Services
Over the past 30+ years we’ve gained experience from our involvement in a wide range of projects.
We are pleased to be able to offer this diverse skillset to our clients:
- Custom home design
- Home renovations
- Small residential developments (duplexes, townhouses & apartment buildings)
- Cohousing community design
- Restaurants, stores, offices and clinics
- Subdivision planning
- Feasibility and yield studies
Most projects follow roughly these same steps
1. Pre-design
This is the “discovery phase”. Interviews are held to understand clients’ vision & values, lifestyle, needs, taste, and budget. Site opportunities and constraints are evaluated and any regulatory (i.e.: bylaw) constraints are identified.
2. Conceptual design
Preliminary design concepts are developed for client review and feedback. Space planning and overall house form is developed collaboratively in loose sketch format, leaving lots of room for exploring alternatives.
3. Design development
The design is refined, and detailed drawings and 3D models are completed for final review. Clients are actively involved providing feedback and further design input until the final design is agreed upon.
4. Construction documents
Construction documents – plans and specifications – are completed, ready for estimating costs, obtaining permits and guiding the course of construction.
5. Project follow-up
On-site supervision, colour consultation, assistance with materials and fixtures selection are provided on an as needed, hourly fee basis, or are included in the fee.
To help prospective clients discover whether Commonhouse Design would be a good fit for their project, we offer a free, no-obligation initial consultation. In this conversation we learn about your goals and vision, discuss the scope of services needed, the timeline and preliminary budget. We also describe our process, what we will deliver and how much it will cost. If you choose to proceed, you will have the option of either a fixed or hourly fee arrangement.