How We Work
Our approach is entirely collaborative.
Every project is different, and every client has unique wants, needs, hopes and dreams.
We work with you to understand and identify what is most important to you. We help to conceive alternatives that respect existing realities, maximize potential opportunities and recognize real budget considerations.
We aren’t afraid of a challenging site or a difficult premises. Our solutions aren’t constrained by what is there and what’s been done. We will explore, test and push the envelope in terms of ideas and existing structures to find the approach that is right for you, for your family and for your home.
Who We Work With
When we take on a project, we assemble the right team to deliver each stage of the work.
Everyone we contract with is selected for their skill, for their approach and their experience. We ensure insurance, worker’s compensation and certifications are in place for everyone that we engage.
We also ensure they share our commitment to quality, craftsmanship and care. An exceptional end result requires attention to detail throughout the project. We hire the right people to do the job, and we continue to supervise the work and check in with you as the client throughout.
The Consultation
Every project starts with a process of consultation. We take the time to get to know you. If we are renovating an existing property, we also take the time to get to know the existing structure. We examine and evaluate the opportunity, and we work to understand what is most important to you.
We also engage in consultations with a variety of other people that influence how your project can proceed:
- County Development Planner (regarding land use and restrictions).
- County Board of Health (regarding possible weeping bed issues and/or concerns).
- Township Building Department (particular building requirements and setbacks).
- Conservation Authorities (regarding any flood plain or water use issues and/or concerns).
- Ministry of Natural Resources (regarding any mineral/gravel extraction issues and/or concerns).
Whether we are renovating or supporting new construction, we also measure and build an initial model of the site and existing structures. We measure the existing site and structures, including all buildings, roads, driveways, hydro poles, wells, streams and major trees that would influence house placement and design. We also measure grades and create a grid of the site’s topography.
From these measures, we are able to build an accurate model of current structures and space within which we are able to build preliminary concept studies and designs.
The Design Process
Once we have a clear picture of wants and wishes, and a solid assessment of requirements and reality, we go to work building a design proposal. While conceptual, this is a realistic representative of what a potential solution could look like. Depending upon specific circumstances, we’ll prepare one or more conceptual options for review.
These are developed in architectural software that allow us to give you a complete picture of our proposed approach. We provide floor plans, elevations, sections and site plans. In addition, we produce a three-dimensional rendering that allows us to take you on a virtual tour of our proposal.
You will leave this initial meeting not only with drawings, but with a USB stick of the virtual design model that you can continue to review and share.
Once we have reviewed the initial concept, subsequent design stages include:
- Considering changes, revisions and modifications. This includes one or more follow-up consultations to get your feedback, make adjustments and work towards a concept design that works for you and for the site. As we finalize the conceptual design, we will be able to produce a rough budget to ensure that designed possibility aligns with economic reality, and explore any adjustments that may be required.
- Once we are agreed on a concept plan, we then proceed with the development of construction drawings. This involves not just specifying the details of construction, but also conducting engineering studies, developing electrical layouts, specifying mechanical systems and considering interior design details. Once these are complete, we are able to provide a more detailed budget that breaks down all elements of construction.
- We will also develop site plan drawings and landscaping designs, including the design and specification of all driveways, site services and outbuildings. Landscape design also includes consideration of retaining walls, earth moving, decking, fencing, and the planting of trees, shrubs and gardens. This allows us to write clear specifications to support exterior pricing and quotations.
The Construction Process
Our role in construction can vary.
Some clients engage us solely for design and proceed to manage their own construction.
For other clients, we have served as a consultant, specifying construction details, providing input and guidance and helping ensure that what is built fulfills the intent of what was designed.
Other clients have engaged us to project manage their construction, contracting for materials, coordinating trades and supervising the day-to-day site work to deliver the result that you seek.
The Continuing Support
Once your project is done, the relationship is not necessarily over.
There are properties that we have been actively involved with for more than thirty years, from initial construction to follow up projects to eventual renovations, sometimes through a progressive series of owners.
We value the trust that is placed in us on what is for most people the most significant investment they will make. We work hard to maintain, evolve and support that investment as needs change and new requirements emerge.
We have been in business for more than 40 years, and you can count on us for support not just today but into the future.