VELD architect | We're Raising Rural

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 six-stage roadmap. We act as your advocate, navigator, and "translator" between your vision and the contractor's hammer.

Phase 1

Discovery & Strategy

We always start with Project Scouting. Before a single line is drawn, we perform a "diagnosis" of your property to ensure you move ahead with confidence and a clear budget.

Stage 1: Project Scouting & Pre-Design:

We analyze your site, building codes, planning permissions, and goals. This phase includes our AgVisioning Kit and Barn Condition Reports to solve the puzzle before the design begins.

Phase 2

Concept & Detailed Design

Once we understand the constraints of your land and the "red tape" involved, we move into the creative and technical planning of your space.

Stage 2: Schematic Design

We develop early design options, 3D renderings, and basic site plans that align with your budget. We meet with authorities early to eliminate future delays.

Stage 3: Design Development

We refine the details-selecting materials, fixtures, and finishes-while coordinating with structural or mechanical engineers to ensure the building operates exactly as intended.

Phase 3

Permits & Construction

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

Stage 4: Permit Drawings

We provide the specific sets required by your municipality to obtain a building permit, covering essential code information like fire ratings and structural diagrams.

Stage 5: Construction Drawings

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

Stage 6: Tendering & Construction

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

Explore Project Types

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.

Agritourism

Barn Conversions

Sustainable Home Design

Why VELD?

We get and love farming. For over 15 years, we've been the experts in navigating the rural landscape. We offer a work ethic to match a farmer and an enthusiastic dedication to every project we touch.

Our Services

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.

From Site Planning to Project Management

Whether you are looking to unlock new revenue streams through agritourism, rescue a heritage timber-frame, or build a resilient home for the next century, we specialize in the Agritecture required to make it happen. Our team handles the heavy lifting of rural design-from calculating MDS requirements and negotiating with Conservation Authorities to creating technical drawings that ensure your contractor builds exactly what was envisioned.

Every successful build begins with a clear strategy tailored specifically to your land, your legacy, and the unique "red tape" challenges of your local municipality.

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 heritage timber frames by transforming 100-year-old structures into code-compliant assembly spaces or high-efficiency, modern residential homes.

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Sustainable Homes

Invest in a resilient, high-performance home built for the Ontario weather. We use a "fabric-first" approach to design airtight spaces that are built to last generations.

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Strategic Planning

Master plan your property to identify the best locations for accommodations and community spaces. 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.

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Our Values

Architecture should be as enduring as the land it sits on. 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.

These values ensure that every project we touch is handled with a farmer's work ethic and a deep commitment to environmental stewardship.

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

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