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:
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24/7 access to an online personalized Blueprint for Design. This design brief will contain your inspirational photos, design requirements and our research findings.
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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.
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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.
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Conduct our in-depth design & lifestyle questionnaire and interview to outline your wants, needs, goals and dreams.
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Discuss your budget.
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Review the prescriptive and performance paths of the Alberta Building Code (if applicable).
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Discuss what other consultants may be required for your project - architectural approval agents, engineers, surveyors, energy modeling consultants, asbestos testing for demolition, etc.
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Conduct research relevant to your project - zoning, site or architectural approval requirements.
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Inspect the building site (optional but recommended).
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Measure and photograph your existing home and provide a set of as-built drawings (required for additions or renovations).
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Obtain a building pocket from the surveyor (req’d for infills and possibly for additions).
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Discuss the next stages of the design process including visualization options, construction drawings, fees and payment methods.