Bespoke Metalwork Caribbean
The Caribbean evokes light, colour and craftsmanship, sunlight on water, shadows through palms, and architecture shaped by both beauty and the elements. For FRD Designers & Makers, these islands offer inspiration and challenge in equal measure. From St Barts to Mustique and The Bahamas, bespoke British metalwork finds harmony with Caribbean design and heritage. Though Caribbean craftsmanship is best known for timber, stone and ceramics, metalwork has quietly shaped the region’s built environment for centuries; balconies, lanterns, gates and railings blending European artistry with tropical resilience.
St Barts - In St Barts, colonial French and Swedish influences can still be seen in wrought iron balconies, shutter fittings and lanterns built to endure salt air and storms. As the island evolved into a haven of modern luxury, bespoke metalwork began to reinterpret this legacy; balustrades, pergolas and screens designed for elegant villas and boutique hotels. Many buildings incorporate decorative metalwork, with some resorts having specific metal sculptures as landmarks, such as the one at the entrance of Cheval Blanc St. Barth by artist Jean-Michael Othoniel.
Mustique - On Mustique, architecture balances refined restraint with open, tropical living. Here, bespoke metalwork defines detail and atmosphere; stair rails, lighting and patterned screens that withstand sea air yet remain graceful and tactile. Basil’s Bar, the island’s most recognised landmark, shows how contemporary design can work seamlessly with Caribbean ease and character.
The Bahamas- The Bahamas tells a richer, more layered story. Ironwork arrived with colonial builders and remains visible in Nassau’s balconies and gates. Today, Bahamian metal artistry extends beyond function into symbolism, seen in the sculptural works of Tyrone Ferguson, whose pieces at The National Art Gallery of The Bahamas and Sacred Spaces installations combine heritage, faith and form. Metal here reflects identity as much as structure.
At FRD Designers & Makers, each commission begins with a simple principle, exceptional design, crafted to last. From our Dorset workshop, bespoke architectural and decorative metalwork is conceived, engineered and hand-finished before travelling to its destination.
Metalwork for the Caribbean Climate and Character
Our experience with heritage properties, luxury residences and commercial spaces in the Caribbean allows us to create bespoke pieces that feel timeless yet innovative, designed to withstand the environment and enhance the architecture they inhabit. Imagine a St Barts villa with a curved bronze balustrade echoing the coastline; a Mustique terrace shaded by patterned steel screens; a Bahamian gallery where a sculpted gate becomes both entrance and artwork.
At FRD, these ideas become reality. From concept sketch to final installation, our team combines artistry, technical mastery and logistical precision. The result is metalwork that feels at once timeless, contemporary and deeply connected to its surroundings. Designing metalwork for the Caribbean means working with, not against, nature.
Climate & Corrosion:
Salt air, heat and tropical storms demand resilient materials. We use marine-grade metals, durable finishes and construction details designed to age beautifully in place.
Transport & Installation:
Every design must be precise. Modular fabrication and 3D modelling ensure each piece travels safely and fits perfectly once installed.
Local Character:
Our designs often take cues from the islands themselves; colonial motifs, native flora and the play of Caribbean light, interpreted through FRD’s contemporary design language.
Sustainability:
We design for longevity. Considered sourcing and maintenance ensure our work endures both materially and environmentally.
British metalwork has long been admired for its refinement and precision. FRD continues this heritage, combining traditional forging and patination with modern engineering. Each commission reflects a dialogue between architecture and artistry: robust enough to endure, delicate enough to inspire.
The Caribbean offers a rare meeting of history, nature and design, where craftsmanship must withstand the elements yet remain effortlessly elegant. From the quiet refinement of St Barts to the expressive culture of The Bahamas, FRD’s metalwork throughout the Caribbean celebrates detail, durability and distinction, the hallmarks of true craftsmanship, transforming metal into something lasting, beautiful, and unmistakably bespoke.