Embassy Row Grille

The main entrance of any home offers a unique opportunity for a special gesture— a chance to invoke a particular energy or stillness for anyone who encounters that doorway.

Architectural drawing of a front door with decorative wrought iron grille, Powell House, designed by Chris Shea.

With grillework, the essential design challenge is to provide a measure of security in a way that adds to, rather than subtracts from, the beauty and architectural character of the building, while allowing light and visibility and adding to the pleasures of living in the house every day. 

Front view of a historic brick residence with decorative gables, a staircase entrance, and surrounding greenery.

In dialogue with the owner of this Flemish Revival style home on Washington’s Embassy Row, the grille and sidelights were conceived to create a delicate but compelling pattern that harmonizes with the existing brickwork and windows. On closer approach the grille reveals a subtle muscularity in the details and textures of traditional forge work.

Interior view of a doorway with a decorative iron grille visible through the glass front door, flanked by wall-mounted black metal sconces with candle-style lights, and a glimpse of the street outside with parked cars and green trees.

Please don’t hesitate to inquire about new projects or variations on existing designs.

A blacksmith workshop with a large workbench that has a detailed design or blueprint drawn on its surface. The background contains various tools, equipment, and materials, including knives, a green storage cabinet, and stacks of firewood.
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Close-up of a decorative metalwork piece, possibly part of a gate, featuring intricate design details and a curved shape on a workshop floor with tools around.
A glowing hot metal piece being shaped on an anvil, with a red-orange color indicating high temperature.