What DEKA does

DEKA Fabrication is a custom architectural metalwork and millwork fabrication company based in Oakland, California, serving design and construction professionals across the San Francisco Bay Area. The company integrates metalwork, millwork, stone, concrete, glass, plastics, lighting, and upholstery under a single shop, executing complex multi-material assemblies that would otherwise require coordination across multiple specialty vendors. Its technical capabilities include CNC waterjet and laser cutting, pulse arc/MIG/TIG welding, custom patina finishing, CNC wood machining and bending, and structural aluminum systems. Notable projects include the Wave Wall at LinkedIn's Executive Briefing Center, the Aspen Façade at 1717 University Avenue Berkeley, the Chrysanthemum and Jubilance Gates in Oakland, custom millwork for goop retail, and façade work for the Native American Health Center.

The company operates a B2B sales-led go-to-market with quote-based project pricing and no recurring or subscription revenue. Projects are sourced through a website estimate request form routed to an Estimating Department, supplemented by long-term specification relationships with architecture firms including Gensler, Olson Kundig, Studio Matthews, and PYATOK, and general contractors such as NIBBI Brothers. Customer segments span commercial tenant improvement, technology sector workplaces, public arts and institutional projects, and high-end residential. In August 2025, DEKA was acquired by One Hat One Hand and now operates as a division of the parent company, with founder Charles Irby stepping away and continuing leadership under Director of Fabrication Doug Hellikson and Accounts Director Marcus Guillard.

Name

DEKA

Legal name

DEKA Fabrication

Website

https://dekafab.com

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

DEKA Fabrication is a Bay Area custom architectural metalwork and millwork shop serving architects, designers, and general contractors by integrating metalwork, stone, glass, lighting, and millwork under one roof for complex commercial and public projects.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Oakland, California

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Custom Fabrication Projects: Project-based custom fabrication services for architectural metalwork and millwork. Revenue is generated through individual project contracts with architects, general contractors, and developers. No recurring or subscription revenue streams.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

DEKA Fabrication is a custom architectural metalwork and millwork fabrication shop serving design and construction teams in the San Francisco Bay Area. The company executes complex architectural assemblies including façades, gates, feature walls, stair systems, ceilings, canopies, screens, sculptural elements, and reception desks, casework, and retail fixtures. Its distinctive value is integrating stone, concrete, glass, plastics, lighting, and upholstery alongside metalwork and millwork under one roof, reducing vendor handoffs and execution risk.

Product overview

DEKA Fabrication is a custom architectural metalwork and millwork fabrication company serving the San Francisco Bay Area. The company operates as a single integrated fabrication service rather than a software platform, offering design-assist, fabrication, and installation coordination for complex architectural projects. Their core offerings include Architectural Metalwork Services (façades, gates, feature walls, stair systems, canopies, and sculptural elements) and Millwork and Custom Casework (reception desks, retail fixtures, cabinetry, and finish carpentry). DEKA's distinctive approach combines multiple materials including stone, concrete, glass, plastics, lighting, and upholstery alongside metalwork and millwork under one roof, reducing vendor handoffs and execution risk. The company works extensively with aluminum, stainless steel, bronze, and specialty alloys, employing CNC machining, digital fabrication, and skilled craftsmanship. Notable featured projects include the Wave Wall at LinkedIn (featuring integrated LCD technology), The Aspen Façade in Berkeley, The Chrysanthemum Gate in Oakland, goop Stores millwork, and various residential installations. DEKA is a division of One Hat One Hand, acquired in August 2025.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Architectural Metalwork Services Custom architectural metal fabrication including façades, architectural gates, feature walls, stair systems, ceilings, canopies, screens, doors, signage, and sculptural elements for commercial, residential, and public projects.
• Millwork and Custom Casework Services Custom millwork including reception desks, retail fixtures, credenzas, workstations, millwork ceilings, banquettes, shelving, cabinetry, veneer paneling, and finish carpentry.
• Material Integration Services Integration of stone, concrete, glass, plastics, resin, upholstery, and lighting with metalwork and millwork under one roof to reduce vendor handoffs and field risk on complex architectural assemblies.

Quantifiable outcome

• Single-shop execution reduces vendor coordination complexity and field risk

Named customers9 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• One Hat One HandcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 August 2025In August 2025, DEKA Fabrication was acquired by and became a division of One Hat One Hand. This acquisition brings broader expertise, expanded services, and a stronger team under one roof while maintaining seamless continuity for clients. DEKA maintains its operations and brand identity while gaining access to expanded resources and capabilities.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves4 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Broad incumbents

• Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope: Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope is a large manufacturer of architectural glass and metal building-enclosure systems. It is relevant to DEKA's façades, cladding, screens, and custom metalwork, but operates at substantially greater scale and with a more standardized product portfolio.
• Kawneer: Kawneer develops aluminum architectural products and building-envelope systems used in commercial and institutional construction. Its façades, entrances, and windows overlap with the project categories served by DEKA, though Kawneer competes mainly through standardized engineered systems.
• YKK AP America: YKK AP America manufactures architectural aluminum windows, entrances, façades, and related building systems. It is comparable to DEKA's aluminum architectural work and commercial construction exposure, while being a much larger incumbent with catalog-based offerings.
• C.R. Laurence: C.R. Laurence supplies a broad range of architectural hardware, glazing, railing, and fabrication-related products. It overlaps with DEKA's commercial and institutional metalwork requirements, but offers standardized components and systems rather than primarily bespoke integrated assemblies.
• Forms+Surfaces: Forms+Surfaces designs and manufactures architectural products across metal, glass, lighting, and surface applications. It compares through custom architectural metalwork and integrated material design, but serves a broader portfolio of public-space and building-product applications.

Emerging players

• Móz Designs: Móz Designs produces decorative architectural metal surfaces and fabricated wall, ceiling, and column systems. It overlaps with DEKA's custom metal finishes and feature elements, though its product portfolio is more standardized around architectural metal surfaces.
• Henrybuilt: Henrybuilt provides premium custom cabinetry, architectural millwork, and integrated interiors with a design-led, made-to-order model. It is comparable in craftsmanship and customization, but is more concentrated in high-end residential interiors than DEKA's broad commercial and public-project mix.

Direct peers

• One Hat One Hand: One Hat One Hand is DEKA's parent company and a Bay Area creative-fabrication platform spanning experiential environments, custom fabrication, and integrated technology. It is the closest operating comparator for DEKA's combination of metalwork, millwork, interactive elements, and multi-material execution.
• TMI Systems Design: TMI Systems Design manufactures custom architectural millwork and casework for commercial interiors and institutional projects. Its project-based custom manufacturing model closely overlaps DEKA's custom casework, reception fixtures, paneling, cabinetry, and finish carpentry.
• A. Zahner Company: A. Zahner is a custom architectural metal fabricator known for design assistance, complex metal systems, and signature building envelopes. It is directly comparable to DEKA's high-finish architectural metalwork, although Zahner places greater emphasis on large-scale metal façades and engineered systems.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks4 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@deka4199
• Facebookfacebook.com/DekaFabrication
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/dekafab
• Instagraminstagram.com/deka_fabrication

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about DEKA