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VELD architect


VELD architect | We're Raising Rural

Every great build begins with a clear strategy. Choose your project type below to see how we apply our specialized process to navigate the red tape and technical requirements of your specific rural vision.

Choose Your Project Type

Agritourism
Barn Conversions
Sustainable Home Design

What We Do: The VELD Process

Whether you are launching an agritourism destination, rescuing a heritage barn, or building a high-performance home, every VELD project follows a proven eight-stage roadmap. We act as your steward, advocate, and "translator" between your vision and getting it accomplished.

Step 1

Project Scouting

We always start with Project Scouting. A feasibility and research stage to establish a strong foundation for the project. Before a single line is drawn, we perform a "diagnosis" of your project to ensure you move ahead in the right direction with confidence and a clear budget.

Project Scouting involves a variety of steps to ensure project success. We review brand and vision, SWOT, authorities, building codes, structural conditions for conversions, programme needs for the long term, costs, schedules, and more. 

To get started book your free call to get to know us and decide if we are a fit.

Step 2

Concept & Detailed Design

Once we understand the constraints and requirements of your project, we can move into the creative and technical planning of your space and site and get to the right solution faster and more efficiently.


We develop early design options, 3D renderings, and site master plans that align with your budget and vision. We take a practical and functional approach with special considerations to inspiring and modern design. We meet with authorities early to eliminate future delays.

Step 3

Developing the Details 

We refine the details. From selecting materials, fixtures, and finishes, while coordinating with structural or mechanical engineers to ensure the building operates exactly as intended. We can manage the thousands of decisions and guide you to the ones right for you and your vision.

Step 4

Permit & Construction Drawings

We provide the specific sets required by your municipality to obtain a building permit, which cover essential code information, including fire ratings and structural drawings. 

In addition, we can produce highly detailed plans, including millwork, trim, and wall construction, so your contractor can provide an accurate quote with fewer "surprises".

Step 5

Assistance

We take the lead on technical requirements and act as your agent during the build to ensure the final result aligns with the design.


We help you select a contractor and act as your "translator" on-site. We conduct the required reviews under the Ontario Building Code and remain involved until you are settled in to ensure your total satisfaction.


Why VELD?

Farming is in our Blood! For over 15 years, we've been the experts in rural design. We are rooted in rural areas and are the only architecture firm in North America dedicated to rural design. 
We offer a work ethic to match a farmer and an enthusiastic dedication to every project we touch.

Red Tape Cutters

We are familiar with the complex policies surrounding Ontario agritourism and land use. We act as your advocate, negotiating with municipalities and conservation authorities on your behalf to secure the permits and approvals you need to move forward.

Established Process

We act as the dedicated stewards of your project from the initial sketch to the final inspection. By making the design process accessible and transparent, we ensure you stay comfortable at every step so the end result is exactly what you want and expect.

Practical & Functional

Our designs are rooted in the reality of rural life, ensuring every solution is cost-effective and built for daily use. We focus on creating spaces that solve your immediate business or residential challenges while making the long-term work of living on the farm easier.

High-Performance Results

Whether we are building from scratch or converting a heritage barn into a modern living space, we apply Passive House principles to ensure your home is draft-free, energy-efficient, and built to last another century.

Our Services


From Feasibility to Site Planning to Project Management and Design

Whether you are looking to unlock new revenue streams through agritourism, rescue an old barn, or build a resilient home for the next century, we can make it happen. 

Our team handles the heavy lifting of rural design, from calculating MDS requirements and negotiating with Authorities to creating design and technical drawings that ensure your contractor builds exactly what was envisioned. 

Every successful build begins with a clear strategy tailored specifically to your land and your legacy.

Agritourism

Navigate zoning hurdles and policies to open wineries, markets, and event venues. We are your advocate to ensure your business is compliant and guest-ready.

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Barn Conversions

Breathe new life into your old barn by transforming 100-year-old structures into code-compliant spaces that will be enjoyed and last another 100 years.

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Sustainable Homes

Invest in a resilient, high-performance home built with the environment and healthy living in mind. We apply high-performance, environmentally conscious strategies to suit your budget and your goals.

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Strategic Planning

Master plan your property to identify the best locations for buildings, attractions, commercial, and agricultural operations. We create roadmaps that respect your land and your goals.

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Tell us about your project!  No commitment required

We always start with a free call to understand your needs and see if we are in fact the right fit to your challenges and your project.

Start here


Our Values

At VELD, our work is guided by a set of foundational principles that prioritize your vision, your budget, and the long-term health of your property. We believe in creating contemporary designs that honor our heritage while making modern life on the farm easier.

Yielding Value

Efficient services yielding valuable results for clients and our firm.

Enriching Designs

Creating contemporary designs that embody timelessness that our heritage buildings stir in us now, for our future generations.

Stewards

We listen and ask questions to help guide YOU, the client, through the design of YOUR project.

Practical

Our designs that are functional and make life on the farm easier.

Cultivating Green

Making responsible decisions to improve building design and reduce energy use in our buildings.

Enthusiastic Dedication

A work ethic to match a farmer and enthusiasm for every project.

Architecture Rooted in the Field

VELD (which means field) brings a unique, contemporary, and functional rural perspective to your project. We are Canada's #1 Agritourism firm, exclusively dedicated to barn conversions, sustainable homes, and on-farm diversification. 
About VELD


Not sure where to start or how we can help?

Tell us about your project and we'll get back to you with helpful information, resources, or potential next steps.