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VELD architect’s services

VELD architect helps manage, coordinate, organize, and bring your decisions into beautiful, functional spaces. We believe in a creative design process that explores alternatives to create the best solution for our clients. Let VELD architect assist you by:

  1. Listening & asking you the right questions
  2. Offering the right services for your specific needs
  3. Providing expertise and experience to aid in your decision-making and design process
  4. Assist in obtaining permits and contractors to help you realize a successful project.

Our design process

Discover VELD architect’s process by checking out the menu below. All projects start with a complimentary 30-minute consultation. Let’s get your project started!

 

Architect project roadmap

Step 1 : Apply for your free Project Scouting Call

Stage 1: Pre-Design & Project Scouting

Stage 1: Pre-Design & Project Scouting

We ALWAYS start with Project Scouting! It’s so important for everyone to fully understand the project, get to know each other, get everyone on the same page, and ensure a successful project. Without this diagnosis phase, we don’t have all the pieces of the puzzle to start designing. You may also have questions, concerns, or uncertainty about your project. Project scouting ensures you move ahead with confidence. We know the designing is the fun part, but without first learning what we are designing we will never get to the right solutions. Project scouting can include any number of these components and we customize the report based on your needs.

  • Priorities & goals
  • Program and space needs
  • Style & aesthetics
  • Site plan analysis & existing conditions
  • Building code
  • Planning permissions & other authorities
  • Barn Condition Reports
  • Budget Planning, Statement of Probable Costs
  • Schedule
  • Authorities Review
  • AgVisioning Kit  – Learn More Here
  • Site Visits

Project Scouting starts at $500, Learn more here

Stage 2: Early Deisgn Concepts – Schematic Design

Stage 2: Schematic Design

At this stage we are well equipped to take your goals and priorities and design something that is on budget.

  1. Develop design options and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each
  2. Produce a basic site plan to locate the building on your site and floor plan options will be developed
  3. Discuss 3D renderings and/or sketches
  4. Meet with any authorities that have jurisdiction over your property to ensure compliance and eliminate future delays.

Stage 3: Design Development

Stage 3: Design Development

After choosing the best option from the previous stage, the design will be taken to a more detailed level which involves

  1. Drawing elevations, sections and refining the look, sizes and materials.
  2. Determine how building will operate.
  3. You will choose colours, fixtures, equipment and share any magazine photos you may have collected with us.
  4. Review Preliminary Analysis and ensure we are taking advantage of opportunities and complying with regulations.
  5. Where necessary, consult with electrical, mechanical, and structural engineers.

VELD architect will make sure that your needs have been met before proceeding with permits and construction drawings.

Stage 4: Permit Drawings

Stage 4: Permit Drawings

Permit drawings are a set of drawings required to obtain a building permit with your municipality, which VELD architect can provide. Permit drawing sets are often much smaller and less detailed that construction drawing sets. Depending on the type of project, you may require an architect and an engineer to sign-off on your permit drawings.

Why do I need them?

Your municipality will have a set of requirements that need to be submitted before you can start building. They will get you a building permit, but they are not necessarily detailed enough to have a contractor price and build your project just the way you want it.

What do permit drawings contain?

Permit drawings contain the following building code information:

  • Exiting details
  • Stair dimensions
  • Basic sitting on the property
  • Basic structural diagrams
  • Fire ratings (for more complex buildings)

Stage 5: Construction Drawings

Stage 5: Construction Drawings

These drawings will be more detailed than permit drawings will be well co-ordinated with electrical, mechanical, and structural components to ensure that every door, windowduct, outlet and wall looks and is placed exactly where you want.

Construction drawings are essential for your contractor give you an accurate quotation with the least amount of surprises, changes, and extra costs later during the construction. These drawings will include:

  • Details of wall construction
  • Trim details
  • Finishing materials
  • Plumbing fixture choices
  • Millwork drawings
  • Windows sizes
  • Door sizes
  • Colours, etc.

 

Stage 6: Quotations & Construction Contractors

Stage 6: Quotations & Construction Contractors

You may already have a contractor selected, or your architect can assist in selecting one.

There are two ways you can select a contractor to hire:

Negotiation with preferred Contractor or Competitive Bidding among a variety of contractors Your architect can help you assess the prices, or the qualifications of various contractors and provide recommendations.

Once you have selected a contractor you should sign a formal contract with them. Discuss with your architect and contractor how best to protect yourself throughout construction.

Working with a contractor

During this step the architect can act as the owner’s agent. Assisting with changes, resolving issues, and ensuring that the construction is as per the outlined drawings and specifications that you have requested of the Contractor. These services can vary from weekly visits, to monthly visits, or on an as needed basis.

The architect can act as a translator between you and the contractor. This knowledge can quickly resolve problems and conflicts, with reduced costs and aesthetic implications. Allowing the contractor to speak with the architect ensures you get a quality building. It also ensures that what you have designed with the architect comes to fruition.

For many buildings the architect is required to review the building as a requirement of the Ontario Building Code.

Post Construction Satisfaction

A successful project is one that inspires you every day. VELD architect will continue to work with you after the construction is complete to make sure that you are happy with your new space and that it meets your needs. We can come and review your building prior to the warranty expira- tion to ensure that nothing needs to be replaced or refinished by the contractor.