all who enter.

This project exemplifies how bespoke design can elevate everyday architectural elements into something deeply personal and spiritually resonant. Through close collaboration, our fine craftsmanship were able to deliver a lasting symbol of care, tradition, and thoughtful design.