Philosophy

Architecture is a Service

Our primary objective is to provide the highest level of personal service, openness and commitment to our clients. We strive for excellence in all aspects of our work and take pride in our attention to detail and our pursuit of innovative solutions. We are committed to a philosophy that puts people at the centre of our work and fosters sustainability and healthy living environments.

 

Sustainability

Green design and Construction

Our focus is to deliver a design developed and delivered under the following strategic green design principles:

Health:

An active and healthy lifestyle is a direct result of building material selection. Improved Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and occupant comfort level is our primary concern. Our product selection guidelines consider safety and lasting performance. To ensure the highest possible levels of indoor air quality, only products certified by the Greenguard Environmental Institute or those meeting the California Air Resources Board Regulations for Reducing Volatile Organic Compound Emissions from consumer products are selected for our projects.

Economics:

Products and building assemblies are developed specifically for each project ensuring the highest achievable performance ratings. Our primary objective is to minimize operating costs, limit the exposure to volatile utility costs while providing energy security, lower maintenance requirements, increase building component durability, increase the potential for tax credits and rebates and increase the overall home value.

Sustainability:

Together with the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (www.raic.org for more information) we have implemented a plan dedicated to reaching a carbon neutral operating target by the year 2030 for all new and renovation projects. With support from the RAIC and the Ontario Association of Architects (OAA), our research and mandatory continuing education programs we have the tools and the drive to meet this global effort. In effort to reduce the carbon footprint we choose mostly local, low embodied energy and sustainable material selections, on-site construction waste diversion strategies, project coordination, sensible product selection, water conservation and management practices, alternative building servicing programs, EON Project carbon offsetting credits and careful site considerations contribute to a Limited Trace Construction strategy

Our efforts will concentrate on:

  • Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions,
  • Global Warming & Smog Reduced
  • Reducing dependence On Fossil Fuels & Foreign Oil
  • Less Water Usage and More Replenishment of Aquifers
  • Promoting Sustainable Use Of Natural Resources
  • Promoting Preservation Of Natural Habitat & Species Diversification
 

Method and Process

Design and Construction

What to Expect

Our goal is to develop the design for your new living space that meets your needs, your budget and your sense of pride in ownership. The process begins with a self-assessment of what you want and need and how to find the right person to work with. An architect's services are an investment, not an added cost, because their designs can capture energy savings, improve the efficiency and productivity of your operations and can add market value to your property because good design sells. Design and construction projects involve several steps. Typically, projects go through the following six phases.

Step 1 Programming / Deciding What to Build

Together, the homeowner and architect establish the goals for the project. We determine the spaces required and how the client will live in the home and interact with the surrounding landscape.

Step 2 Schematic Design / Rough Sketches

After a thorough review of the client's goals and careful study of the site, a series of initial sketches are prepared to show the general layout of rooms and location of the building in the landscape.

Step 3 Design Development / Refining the Design

The design is carefully refined through detailed sketches, modeling and drawings that help to illustrate the intention and determine the success of the design. Floor plans show all the rooms in correct size and shape and elevations show massing, materials and window locations precisely. Preliminary outline specifications are prepared listing major material choices and locations.

Step 4 Preparation of Construction Documents

Once the client has approved the design, technical detailing and precise construction methods are resolved. Consultant's drawings are coordinated and all the information required to satisfy the authorities and construct the building is compiled into a concise construction package.

Step 5 Hiring the Contractor

Only pre-qualified contractors are invited to bid on the job. The tender process normally takes no more than three weeks and an additional week to consider the bids. Once the tendering is complete and the client is satisfied with a submission, we select a contractor and award the job. Timelines are then determined and regular site meetings are scheduled.

Step 6 Construction Administration

While the contractor builds the home, the architect assists the client in making sure that the project is built according to the plans and specifications. The architect can make site visits to observe construction, review and approve the contractor's application for payment, and generally keep the client informed of the project's progress.