Design for Collaboration
How Manufacturers Innovate in Accessibility and Customization

The intersection of architecture and manufacturing is a space where innovation thrives, driven by the needs of architects and the solutions provided by manufacturers. In this dynamic landscape, Acelab’s innovative platform seamlessly connects architects with manufacturers, providing instant access to cutting-edge tools and crucial information that accelerates project timelines and fosters innovation. This article highlights three manufacturers—Promenaid, American Metalcraft, and Kwik-Wall—who exemplify this collaborative spirit, offering products that not only meet, but exceed, the needs of modern architects.

Take a closer look at two modern building projects featuring rainscreens and metal finishes from two of the industry’s trusted brands.

Looking to make your project stand apart from the rest? Customize any commercial project with a unique and aesthetic touch that’s sure to turn heads with standard or custom perforated metal panels.

Holly Gotfredson, the president of American Metalcraft, Inc., stands at the helm of a WBE-certified architectural metal product company that has been a prominent force in the industry since its inception in 1986. Under her visionary leadership, American Metalcraft remains a trusted resource, providing an extensive array of high-quality aluminum, zinc, and stainless products, including rain screens, wet seal systems, perforated panels, ornamental metal, custom sunshades, column covers, brake metal and decorative exterior elements.

Envisioning the Future of Women in Construction

Certainly, men outnumber women working in construction. While women are underrepresented in all the building trades, slowly, the percentage of women in the construction workforce is growing. The Institute for Women’s Policy Research shows that the share of women working in construction trades is the highest it’s been in two decades!

Understanding what attracts and retains high-quality employees

MCS Influencer Holly Gotfredson says that offering benefits and creating a positive work culture is key to retaining good employees.

Attracting and retaining employees has always been an important part of running a successful company, but now during a labor shortage it is absolutely critical!

We recently connected with Holly Gotfredson and have shared our conversation.

Rainscreens: Engineering and Installation Issues

Comprised of sub-assemblies and components, learn rainscreens’ many engineering and installation issues

Rainscreens have risen in popularity over the last decade. Water intrusion mitigation, thermal efficiency improvement and decreased maintenance are their features driving this increase. Unlike sealed installation systems, a rainscreen assembly does not rely on a single-face seal approach, but instead consists of several components.

At the Cutting Edge by Christian Annesley
In recent years Holly Gotfredson has taken over the running of the sister companies American Metalcraft and Finishing Dynamics, with the pair of businesses located on a single site in Atlanta. Christian Annesley caught up with Gotfredson to explore some of the latest thinking in manufacturing – and to find out more about her business philosophy
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To say that the metal fabrication industry is male-dominated would be an understatement. But that hasn’t stopped Holly Gotfredson from making her own statement. As the owner of American Metalcraft Inc., located just outside of Atlanta, Gotfredson and her leadership directors guide nearly 60 team members in producing painted aluminum architectural products for projects ranging from hospitals, schools and municipal buildings to universities, casinos, museums, corporate headquarters, bridges, and more.

Sherwin Williams Case Study: Thayer High School

We’re green with envy! American Metalcraft coated this rainscreen system with custom shades of green from Sherwin-Williams Coil Coatings. The three different green hues on the exterior of Thayer High School in Thayer, Missouri boast a retro vibe that showcases a collaboration of colors + companies at their finest. 

Sherwin Williams Case Study: Lee’s Summit

“A pop of Arabian blue chases the gray vertical rainscreen panels down each side of this water treatment facility.” – Holly Gotfredson, President, American Metalcraft Inc.

Lee’s Summit Water Utility Service Center is clad with American Metalcraft’s fabricated rainscreen system which runs horizontally and vertically around the building and is finished in Arabian blue and Somerset pewter by Finishing Dynamics.