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General
At SCD, we offer a unique approach to residential design, standing out for two reasons:
1. Integrated Approach: We provide architectural and interior design services under one roof, ensuring seamless coordination and efficiency for our clients.
2. Commitment to Advanced Building Science: We prioritize designing homes based on advanced building science principles, exceeding industry standards for quality and innovation.
Choosing SCD means investing in a team that advocates for excellence, pushes boundaries, and delivers exceptional results.
Did you know that the average new build requires over 100,000 decisions to be made? As experienced designers, we are adept at navigating the complexities of the construction process and are here to guide you through each step with ease.
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For all new-builds, and many renovation projects, an architectural designer is required to stamp your drawings for permit. These not only illustrate what your project will look like but also provide detailed instructions for your builder regarding the composition of your structure and building systems. It's imperative to have a skilled designer who values quality and possesses advanced knowledge of building science to ensure your project is constructed to the highest standards.
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In many ways, your designer is even more critical than your builder, as they provide the instructions for your builder to follow on-site.
We offer a complimentary 30 minute discovery phone call. During this, we discuss the project and gather information to prepare a design estimate. Subsequent site visits or in-office meetings are billed on an hourly basis until a contract is executed.
We primarily serve Muskoka, Toronto, Mississauga, and Oakville, but our expertise spans across Ontario and includes select projects across Canada and North America.
Our team is skilled is a wide range of styles, including traditional, modern, and transitional styles.
We're equipped to handle projects of various sizes. While we consider all projects, our design process and fee structure may be more suitable for larger-scale endeavors, such as new builds or major renovations to homes and cottages ranging from approximately 1,500 to over 10,000 sq. ft. Feel free to reach out to discuss your project further.
As our client, your involvement in the design process is essential to us. We value your input and aim to collaborate closely with you every step of the way.
While we welcome your ideas, we also ask for your trust in allowing us the creative space to work.
We are committed to delivering a design that exeeds expectations and ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for you.
At SCD, we offer a unique approach to residential design, standing out for two reasons:
1. Integrated Approach: We provide architectural and interior design services under one roof, ensuring seamless coordination and efficiency for our clients.
2. Commitment to Advanced Building Science: We prioritize designing homes based on advanced building science principles, exceeding industry standards for quality and innovation.
Choosing SCD means investing in a team that advocates for excellence, pushes boundaries, and delivers exceptional results.
Did you know that the average new build requires over 100,000 decisions to be made? As experienced designers, we are adept at navigating the complexities of the construction process and are here to guide you through each step with ease.
Â
For all new-builds, and many renovation projects, an architectural designer is required to stamp your drawings for permit. These not only illustrate what your project will look like but also provide detailed instructions for your builder regarding the composition of your structure and building systems. It's imperative to have a skilled designer who values quality and possesses advanced knowledge of building science to ensure your project is constructed to the highest standards.
Â
In many ways, your designer is even more critical than your builder, as they provide the instructions for your builder to follow on-site.
We offer a complimentary 30 minute discovery phone call. During this, we discuss the project and gather information to prepare a design estimate. Subsequent site visits or in-office meetings are billed on an hourly basis until a contract is executed.
We primarily serve Muskoka, Toronto, Mississauga, and Oakville, but our expertise spans across Ontario and includes select projects across Canada and North America.
Our team is skilled is a wide range of styles, including traditional, modern, and transitional styles.
We're equipped to handle projects of various sizes. While we consider all projects, our design process and fee structure may be more suitable for larger-scale endeavors, such as new builds or major renovations to homes and cottages ranging from approximately 1,500 to over 10,000 sq. ft. Feel free to reach out to discuss your project further.
As our client, your involvement in the design process is essential to us. We value your input and aim to collaborate closely with you every step of the way.
While we welcome your ideas, we also ask for your trust in allowing us the creative space to work.
We are committed to delivering a design that exeeds expectations and ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for you.
Architectural
Engaging an architectural designer early in your project timeline is advisable. If considering property purchase, involving us allows review of building options. If you own property, early engagement allows ample design time. Hiring before selecting a builder ensures cohesive vision and smooth execution.
