Services
01
Architecture
Our specialties: Single family, Multi-family, Commercial
This is our 'serious' side.
We talk code, we read municipal bylaws, we make sure all required documents are drafted in order to obtain construction permits...
We make it happen. We also like getting funky, architecturally speaking. We like modern, futuristic, clean lines, raw materials. We like it minimal, with significant impact.
/ Here are the different architectural project phases:
+ Feasibility study / Pre-design
A feasibility study in architecture is a crucial step in determining the viability of a proposed project. It involves a thorough analysis of various factors such as site conditions, municipal zoning regulations, code compliance, budget constraints and environmental impact. By assessing these elements, architects can identify potential challenges and opportunities, ensuring the project is both feasible and practical.
+ Preliminary Planning
Following the feasibility study phase, preliminary drawings are produced, either in 2D plan format or as 3D model to assess the project’s viability. Preliminary Planning lays the groundwork for informed decision-making and efficient progression into subsequent design and drawing execution phases.
+ Design and Concept development
Here's where initial design ideas take shape, translating the client’s vision into tangible concepts. Architects will work through their preliminary sketches, diagrams, and spatial layouts to refine (in 3D) the project's overall form, function, and aesthetic direction. This phase involves developing ideas to align with the project’s goals, site conditions, and budget constraints.
+ Permit and Construction documents
We've gathered all the relevant project information and our design is solid. Now's the time to create documents to get this thing built! To do so, we'll be producing detailed drawings, specifications, and technical documents required for permitting and construction. These legal documents include floor plans, elevations, sections, technical specifications and 3D photorealistic renderings including materials and finishes that guide contractors during construction. This phase also involves coordination with engineers and other consultants to ensure that all technical aspects of the project are properly integrated. Additionally, the documents prepared during this phase are used to apply for building permits, ensuring compliance with municipal bylaws and the current Code de construction du Québec.
+ Construction Administration
This phase happens during construction and involves overseeing the construction process to ensure that the project is built according to the design intent, plans, and specifications. During this phase, the architect conducts site visits to monitor progress, address any on-site issues, and ensure quality control. They also review and approve contractor payment requests, as well as manage any necessary changes or modifications to the design that may arise during construction. Effective communication between the architect, contractor, and client is crucial during this phase to keep the project on track and resolve challenges promptly.
02
Interior Design
Our specialties: Single family, Multi-family, Commercial
This side likes getting into the nitty gritty human scale detail. We love colour, texture, textile & statement-making-materials.
We like thinking about interior circulation, pleasing visuals, comfort and day to day functionality. We thrive on practical beauty.
/ Here are different interior design services we offer:
+ Pre-lease planning
Pre-leasing plans are a strategic tool used for generating interest and securing tenants before leasing a suite or property. Based on the client's specific architectural program, collected by the architect, these 2D or 3D plans showcase engaging and functional layout options with code compliance considerations.
Streamline negotiations by offering potential tenants a clear vision of their needs and the space required to accomodate their vision.
+ BOMA standard floor measurement
Our architecture firm offers comprehensive space survey and floor area calculation services based on the BOMA Floor Measurement Standard. This standard ensures uniformity and precision in measuring commercial real estate spaces, enabling clients to maximize their property's potential. By adhering to BOMA guidelines, we provide accurate and reliable data that support informed decision-making for leasing, space utilization, and property management.
+ As-built plans
Detailed as-built plans are essential for documenting the exact current conditions of a building. Our team can provide accurate as-built plans, which enable property owners, contractors, and future project teams to have a precise reference for renovations, maintenance, and future development.
+ Space planning
Space planning is a fundamental component of interior design that prioritizes the efficient and thoughtful arrangement of spaces to enhance functionality and user experience. This process involves analyzing how people will navigate and interact within an environment, allowing designers to optimize the layout for comfort and accessibility. By considering factors such as traffic flow, the purpose of each area, and the needs of the occupants, effective space planning creates harmonious environments that support both aesthetic appeal and practical use.
