Our Mission
Design, Develop, Manufacture and Market crafted products unequaled in character, detail and design for the Door, Window and Hardware Markets on a global basis. We will operate with the highest levels of corporate integrity while consistently delivering superior performance for our customers.
Our History
Architectural Traditions was founded 16 years ago by nationally recognized "Master Builder" Mark Butler. At that time, Mark specialized in building custom homes that were true to Southwestern architectural traditions. To create these architecturally significant estates and achieve an "authentic" design, Mark used building materials not readily available from building material suppliers.
As Mark's homes gained local and national renown, there was great interest in the materials he used, specifically for the exterior doors, windows, interior doors and hardware. Top custom builders from across the country called to ask where they could purchase these materials. This led to the formation of Southwest Door Company. As Southwest Door's popularity grew, the product offering also grew.
To more accurately reflect the widening scope of Mark's mission, Southwest Door became Architectural Traditions, a company still rooted in and proud of its Southwestern heritage, but dedicated to providing product that is true to each regional architectural style for which its product is chosen.
Today, Architectural Traditions is one of the largest custom millwork and hardware manufacturers in the country. It is the only company of its kind that allows the builder, architect, designer and/or homeowner complete control, ensuring that the windows, doors and hardware are built with a consistent look and quality that only a single-source supplier can offer.
General Warranty
At Architectural Traditions, we take pride in the fact that the structural integrity of our products is under warranty with the best in the industry. But more than that, the design and construction of our products utilizes innate characteristics of the materials to enhance the appearance of what we sell and set us apart from the rest of the industry. Certain cosmetic details unrelated to structural integrity that are considered defects in the usual applications of the materials are used purposely in Architectural Traditions replacement windows products and add considerably to their beauty and desirability. When ordering Architectural Traditions product, it is important to understand that cosmetic details such as size and frequency of knots, variations in the color, texture and grain pattern of wood, slight differences in the patinas on hardware products and their tendency to wear more where they are used heavily are subjective determinations not covered under warranty.
Can you build custom doors and windows?
Yes, Architectural Traditions has been working with architects, builders, designers and homeowners since 1988 to offer custom doors and windows. In fact, it is our company mission to design, develop and manufacture crafted products unequaled in character, detail and design for the Door, Window and Hardware Markets. By offering a wide variety of species, finishes, textures and architectural styles, we can help you to reflect your true expression of individuality.
Can you provide custom finish colors and custom distress textures? Yes, we can. Not only do we offer an extensive selection of standard finish colors and textures (refer to our website) but we also have the capacity to match custom colors or textures provided by our customers.
How many species of wood do you offer?
As a standard, we offer: Incense Cedar, Knotty Alder, Select Alder, Cherry, Genuine Mahogany, Walnut, Vertical Grain Douglas Fir and Rustic Oak. We also offer other species upon request.
How difficult is it to maintain wood doors and windows?
Your Architectural Traditions doors and windows have been manufactured to last for years and are under warranty. However, as with any piece of fine furniture, the finish will require some simple periodic maintenance to keep it looking its best and to provide protection from the elements. Please refer to the Care and Maintenance section of our web site for information on caring for our Rubbed-Oil Finish, our top coat finish or finishing raw wood as well as our warranties.
Will wood doors and windows hold up?
When properly finished and maintained, wood is extremely durable, and resistant to both time and the elements. In fact, wood is also a natural insulator and has been the number one choice for doors and windows for centuries.
How long does it take to get your product?
Production and delivery times vary by the order and should be discussed with your sales representative. We will do whatever is possible to ensure your order is delivered in a timely manner. Typical lead times range from 6 to 10 weeks.
Do we give customers rough openings?
No. We cannot predict the application or situation of install that our product(s) may require. We can give our outside frame dimensions and you can make your own assessment at that time.
What types of hardware does Architectural Traditions offer?
We offer sandcasted bronze and hard-forged iron in an array of architectural styles. The bronze hardware we offer is also a non-corrosive hardware and is strongly recommended on coastal applications. Please refer to our web site for photos of our hardware offerings.
Can I buy direct from your company?
No. All our products are offered by local authorized dealers who have showrooms for your convenience. These dealers know our products well and are supported by a regional sales representative who can further field questions and inquiries if needed.
