Stage 1

Design & Options Review

Your initial consultation includes access to an online personalized Blueprint for Design. Using our online collaboration software we will discuss in detail the requirements of your project. Allow 2-3 weeks for the design & options review which may include:

• 24/7 access to an online personalized Blueprint for Design. This design brief will contain your inspirational photos, design requirements and our research findings.

• Discuss various natural building methods such as straw bale, hempcrete, cob and cordwood masonry and discuss the benefits of designing to the Passive House standard.

• Review your favorite architectural photos from your Houzz or Pinterest accounts. This requires some homework on your part. We ask that you collect a minimum of 4-6 images each of the following: kitchens, bathrooms, stairwells, fireplaces, exterior styles, or anything else that may be important to you in your design. Be prepared to explain what you like about each photo.

• Conduct our in-depth design & lifestyle questionnaire and interview to outline your wants, needs, goals and dreams.

• Discuss your budget.

• Review the prescriptive and performance paths of the Alberta Building Code (if applicable).

• Discuss what other consultants may be required for your project - architectural approval agents, engineers, surveyors, energy modeling consultants, asbestos testing for demolition, etc.

• Conduct research relevant to your project - zoning, site or architectural approval requirements.

• Inspect the building site (optional but recommended).

• Measure and photograph your existing home and provide a set of as-built drawings (required for additions or renovations).

• Obtain a building pocket from the surveyor (req’d for infills and possibly for additions).

• Discuss the next stages of the design process including visualization options, construction drawings, fees and payment methods.