+ Finish selection
Finish selection plays a vital role in shaping the overall atmosphere and aesthetic of a space, encompassing the choice of materials, colors, and textures for surfaces such as walls, floors, and ceilings. This service involves a careful evaluation of various options to ensure that the selected finishes align with the project’s design concept while also meeting durability and maintenance requirements. By harmonizing colors and textures, finish selection enhances the visual appeal of the environment and contributes to the creation of a cohesive and inviting atmosphere. Together, these services elevate the interior design experience, ensuring that each space is both beautiful and functional.
03
Integrated design bonuses
+ Energy efficiency
Energy efficiency is critical in architecture and valuable design solutions are integrated into all of our projects. Utilizing a Passive House inspired conception process, we make sure our architectural designs are climate-conscious and adapted to our local environment.
+ Sound mitigation
Sound is everywhere and can easily become a major nuisance to our health, sanity and productivity, at home or at work.
Noise control is seamlessly weaved into every proposal we make so that this problem never becomes one.
Sound treatment
Enhancing the acoustic qualities of a space using acoustical products such as sound absorbing panels, acoustic light fixtures and other specialized acoustical treatments.
Soundproofing
Making a building component, such as a wall, resistant to the passage of sound. Specific wall and floor compositions will decrease sound transmission, while increasing the feeling of joy in one's life.
Why?
Why would I hire an architect?
1. Save money
/ The right design
An Architect listens to your needs and specific desires, synthesizes ideas, plans and builds your project in 3D before construction even begins.
Detailed photo-realistic mock-ups help you make enlightened decisions you'll be confident moving forward with. Changing your mind is also way easier to do virtually (and less costly) then when construction is underway.
/ Accurate quotes
Architectural drawings provide key information to contractors, allowing them to give you detailed pricing for your project.
Questions settled before construction begins will help avoid delays and confusion later in the project.
/ Reduce energy bills
An Architect will analyse a project's features and propose energy efficient systems and solutions tailored to it's specific needs and location.
Carefully planned items such as building orientation on a site and window placement can maximize solar heat gain in winter and passive cooling in summer which increases overall comfort and savings. Specifying the right amount and type of insulation, overseeing air-sealing details during construction as well as choosing high-efficiency heating/cooling systems are all different ways an architect can significantly and positively impact your project.
/ Materials & finishes
Working hand in hand with trusted distributors, your Architect will help you choose materials and finishes that are durable as well as beautiful, saving on frequent maintenance and replacement costs.
/ Good design sells
A well-designed house has a higher resale value. A well-designed store draws customers. A well-designed work environment attracts employees and increases productivity. Your Architect thrives on good design and can innovate on any budget. Trust us, we can't help it.
2. Make construction easier
/ Building permits, feasibility and compliance
Building code, accessibility code, energy code and municipal bylaws. Fun? No. Necessary? Yes.
Your Architect has the experience and knowledge to help streamline these many processes. She’ll know the path to take for permitting; getting a contractor; etc. If there's something she doesn’t know, she’ll have the contacts and resources to figure it out.
/ Working with the contractor
Architects and General Contractors are both fluent in the "language of construction" which helps efficient problem solving. Your Architect can act as an interpreter when things get tricky, can review bids and help you work through the different construction phases.
/ Construction administration (& general problem solving)
The Architect is the person who coordinates all of the other designers and engineers on your team. She spearheads compromises when a plumbing chase conflicts with an exhaust hood chase. She researches substitute materials when a manufacturer suddenly goes out of business. She helps find fair solutions when a contractor inadvertently omits a window. These items happen more frequently than you would imagine. It saves you (and your contractor) a lot of headache to hand this over to your Architect.
3. Creative solutions
/ Architects are trained to solve problems in creative ways
With a broad knowledge in design and construction, and a love for looking at things from different perspectives, we can offer alternative options you might never have thought about. We'll then figure out the best way to make it happen.
/ Need more room?
Often times when we think that we need to move to accommodate an expanding business or family, we can enlarge your building so that you don’t have to go to the trouble of moving.
/ Expanding Business
It’s hard to know how fast your business is going to grow. Your Architect can design an office that meets your needs today and can be altered for whatever happens next.
4. Member of the Ordre des Architectes du Québec
/ Architects must be a member in good standing of a professional order which will regulate their practice, ethics and professionalism while ensuring the public's trust and safety.
Learn more about the architect's role and the OAQ: www.oaq.com