Our architectural design service charges vary depending on project specifics such as location, size, and level of detail. Typically, we use a price per square foot model, supplemented by hourly fees for administrative tasks and revisions. However, we aim to provide a comprehensive estimate after initial client discussions to ensure clarity regarding costs.
Timelines for the design process vary based on project specifics. For new build homes, we suggest budgeting 9 months to 1 year for thorough design and review. Renovation timelines range from 4-6 months for small projects to new-build durations for major renovations.
Construction costs depend on factors like builder selection, materials, size, and complexity. Without architectural plans, exact costs are challenging, but square foot estimates give a rough guideline. We align designs with budget targets, but final costs are determined through the tender process with builders. Early involvement of builders helps manage costs. Clients control costs by prioritizing design elements. We focus on quality design over size, believing it's better to reduce size while maintaining quality and detail.
At SCD, our commitment to your project extends beyond permit submission. We remain actively involved throughout the build process, providing ongoing support to the builder, addressing any queries that arise, and conducting site reviews to ensure adherence to our design intent and quality standards.
No, we are not exclusively tied to specific builders. While we have trusted builders we can recommend based on past collaborations, clients are welcome to choose their own builder. However, we do review all builders against certain criteria before releasing our drawings for construction to ensure quality standards are met.
Yes, SCD can assist with minor variance submissions. We handle all permit submissions and have extensive experience with zoning applications and minor variance processes.
Engaging an architectural designer early in your project timeline is advisable. If considering property purchase, involving us allows review of building options. If you own property, early engagement allows ample design time. Hiring before selecting a builder ensures cohesive vision and smooth execution.
Our architectural design service charges vary depending on project specifics such as location, size, and level of detail. Typically, we use a price per square foot model, supplemented by hourly fees for administrative tasks and revisions. However, we aim to provide a comprehensive estimate after initial client discussions to ensure clarity regarding costs.
Timelines for the design process vary based on project specifics. For new build homes, we suggest budgeting 9 months to 1 year for thorough design and review. Renovation timelines range from 4-6 months for small projects to new-build durations for major renovations.
Construction costs depend on factors like builder selection, materials, size, and complexity. Without architectural plans, exact costs are challenging, but square foot estimates give a rough guideline. We align designs with budget targets, but final costs are determined through the tender process with builders. Early involvement of builders helps manage costs. Clients control costs by prioritizing design elements. We focus on quality design over size, believing it's better to reduce size while maintaining quality and detail.
At SCD, our commitment to your project extends beyond permit submission. We remain actively involved throughout the build process, providing ongoing support to the builder, addressing any queries that arise, and conducting site reviews to ensure adherence to our design intent and quality standards.
No, we are not exclusively tied to specific builders. While we have trusted builders we can recommend based on past collaborations, clients are welcome to choose their own builder. However, we do review all builders against certain criteria before releasing our drawings for construction to ensure quality standards are met.
Yes, SCD can assist with minor variance submissions. We handle all permit submissions and have extensive experience with zoning applications and minor variance processes.
Interior Design
It's highly advisable to engage an interior designer early in your project timeline, ideally after hiring your architect and well before permit submission or construction begins. Whether you're planning a new build or a renovation, involving an interior designer from the outset ensures that your design vision is seamlessly integrated into the overall project plan, minimizing changes and conflicts down the line. Additionally, having your design details and finishes pre-selected can help ensure an accurate project budget, reduce delays due to ordering and delivery timelines, and reduce construction stress.
Our interior design service charges are divided into two categories. Interior 3D renderings are billed on a price per square foot basis, while general interior design tasks are billed hourly. However, we aim to provide a comprehensive estimate after initial client discussions to ensure clarity regarding costs.
The duration of the interior design process can vary significantly based on several factors, including the size and complexity of the project, the level of detail required, client responsiveness, and number of revisions. While it's challenging to provide an exact timeframe without specific project details, most new-build projects typically take anywhere from 4-9 months to design. This is why we recomend integrating the interior design timeline into the architectural timeline. It is important to discuss your project's specific timeline with your interior designer to establish realistic expectations.
