Exceptionally Crafted Custom Doors & Millwork

Precision Millwork For A Historic Staircase

Reimagining Ceiling Details for a Landmark Staircase

At the Athletic Club of Columbus, one of the most distinctive features—a graceful, curving staircase—was missing the ceiling detail it deserved. Rockwood was selected by the commercial builder to help reimagine and replace the existing millwork, designing custom beams that now align seamlessly with the building’s architectural style.

Collaborative Design That Honors Historic Architecture

During early collaboration, we realized adjustments that could help the new beams harmonize with the space’s historic character. Rockwood provided additional inspiration photos and design insights, leading to refinements to the original concept.

Precision Planning: Laser Templating and Custom Tooling

Precision played a central role. Our team began by digitally templating the curved ceiling with laser measurements to ensure a perfect fit. Shop drawings were created from these measurements, giving the architect the detail needed to produce highly accurate renderings. To match the existing crown moulding, Rockwood cast a custom mold and fabricated dedicated tooling—ensuring the new profiles would blend seamlessly with the old.

Crafting and Installing Custom Red Oak and Poplar Millwork

The millwork was crafted from Red Oak and Poplar, featuring both concave and convex profiles. In our shop, beams were precisely cut with the required radius edge on one end. They were supplied slightly long, allowing the opposite end to be trimmed on-site using our provided templates for a tailored finish.

Throughout the project, close collaboration with the lead carpenter, builder, property management and the design team was essential. Rockwood prioritized working closely with all stakeholders to ensure a final outcome that genuinely improved upon the existing space—respecting the original architecture while delivering aesthetic enhancements.

Close-up of curved wood ceiling under construction at the Athletic Club of Columbus, showing Red Oak and Poplar beams during the millwork installation process.
Rockwood millwork team installing custom curved ceiling beams at the Athletic Club of Columbus, using scaffolding to access the historic interior architecture.
Framed ceiling structure with custom wood beams and scaffolding in place during Rockwood’s millwork restoration project at the Athletic Club of Columbus.

Designing For Your Next Project?

At Rockwood, we listen first, ask questions, and then create custom pieces that fit your needs. Ready to get started?