At Maplewood Cabinetry, a smooth project doesn’t begin with sawdust or screws—it begins with clarity. Once a project is awarded, we don’t just dive into production. The next critical step is the preparation of shop drawings, a behind-the-scenes process that transforms an Architect’s ideas into precise, buildable plans.
For our customers, it’s the bridge between concept and craftsmanship. For our team, it’s where we ensure that every detail is engineered to fit perfectly, both in design and on-site.
What Are Shop Drawings?
Shop drawings are technical blueprints created by our engineering team that show exactly how each piece of millwork will be fabricated and installed. They reflect dimensions, joinery details, material choices, and integration with surrounding architectural elements.
Think of them as a highly detailed instruction manual for your custom cabinetry—tailored specifically for your space.
Why Shop Drawings Matter
This step is more than a formality—it’s the moment when the vision becomes actionable. By creating shop drawings, we:
- Ensure accuracy: Everything is double-checked before we fabricate a single element.
- Align with the project team: We work closely with designers, contractors, and end-users to ensure every detail supports the overall vision.
- Prevent surprises: Spotting potential conflicts early means fewer delays, no rushed fixes, and smoother installations.
Inside a Recent Project
Consider our recent work on the Kierland Corporate Center Spec Suites 300 & 350. This high-end office space required sophisticated cabinet designs and premium finishes. One of the project’s highlights was the custom banquette seating, which needed to seamlessly integrate with the suite’s modern aesthetic.
During the shop drawing phase, our team identified that the intricate cabinet door profiles posed a unique challenge. These profiles were highly detailed, requiring precision to achieve the visually appealing look the client desired. By addressing this complexity early, we ensured that the final installation was executed flawlessly, resulting in an exceptional finished product that reflected both form and function.
Collaboration is Key
Throughout the shop drawing phase, we stay in close communication with all project stakeholders. Revisions, material confirmations, and design tweaks often happen during this time. That’s a good thing—it’s much easier (and more cost-effective) to make changes on paper rather than during installation.
Once the drawings are approved, we finalize timelines and move confidently into procurement, field measurement, and fabrication, knowing we’ve set a solid foundation for a successful project.
A Process Built on Precision
At Maplewood Cabinetry, we believe that the quality of the final result is only as strong as the planning behind it. Shop drawings give us—and our clients—the confidence that every component will fit, function, and deliver on the design promise.
Whether you’re designing a modern commercial suite or creating a custom solution for your home, our team is here to help.
Contact us today to schedule a project consultation or learn more about our process.