Interior design costs for construction can vary based on factors like project size, level of detail, and materials. While we aim to work within your budget, exact construction costs are determined by your chosen builder/trades and other project specifics. Our goal is to create a design that aligns with your budget while meeting your aesthetic and functional needs. Additionally, we always obtain three estimates for internally sourced items, such as millwork or plumbing fixtures, for clients to review.
Once construction begins, SCD remains highly involved in your project. We conduct frequent site visits, engage with builders, and follow up with suppliers to ensure the smooth progress and successful execution of your design.
Yes, we offer comprehensive product sourcing and material selection services. We have accounts with a wide range of suppliers for items such as millwork, flooring, tile, plumbing fixtures, lighting, furniture, and decor. We prepare detailed design proposals that showcase our suggested products, provide three estimates for your review, and manage the ordering and delivery process to ensure a seamless experience.
It's highly advisable to engage an interior designer early in your project timeline, ideally after hiring your architect and well before permit submission or construction begins. Whether you're planning a new build or a renovation, involving an interior designer from the outset ensures that your design vision is seamlessly integrated into the overall project plan, minimizing changes and conflicts down the line. Additionally, having your design details and finishes pre-selected can help ensure an accurate project budget, reduce delays due to ordering and delivery timelines, and reduce construction stress.
Our interior design service charges are divided into two categories. Interior 3D renderings are billed on a price per square foot basis, while general interior design tasks are billed hourly. However, we aim to provide a comprehensive estimate after initial client discussions to ensure clarity regarding costs.
The duration of the interior design process can vary significantly based on several factors, including the size and complexity of the project, the level of detail required, client responsiveness, and number of revisions. While it's challenging to provide an exact timeframe without specific project details, most new-build projects typically take anywhere from 4-9 months to design. This is why we recomend integrating the interior design timeline into the architectural timeline. It is important to discuss your project's specific timeline with your interior designer to establish realistic expectations.
Interior design costs for construction can vary based on factors like project size, level of detail, and materials. While we aim to work within your budget, exact construction costs are determined by your chosen builder/trades and other project specifics. Our goal is to create a design that aligns with your budget while meeting your aesthetic and functional needs. Additionally, we always obtain three estimates for internally sourced items, such as millwork or plumbing fixtures, for clients to review.
Once construction begins, SCD remains highly involved in your project. We conduct frequent site visits, engage with builders, and follow up with suppliers to ensure the smooth progress and successful execution of your design.
Yes, we offer comprehensive product sourcing and material selection services. We have accounts with a wide range of suppliers for items such as millwork, flooring, tile, plumbing fixtures, lighting, furniture, and decor. We prepare detailed design proposals that showcase our suggested products, provide three estimates for your review, and manage the ordering and delivery process to ensure a seamless experience.
Decorating
Budgeting for furnishings and décor can vary based on factors such as space size, custom vs. standard order items, chosen brands, and materials. As a rule of thumb, allocating 10-15% of your construction budget for furniture and décor is a good reference point.
We recommend ordering furniture and decor 16-20 weeks in advance of when you anticipate needing them. Most made-to-order items take 9-12 weeks to ship, with an additional 2 weeks for transit. Having this buffer period ensures that your items arrive in time and can be held until the site is ready for installation.
No, we manage all furniture purchases internally. While clients may find a single unique piece themselves, any item we recommend is ordered in-house by us. This is because most of our selections are direct-to-trade and not available for clients to purchase directly. Managing purchases internally allows us to coordinate timing, ensure correct finishing selections, and oversee delivery.
Budgeting for furnishings and décor can vary based on factors such as space size, custom vs. standard order items, chosen brands, and materials. As a rule of thumb, allocating 10-15% of your construction budget for furniture and décor is a good reference point.
We recommend ordering furniture and decor 16-20 weeks in advance of when you anticipate needing them. Most made-to-order items take 9-12 weeks to ship, with an additional 2 weeks for transit. Having this buffer period ensures that your items arrive in time and can be held until the site is ready for installation.
No, we manage all furniture purchases internally. While clients may find a single unique piece themselves, any item we recommend is ordered in-house by us. This is because most of our selections are direct-to-trade and not available for clients to purchase directly. Managing purchases internally allows us to coordinate timing, ensure correct finishing selections, and oversee delivery.
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