What is a Custom Lift?

An Introduction to Custom Lift Design

What is a custom lift? It’s a lift that’s exclusively designed and built for a specific client or building. For architects, property developers, and building owners, a custom lift is an opportunity to solve specific design challenges, create a stunning focal point, and gives passengers an experience they’ll remember. A custom lift is always about more than just moving between floors – it’s about creating a feature that is a true reflection of the building’s character and prestige.

For over a decade now, the Tower Lifts team of designers and installers has been partnering with clients who are looking for bespoke lift solutions. In this blog, we’ll walk you through our collaborative process, showing you how we translate your unique ideas into professionally engineered, fully compliant, and unforgettable custom lift.

When is a Custom Lift the Right Choice? Three Scenarios

A custom lift is a problem-solving tool for projects that go beyond the ordinary. The challenge may be physical, stylistic, or conceptual, and a bespoke design offers the freedom to create a perfect lift for the site. We’re often asked what kind of projects benefit most from a bespoke approach. Here are three examples that demonstrate how we work with clients to navigate non-standard buildings in order to achieve exceptional results.

1. The Heritage Commercial Property

Let’s say the project involves converting a Victorian warehouse with the goal of attracting high-value creative businesses. In this scenario, the way the building looks is the priority. A developer may be concerned about how a standard lift would disrupt the visual flow or clash with original features like exposed brickwork. The brief might be, therefore, to design a passenger lift that serves as a quiet, respectful nod to the building’s industrial past.

The solution may be to create a lift with a slender steel frame and a glass passenger car, optimising light and taking care to reduce structural impact. The advantage of a bespoke solution is its ability to blend raw, industrial materials with modern engineering. This custom lift solves an access problem while also becoming a subtle feature that amplifies the building’s unique character.

2. The New London Apartment Building

If a developer wants to make the most of a building’s stunning city views, a standard lift won’t do justice to their vision. The brief could be to design a lift that doesn’t just overlook the view, but actively amplifies it, making the journey between floors an integral part of the property’s appeal.

In this scenario, the process could involve designing a twin observation lift system, working with structural engineers to ensure the scenic lift provides edge-to-edge, uninterrupted views. The advantage of a custom lift in this instance is the potential for differentiation in a competitive market. Vertical transport becomes a signature feature, demonstrating an uncompromising commitment to quality and luxury.

The New London Apartment Building

3. The Iconic Brand Headquarters

Suppose a famous fashion house is planning the lifts for its new flagship building. The aim would be to create a journey that feels exclusive and fashion centric. The lift needs to be an extension of their creative world and make a bold statement, turning a functional element into a part of their brand story.

The project may benefit from collaboration with their creative director, treating the lift cabin like a small, exclusive boutique. The walls might be lined with textured fabric, and the lighting designed to be flattering, like in a fitting room. The custom lift becomes an immersive brand touchpoint. It’s no longer just a ride- it’s part of an exclusive experience offered to clients, turning a routine journey into a memorable one.

More Than a Lift – A Summary of the Core Benefits

As we hope our examples show, the decision to choose a custom lift allows you to achieve goals that a standard model isn’t designed for. The benefits go far beyond vertical transport, allowing you to solve challenges and add significant value. The advantages typically fall into three areas:

  1. Architectural Integration – In buildings that have a unique character, such as heritage sites or complex modern designs, a custom lift is the only way to navigate spatial challenges without compromising the architectural vision. It allows for a perfect fit that respects and enhances the original structure.
  2. An Enhanced User Experience – For luxury residential projects or properties with a unique feature like a stunning view, a custom scenic lift transforms the journey into a memorable experience. This becomes a powerful selling point, directly contributing to the property’s exclusivity and value.
  3. Powerful Brand Expression – For a corporate headquarters or flagship venue, a lift can become an integral part of the brand story. By incorporating brand colours, materials, or technology, the lift becomes a physical expression of a company’s identity, making a lasting impression on clients and staff.

What Our Expertise Means for Your Project

When you’re ready to create something extraordinary, you need a design partner who can deliver both breathtaking design and absolute reliability. We specialise in combining your vision with our technical expertise. But what does that expertise actually look like?

At Tower Lifts, it comes from an integral commitment to quality and safety that we build into every stage of our work with you. You’ll see it in our project management, which is SafeContractor Approved and compliant with ISO 45001 standards, ensuring your site is managed safely and professionally from start to finish.

It is also reflected in our LEIA Membership, and our UKAS – LiftCert verification. This is your assurance that every aspect of your lift’s design and construction meets the industry’s highest standards for safety and operational reliability. Ultimately, our ISO 9001:2015 quality certification means your new lift won’t just look the part—it will perform to the highest standards for years to come.

Do You Have a Project That Demands a Tower Lifts Solution?

If you are facing a unique design challenge or want to make a statement with your next project, let’s talk. Our team will listen carefully to your vision and explore with you how a custom lift can enhance your building. Call us on 01525 601099

Look what else Tower Lifts can offer:

Bespoke Platform Lifts • Food Lifts • Passenger Lifts • Dumbwaiter Lifts • Step Lifts • Goods Lifts • Scenic Lifts  • Car Lifts  •  Low Pit Lifts  •  Service Lifts