Built to Rise: Bisca Celebrates 30 Year Architectural Legacy in Staircase Sculpture Why Architects Turn to Bisca to Sculpt Space and Defi ne Interiors...
Belvelly Castle, Cork
This year marks a signifi cant milestone for Bisca, the Yorkshire-based staircase specialist that has spent three decades transforming one of architecture’s most impactful elements into its most striking feature. Founded in 1995 by designer and blacksmith Richard McLane, Bisca is now recognised around the world for creating completely bespoke staircases that combine sculptural form, technical excellence, and enduring craftsmanship. Born in the small market town of Helmsley, Bisca is one of very few UK fi rms to off er a complete in-house service – design, craft, and installation – all handled by a single expert and dedicated team. From its origins in a Glasgow shipyard
to commissions for castles, coastal retreats, country manors and penthouse suites – Bisca has consistently challenged the conventions of staircase design in almost every corner of the globe. To date, the company has completed over 950 commissions, producing more than 13,000 metres of balustrade and 20,000 treads, each tailored to the property and its architectural intent.
A Staircase is a Signature A staircase by Bisca is always bespoke to its property; the people who live there; and its unique characteristics. There are no catalogues, templates or limits– only collaborative vision and deep attention to detail. Every staircase is developed from fi rst principles, with Bisca’s design team surveying each property to understand its fl ow, light, and structure. This approach has earned the company
a loyal following among architects and developers working on new builds, listed
Richard McLane
conversions, and high-end renovation projects where the staircase is treated as a defi ning design feature, not just a means of circulation. “As designers, we bring a sculptor’s mindset to structural solutions,” says McLane. “Our goal is always to create something that lifts the space and merges both the architect’s concept and the client’s personality.”
Blending Craft With Technology Bisca’s evolution from one man and a sketchbook, to the world-renowned reputation it has built over thirty years, is grounded in a unique ability to fuse traditional craftsmanship with cutting- edge innovation. Early adoption of 3D CAD in the 1990s allowed clients to visualise their staircases before fabrication – a rare capability at the time. Today, the workshop uses 5-axis CNC machining, 3D printing, and advanced forging techniques alongside time-honoured skills in blacksmithing, joinery and metalwork. At the heart of their workshop stands a 120-year-old British Rail power hammer, still in daily use – symbolising Bisca’s commitment to both heritage, innovation and craftmanship.
Sustainability Without Compromise With McLane also a co-founder of renewable energy fi rm Land Energy, Bisca’s environmental philosophy runs deep. The business transitioned to a wood pellet heating system in 2015 and added a 171Kw solar array in 2021– drastically cutting carbon emissions while reinforcing Bisca’s long-term mindset and sense of responsibility in craft.
Memorable Clients and Lasting Relations High-profi le clients including Spink and Hotel du Vin helped put Bisca on the map, with commissions that evolved from spiral staircases to integrated architectural features across luxury hotels and private estates. One standout international project came from Saudi Arabian client Said Baarma, where a £150,000 staircase led to over £1.5 million in further commissions, including bespoke gates, lighting, and a poolside goat roaster. Closer to home, Bisca’s 2023 Build It
Awards win for ‘Best UK Staircase’ recognised a work-of-art, crafted from reclaimed canal lock gates – underscoring the fi rm’s ability to combine material history with modern design.
The Architect’s Advantage For architects, working with Bisca brings a unique set of benefi ts. The team is small, highly specialised, and handles every stage – removing friction and ensuring alignment from concept to installation. Their collaborative design process helps elevate the vision of a space, while their technical expertise ensures fl awless execution, even for the most challenging briefs. With projects now being commissioned
into 2027, early collaboration is key. For those staircase projects which demand precision and originality, Bisca clearly off ers something beyond structural necessity. “A staircase should never be an
afterthought,” says McLane. “We see it as a feature which can be used to celebrate a space – bringing architectural distinction and beauty which is both sculptural, functional – and most of all, unforgettable.”
VIEW STAIRCASE GALLERY
Explore Bisca’s portfolio or book a design consultation:
01439 771702
staircase@bisca.co.uk www.bisca.co.uk
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