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Our Process
A considered approach to
cabinetry.
Every Arco Studio project follows the same carefully considered sequence. It is designed to protect you from the most common frustrations in custom cabinetry — surprise costs at the end, cabinets that do not quite fit, and the feeling that something important was missed along the way.
Here is how a project unfolds.
Phase 01 — Discover
Complimentary
We take time to understand your project, your home, your timeline, and how you actually live. This is where we begin thinking about what is possible and lay the foundation for everything that follows.
We get prrecise measurements.
We use iMapper - a professional laser scanning system to capture your space with millimetre accuracy.
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On new builds, we scan at the framing stage while plumbing, electrical, and structural elements are still exposed to confirm everything aligns with your design before a wall is closed. On renovations, we scan the existing space as the foundation for your design. A second scan after drywall confirms the final as-built conditions before your cabinetry leaves our shop.
Phase 02 — Design
Design Fee where applicable
Our design process is iterative and intentional. Layouts are refined, details are resolved, and materials are selected with care. Door profiles, reveals, integrated hardware, and finishes are considered as part of a cohesive whole.
Optional add-on: Functional Design Consultation
For clients who want to go deeper into how a space actually functions where the knives live, how many shoes are in the closet, how the family moves through the mudroom. Our Functional Design Consultation is available as an add-on. We work through your daily habits, storage needs, and priorities for each space. The result is cabinetry designed around your life, not a showroom ideal.
You see it before you commit.
Before we issue a proposal, we produce the complete shop drawings for your project. This gives us the full cut list, materials list, and part count, and produces a photorealistic rendering of each space.
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Your proposal is built from these real numbers. What you see is what you get, priced to the detail. There are no estimates that quietly grow.
You confirm every details before we build.
Once the proposal is signed, every hardware selection, finish, fitting, countertop, and material is confirmed through your client portal before we order a single item.
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Nothing goes into production until everything is agreed and documented. This is what prevents the mid-project changes that derail timelines and add cost.
Phase 03 — Build
Project Investment
Fabrication is where ideas become tangible. Our cabinetry and millwork are produced with a focus on accuracy, consistency, and material integrity. Grain alignment, joinery, and finish quality are treated as essential parts of the work, not finishing touches.
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Every piece is inspected before it is wrapped. You receive a notification when production is complete and your delivery and install dates are confirmed.
We install with care.
Installation is approached with the same level of attention as design and fabrication. Our install team follows a strict set of standards: floor protection before anything is brought inside, a work table for all adjustments rather than the floor, and a clean site at the end of every day.
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We verify our laser scan data against the shop drawings before setting a single cabinet. You walk through the completed installation with us before we consider the project done.
Phase 04 — Aftercare
Complimentary
Your Arco Studio
Touchup Kit.
Every project comes with a curated touchup kit — all the colour-matched paints, finish references, care instructions, and product information for your cabinetry, presented in a single package.
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Everything you need to keep your spaces looking their best, long after we have left.
We come back.
Every project includes a complimentary follow-up visit, typically six to eight weeks after installation. We make any minor hardware adjustments, answer questions about the space, and confirm everything is performing exactly as it should.
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It is not an expectation that something will be wrong. It is simply our commitment that if it is, we are there.
Inset Cabinetry vs. Frameless Cabinetry
Which Is Right for Your Home?
Inset and frameless cabinetry each carry a distinct architectural language. From the rhythm of door alignment to the presence of shadow lines and surface continuity, the differences are subtle but meaningful. Understanding how each approach shapes proportion, detail, and function will help determine which style best supports your home.
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Below, we explore the defining characteristics of both.
Inset Cabinetry
Inset cabinetry features doors and drawers that sit perfectly within the cabinet frame, creating a refined and architectural look. The result is a quiet sense of balance where each element aligns with intention and precision. Often associated with heritage craftsmanship, inset cabinetry carries a timeless character that works beautifully in both classic and transitional interiors. At Arco Studio, this style reflects our appreciation for proportion, detail, and enduring design.
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Pros:
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Timeless and refined aesthetic rooted in traditional craftsmanship.
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Clean, tailored appearance with precise alignment.
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Solid construction that reflects thoughtful fabrication.
Cons
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Requires a higher level of craftsmanship, which can increase cost.
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Future adjustments may require skilled fine tuning due to the precise fit.
Frameless Cabinetry
Frameless cabinetry offers a more contemporary expression, defined by clean lines and a seamless full overlay design. Without a front frame, doors and drawers extend across the cabinet box, creating a modern and streamlined appearance. This approach allows materials, finishes, and hardware to take center stage, making it ideal for spaces that value simplicity, openness, and modern architectural form.
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Pros:
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Minimal and modern aesthetic with uninterrupted lines.
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Maximizes usable interior space.
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Flexible design possibilities across a range of finishes and styles.
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Cons:
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Less traditional in character compared to inset cabinetry.
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Requires careful planning to ensure proper hardware placement and alignment.
Daniel Reyes
“Working with Arco Studio was a seamless experience from start to finish. The level of detail they bring to their cabinetry is exceptional, and the final result elevated our entire home. Everything feels intentional, refined, and built to last.”
Sophia Martinez
“We wanted something timeless but still modern, and Arco Studio understood exactly what we envisioned. From the design process to installation, their team showed true craftsmanship and professionalism. Our kitchen has become the centerpiece of our home.”
Michael Tan
“What stood out to us was their balance of design and function. The built ins and millwork feel architectural, not just decorative. Even the pieces we selected through their Home collection complemented the cabinetry beautifully.”