What We Actually Do
We're not just drawing pretty pictures - we're solving real spatial problems for people who need buildings that actually work
Look, every project's different. Some clients come to us knowing exactly what they want, others just know their current space isn't cutting it anymore. Either way, we've got the experience to turn those ideas (or frustrations) into something that'll actually stand the test of time.
Whether you're building from scratch or rethinking an existing home, we take the time to understand how you actually live. Not how you think you should live, but what your day-to-day really looks like.
Commercial work is a whole different beast. There's zoning to navigate, accessibility codes, energy targets, and oh yeah - it needs to make financial sense too. We've spent years figuring out how to balance all that without losing sight of creating spaces people actually want to be in.
Here's the thing - sustainable design shouldn't be an add-on you think about later. It's baked into everything we do from day one. And no, that doesn't mean every building needs to look like a science experiment. Good sustainable design just makes sense, financially and environmentally.
This is probably our most specialized service. Heritage work isn't about making old buildings look Instagram-ready - it's about understanding original construction methods, respecting historical significance, and carefully introducing modern systems without destroying what makes these buildings special in the first place.
We've navigated heritage permits, worked with conservation officers, and spent way too much time in archives researching original drawings. But when you see a century-old building brought back to life and actually usable for another hundred years? That's pretty rewarding.
Every project's got its own rhythm, but here's the general roadmap we follow. Some phases stretch longer, some move quick - it all depends on what you're building and what curveballs come up along the way.
We sit down and actually listen. What's working in your current space? What's driving you crazy? What's your budget looking like, and what are your non-negotiables?
This is where we sketch out the big ideas. Floor plans, massing, general spatial relationships. Everything's still fluid here - easier to make changes with pencil on paper than concrete on site.
Now we're getting specific. Materials, systems, dimensions, details. This is where the vision starts looking like something you could actually build. Cost estimating happens here too.
The technical phase. We're producing the detailed drawings and specs that contractors will use to bid and build. Every door, every outlet, every finish gets specified here.
Honestly, half the time people aren't even sure which service they need when they first reach out. That's totally fine - that's what the initial conversation's for. We'll ask some questions, maybe sketch some stuff out, and together we'll figure out the right approach for your project.
Some projects need the full treatment from concept to completion. Others just need a specific piece - maybe just space planning, or maybe you've already got a design and need someone to shepherd it through construction. We're flexible.
