We offer full architectural services throughout Ontario and Québec for all types of building projects, including renovations. Our main focus is custom residential design., but we are also smitten by projects involving home-away-from-home : unique hotels, restaurants, even offices. Anything where quality of life is of a primary concern.

Sustainable design is a given requirement for us and we would be pleased to explore all aspects of green architecture for you. Your environment is important, inside and out. However, this need not ruin you financially! We find that the best solutions are often the simple ones.

Planning a new house or contemplating changes to your existing home?

We offer on-site consultation services based on an hourly rate. This is an excellent way to explore possibilities based on your unique site or dwelling without having to commit to a full project. If and when you decide to proceed to the next stage, you will have a clear idea of what your needs are and what kind of work is involved to satisfy them.

Have a good idea of what your project could be and would like to know what architectural services are required?

We would be happy to prepare a proposal for you, at no cost to you. A typical project would consist of 6 stages :

1. Predesign: Gathering of all background information necessary for the design of your project. This could be measured drawings of your existing structure if you are considering a renovation/addition, arranging for a topographical survey of your property if your project involves land with a significant slope, researching the city bylaws affecting your property or a number of other requirements.
   
2. Schematic design: Once all the predesign requirements are fulfilled, we can begin to sketch out possibilities for you. Typically we would offer 3 different designs each showing a different aspect of the project. Usually this would involve plans and elevations.
3. Design development: Based on the 3 schematic designs, you would choose the one that would offer the best solution to your needs. This may mean taking some characteristics of one design and applying them to another. We would develop the chosen design with more detail, proposing key materials and finishes and providing sectional views.
4. Construction documents: Once design development is complete, you are ready to proceed to the preparation of drawings and specifications required to realise your project. These documents are comprised of the drawings and specifications that a builder will need to give you a quote and build your project. These are also the documents that you need to inform the municipality of your detailed intentions and to apply for a building permit.
5. Contract negotiation: Whether you already have a single builder lined up or whether you would like to tender your project to several builders, this phase involves securing a fair construction price and fine-tuning the construction contract if budget or other constraints require changes.
   
6. Field review: Once the construction contract is signed by you and the necessary permits are obtained, your project is ready for construction. We will then attend to ensuring that your builder has all the information required from us and also visit the site at periodic intervals to ensure that the work conforms to what is described in the construction documents. We will also ensure that your payments to your builder are commensurate to the work actually completed.

These services described are collectively known as full service; we would also be happy to provide individual services in sequence. We regret that we cannot provide services later in sequence without having completed the prior services ourselves. For example, we cannot provide services for construction documents without having had completed the design development and the schematic design.

To make an appointment, or to answer any questions you may have, please call us at (819) 770-4056
or send us an e-mail at: iba@sympatico.ca

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