Services

The majority of residential and small buildings constructed in BC are designed by Building Designers working in Part 9 of the BC Building Code.

We are qualified to provide complete design and drafting services for new construction, additions, and significant renovations within these parameters:

• single family dwelling, duplex, or townhouse (up to four dwelling units per building) up to 600 m2 (6458 ft2)—we categorize these as residential
• commercial, agricultural, and industrial buildings, inns, motels, hotels, and care facilities up to 470 m2 (5059 ft2)—we categorize these as commercial

For projects beyond these parameters, we are able to provide a range of supporting design services.

We can also prepare addendums to plans to include custom changes or to meet BC Building Code and/or building scheme requirements.

By request, we can design:

• furniture placement
• hardscapes (e.g. pathway, patio)
• landscapes
• lighting and electrical layout
• mechanical systems
• rain gardens and bioswales
• wharfs and docks

Come to us with your ideas—descriptions, sketches, photos, bookmarked websites, Pinterest boards, and more—and we will use them as a springboard to a concrete vision. We are known for our creative, insightful, and practical suggestions.

We can capably assist with and coordinate applications for building and development permits, variances, and zoning amendments—including local, provincial, and/or federal approvals. We have excellent relationships with the municipal and regional Building and Planning departments in the Cowichan Valley and beyond.

We provide complete building scheme administration for developers and builders, including design approvals, reviews, and inspections.

By request, we will engage and coordinate with professional consultants, including Archaeological, Architectural, BC Energy Advisor, Biological, Engineering (Building Envelope, Civil, Geo-technical, Mechanical, Structural), and Land Surveying.

1. Beginning at our free, 20-minute discovery session we will discuss your ideas, objectives, budget, and ideal timeline.

   If your project requires a variance or zoning amendment, we can speak knowledgeably about what the process could look like and how we would guide you through it.

2. We will provide you with a proposal that includes the estimated design budget and timeline.

3. With a signed proposal and deposit your spot is secured. We will update the timeline, taking into consideration other projects underway.

4. During a series of discussions we will explore project parameters including building site (orientation, grading, retaining walls), plan components (such as site plan, landscape plan, lighting design), construction square footage, architectural style, custom features, exterior and interior material finishes, and room configuration to further develop your ideas and objectives into preliminary drawings consisting of scale floor plans and elevations.

   Your choice of design elements and features (such as gable and trim details, siding finishes, and interior design treatments) will be noted. The benefits of considering these items at this stage include accuracy when comparing construction quotes and clear communication during the building process.

   You will have an opportunity to make adjustments before signing off.

5. Once you have approved the preliminary drawings, we move to the drafting phase. Complete building and site plans are prepared in compliance with local design requirements and the British Columbia Building Code.

   These detailed drawings include structural elements, cross sections, and site data required for engineering, permitting, estimating, construction, and inspections.